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Monthly Archives: April 2023

Stocks Show Small Losses After Mixed Week

2023-04-24T10:02:16-05:00April 24, 2023|Categories: Weekly Update|

The Weekly Update

Week of April 24th, 2023
By Christopher T. Much, CFP®, AIF®

Stocks remained resilient last week amid mixed earnings reports, hawkish Fed-speak, and lingering recession fears, closing out the five trading days with small losses.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 0.23%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 lost 0.10%. The Nasdaq Composite index fell 0.42% for the week. The MSCI EAFE index, which tracks developed overseas stock markets, added 0.10%.

Stocks Hold Firm
Stocks traded most of last week around the flatline as investors grappled with several headwinds.

The first was disappointing earnings results, coupled with the absence of earnings guidance from some companies due to an uncertain economic climate. Weak economic data, including declines in housing and leading economic indicators, also weighed on investor sentiment. Finally, multiple Fed officials spoke last week, signaling that inflation remained too high and that further rate hikes may be likely.

Underneath the seemingly placid surface …

Lower Inflation Lifts Spirits In Uneven Week

2023-04-17T08:47:37-05:00April 17, 2023|Categories: Weekly Update|

The Weekly Update

Week of April 17th, 2023
By Christopher T. Much, CFP®, AIF®

The combination of an improving inflation outlook resulted in a week of uneven, albeit positive, performance, in which cyclical and financial stocks rallied while technology, real estate, and utilities lagged.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 1.20%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 rose 0.79%. The Nasdaq Composite index increased 0.29% for the week. The MSCI EAFE index, which tracks developed overseas stock markets, added 2.08%.

Inflation Retreat
Stocks treaded water ahead of last week’s inflation data and the start of a new earnings season. Stocks rallied on a favorable March consumer inflation report, only to falter after the release of last month’s Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting minutes, which hinted at a potential recession later this year.

After reports of a more pronounced slowdown in producer prices on Thursday, stocks surged higher, with technology and communication services companies leading …

Hiring Cools

2023-04-10T10:35:49-05:00April 10, 2023|Categories: Weekly Update|

The Weekly Update

Week of April 10th, 2023
By Christopher T. Much, CFP®, AIF®

Stocks ended a shortened week of trading mixed amid revived recession fears on Wall Street triggered by weak economic data.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 0.63%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 slipped 0.10%. The Nasdaq Composite index lost 1.10% for the week. The MSCI EAFE index, which tracks developed overseas stock markets, advanced +0.37%.

Recession Fears Resurface
Renewed recession worries dented investor sentiment, and the week kicked off with a weekend announcement by OPEC+ nations of their intention to cut oil production.

The prospect of higher oil prices not only revived inflation fears, possibly hurting the chances of a rate-hike pause by the Fed, but it raised concerns over future consumer spending. Stocks weathered the news well but buckled on weak manufacturing and services data in subsequent days. Stocks trended lower again after a lower-than-expected open-jobs number and a …

  • blended families

3 Estate Challenges for Blended Families

2025-03-25T12:05:01-05:00April 6, 2023|Categories: Resource Center|Tags: |

3 Estate Challenges for Blended Families

Estate planning can be a complex process, especially for individuals in blended families, which typically consist of couples with children from previous relationships. Blended families introduce unique challenges when it comes to deciding how assets will be distributed after death. In these families, where both new children and stepchildren are involved, estate strategies must be carefully thought out to ensure fairness and clarity. Below are several case studies that highlight key issues that blended families often face in estate planning.

Case Study #1: Children from Previous Marriages
A common mistake in estate planning is using a simple will that leaves all assets to the surviving spouse. This type of will can inadvertently overlook children from previous marriages, leaving them without an inheritance if the surviving spouse decides to alter the will. In blended families, estate plans must take into account both biological children and stepchildren, …

  • Electric Vehicles

Electric Vehicles

2025-03-25T12:10:48-05:00April 6, 2023|Categories: Resource Center|Tags: , , |

Electric Vehicles

The concept of electric vehicles (EVs) has been around for over a century, with the first electric car described by William Morrison in the 1890s. However, it is only in recent decades that electric vehicles have gained widespread attention and popularity. This transformation has been spurred by a combination of environmental concerns, technological advances, and shifts in consumer preferences. Today, EVs are at the heart of the future of mobility, with governments, businesses, and customers pushing for change.

The rise of environmental awareness in the past few decades has led to a global focus on reducing carbon emissions, and EVs are seen as a key solution. The introduction of the Toyota Prius in 1997 marked a turning point, being the first mass-produced hybrid electric vehicle and signaling the growing acceptance of alternative energy vehicles. Tesla’s debut in 2006 with luxury electric sports cars further accelerated the industry’s growth, …

  • History of Currency

History of Currency

2025-03-25T12:14:40-05:00April 6, 2023|Categories: Resource Center|Tags: |

History of Currency

To Barter or Not to Barter?

Bartering, once thought to be the earliest form of trade, is now considered inefficient. It was historically used as a supplement to more advanced systems of payment, as it required finding a person who wanted what you had to offer, which made the process cumbersome.

With the rise of agriculture, livestock like cattle and sheep, along with grain, became early forms of currency. These items were essential for sustenance and also represented wealth, with the word capitale (meaning livestock) eventually evolving into the word “capital.”

By 1300 BC, cowrie shells, small colorful shells from sea snails, began to be used as currency across different regions. They were small, divisible, and durable—ideal traits for money. This marked a shift from barter to more standardized forms of exchange.

Around 700-600 BC, coins were introduced in Turkey. Initially irregular in shape, coins made from electrum (a mix …

  • Half Million Dollar Baby

Half Million Dollar Baby

2025-03-25T12:18:06-05:00April 6, 2023|Categories: Resource Center|Tags: , , |

Half Million Dollar Baby

What Does It Actually Cost to Raise a Child?

The costs associated with raising a child start right at birth. A hospital bill for childbirth can easily reach up to $20,000, depending on various factors such as the type of birth and insurance coverage. Additionally, prenatal care adds extra expenses, often making the total cost even higher.

Food Costs

Once a child is born, feeding them becomes a significant part of the budget. On average, parents spend nearly $2,500 each year on food for their children. Over 18 years, this adds up to almost $45,000. These costs increase as the child grows and their nutritional needs change.

Hiring Help

For households with two working parents, the cost of childcare can be substantial. Depending on the type of care, expenses can range from $5,436 to $24,243 per year. Whether it’s daycare, a nanny, or other forms of help, these costs are …

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