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Stocks React To Key Data And Earnings

2024-09-03T09:21:29-05:00September 3, 2024|Categories: Weekly Update|Tags: , , , , , , , , |

The Weekly Update

Week of September 3rd, 2024
By Christopher T. Much, CFP®, AIF®

There were mixed results for stocks last week as upbeat economic data and a critical Q2 corporate report shaped the week.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 0.94 percent, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index increased 0.24 percent. The Nasdaq Composite lagged, falling 0.92 percent. The MSCI EAFE Index, which tracks developed overseas stock markets, gained 0.35 percent.

Key Economic Data
Markets began the week quiet as investors awaited Q2 earnings from Nvidia, the world’s most influential name in artificial intelligence.

The chipmaker–the second largest stock in the S&P 500 by market capitalization–dipped on the news, putting pressure on the Nasdaq and S&P 500. (The Nasdaq and S&P 500 are market-weighted averages, so larger companies have an outsized impact.)

Nvidia is mentioned to show its influence on the overall stock market. It should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase …

Markets Rise Thanks to Upbeat Indicators

2024-08-19T09:12:53-05:00August 19, 2024|Categories: Weekly Update|Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , |

The Weekly Update

Week of August 19th, 2024
By Christopher T. Much, CFP®, AIF®

Stocks posted solid gains last week, buoyed by robust economic data and constructive comments from Fed officials.

The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index rose 3.93 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite gained 5.29 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial Average lagged a bit, picking up 2.94 percent. The MSCI EAFE Index, which tracks developed overseas stock markets, powered ahead by 4.31 percent.

Upbeat Economic News
Three critical economic data points gave investors what they were looking for: wholesale inflation, consumer prices, and retail sales.

Both the Producer Price Index and the Consumer Price Index rose less than expected in July, reinforcing a picture of cooling inflation. The July retail sales report on Thursday was stronger than expected, which added more fuel to the week-long rally.

Market action slowed down on the week’s final trading day, with positive consumer sentiment gains countered only by a …

  • Financial Strategy For Your Child With Special Needs

Creating A Financial Strategy For Your Child With Special Needs

2025-03-25T11:29:05-05:00February 28, 2024|Categories: Resource Center|Tags: , , , |

Creating A Financial Strategy For Your Child With Special Needs

Creating financial strategies for families with special needs children requires careful consideration of both immediate and long-term needs. Parents must plan for their child’s present care, but equally important is preparing for a future where they may no longer be around to manage their child’s day-to-day needs. This planning often begins before birth and should include decisions about guardianship, trusts, and legal arrangements to ensure financial security for the child as they grow older.

The first step in this journey is to understand the child’s diagnosis and the specific challenges that come with it. Parents can benefit from connecting with other families facing similar circumstances, as they can offer advice and emotional support. Once families have a grasp of the present situation, they can shift their focus to the future, ensuring that appropriate legal and financial measures are in place, …

  • What Can You Buy With 529 Distributions

What Can You Buy With 529 Distributions?

2025-03-25T11:45:29-05:00February 28, 2024|Categories: Resource Center|Tags: , , , , |

What Can You Buy With 529 Distributions?

WHAT CAN YOU BUY WITH 529 DISTRIBUTIONS?

A 529 college savings plan is a tax-advantaged way to save for education expenses, and it’s not just limited to college anymore. Originally designed to help families save for higher education, these plans can now be used for a wider range of educational expenses, including K-12 tuition, private and religious schools, vocational schools, and even some international institutions. The plan offers flexibility, allowing individuals to use the funds for various educational purposes beyond traditional four-year college programs.

The primary advantage of a 529 plan is its tax benefits. Earnings on the funds grow tax-deferred, and withdrawals used for qualified education expenses are tax-free. However, it’s important to note that each state may treat 529 plan contributions differently, offering different state tax deductions or credits. Additionally, the fees and expenses associated with each 529 plan can vary, so …

  • 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 …

The Great Resignation

2022-03-07T22:27:35-06:00March 6, 2022|Categories: Resource Center, Weekly Update|Tags: , , , , |

The Great Resignation

The Great Resignation — a popular phrase referring to the roughly 33 million Americans who have resigned since the spring of 2021 — is far more than just a movement of people quitting their jobs. It’s a shift in the mindset of primarily Millennial and Generation Z workers, who are fed-up and looking for a change.
In our latest article, we take a look at the phenomenon that is The Great Resignation and unpack why people are resigning and how companies are addressing this unprecedented labor market issue. Download the article here.
  • Alternative Investments - Luxury Collectibles, A Growing Asset Class

Alternative Investments – Luxury Collectibles, A Growing Asset Class

2025-03-25T12:27:44-05:00February 13, 2022|Categories: Resource Center|Tags: , , , |

Alternative Investments – Luxury Collectibles, A Growing Asset Class

In our new infographic below, we examine a unique alternative investment category — luxury collectibles.  Along with the infographic, download our latest article on alternative investments here – https://bit.ly/3gKB4KM

Alternative Investments: Luxury Collectibles as a Growing Asset Class

In the wake of the 2008 financial meltdown and the uncertainty of the global pandemic, investors have increasingly turned to alternative investments. Concerned that traditional stock markets no longer offer reliable capital preservation, many have sought new opportunities. Luxury collectibles, such as fine wine, art, jewelry, and watches, have become popular asset classes, offering low correlation to the market and potential for high returns.

Fine Wine

Investing in fine wine has gained traction as an alternative investment, particularly in times of market instability. After the 2008 crisis, the Liv-Ex 100 Index saw a remarkable 40.5% return. Even more recently, fine wine prices have continued …

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