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Weekly Market Insights | Stocks Rise with Upbeat News
Stocks rose last week as peace talks picked up while investors cheered better-than-expected economic news and Q1 corporate results. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index advanced 2.33 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index rose 4.51...
Read MoreWhen Should I Start Taking Social Security: 5 Factors to Consider
Social Security decisions are often framed as a single question: “When should I start drawing benefits?” That question matters, but it can also be limiting. The better question is: how does Social Security fit into my overall...
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Weekly Market Insights | Stocks Rise on Hopes of Middle East Calm
Stocks rose over the short trading week on fresh hopes for a quick end to the Middle East conflict, while March job growth was unexpectedly strong.The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index picked up 3.36 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index...
Read MoreTeaching Teens and Young Adults Financial Literacy Through Real-Life Decision Making
If you are a parent of a teen or young adult, how do you teach them to make confident money decisions before the stakes are high? Teaching teens and young adults about money is less about formal instruction and more about repeated...
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Weekly Market Insights | Markets Dizzied by Rapid Reports
Another volatile week unfolded as rapid developments in the Middle East and public comments from leaders on the conflict see-sawed markets, leaving investors struggling to keep up with updates.The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index lost 1.89...
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Weekly Market Insights | Markets Weather Volatile Week
Stocks logged a third-straight down week as investors digested the latest news out of the Middle East, navigated more volatility, and mulled the latest economic data. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index declined 1.60 percent, while the...
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Weekly Market Insights | Markets Weather New Middle East Conflict
Stocks fell last week as investors assessed the implications of a fresh Middle East conflict while digesting mixed reports on the jobs market.The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index fell 2.02 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index slid 1.24...
Read MoreTax Prep vs. Tax Strategy: The Difference Matters More Than You Think
Key TakeawaysTreat tax strategy as a continuous process, not a once-a-year filing exercise.Coordinate with financial and tax professionals throughout the year to identify opportunities for efficiency.Review contribution limits,...
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Weekly Market Insights | AI Impact Concerns Grow on Wall Street
Stocks fell last week as investors reacted to mixed economic data and concerns over signs of broadening AI disruption of business models.The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index fell 1.39 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index declined 2.10...
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Weekly Market Insights | Kevin Warsh Nominated to Fed Chair
Stocks were mixed last week as investors navigated Q4 corporate results, a widely expected Fed decision, and a handful of economic reports.The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index rose 0.34 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index edged down 0...
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Weekly Market Insights | Santa Brings Joy for the DJIA
Stocks posted solid gains in an action-packed week of market-moving economic data, geopolitical news, and bullish new year sentiment.The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index gained 1.57 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index added 1.88...
Read MoreGoal Setting That Sticks: Simple Ways to Turn January Motivation into Lasting Wins
Key Takeaways and Suggestions for Successful Goal Setting Use SMART Goals for Clarity and FocusSet goals that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. This proven method helps break big ambitions into manageable...
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Weekly Market Insights | Stocks Bumpy, Awaiting Fed Meeting
Stock prices pushed higher last week, notching multiple records along the way as employment and inflation data took center stage in anticipation of the Fed’s upcoming meeting. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index rose 0.31 percent, while...
Read MoreYear-End Giving Strategies: Tax-Smart and Impactful
Key Takeaways A third of annual donations: About one-third of all charitable contributions are made in December. Donating before December 31 may offer tax advantages. New rules starting in 2026 (via the OBBB Act) may affect deductions...
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Weekly Market Insights | Stocks Take Flight for Holiday Week
Stocks pushed higher over the holiday week as investors' hopes for a Fed rate adjustment drove bullish sentiment. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index rose 3.73 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index rallied 4.91 percent. The Dow Jones...
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Weekly Market Insights | Fed Weighs Rate Move
Stocks were mixed last week despite a powerful Friday rally sparked by Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, who opened the door to adjusting short-term interest rates. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index picked up 0.27 percent while the...
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Weekly Market Insights | Upbeat Q2, Trade News Cheer Investors
Expectation-beating Q2 results from several companies, trade updates, and investor optimism for more trade agreements pushed market averages to solid gains. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index advanced 1.46 percent, while the Nasdaq...
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Weekly Market Insights | Trade and Jobs Cheer Markets in Short Holiday Week
Trade developments and continued momentum pushed all three major averages to modest gains again for a shortened holiday trading week. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index rose 1.72 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index added 1.62...
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Weekly Market Insights | Market Attention Turns to Trade and Oil
Stocks fell last week as an up-and-down mix of trade progress and anxiety, economic news, and geopolitical tensions netted out. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index slid 0.39 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index slipped 0.63 percent....
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Weekly Market Insights | Trade Tension Down, Economic Data Up
Stocks rallied last week as investors responded to upbeat economic data and easing trade tensions. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index added 1.50 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index rose 2.18 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial...
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Weekly Market Insights | Markets Cheer U.S./E.U. Trade Talks
Stocks advanced over the short trading week, bolstered by a possible trade deal with the European Union (EU) and an upbeat corporate report from a mega-cap tech company that creates semiconductors used in the creation of artificial...
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Weekly Market Insights | Markets Cringe At Returned Tariff Talk
Stocks moved lower last week as fiscal fears and fresh tariff threats loomed over market sentiment. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index fell 2.61 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index dropped 2.47 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial...
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Weekly Market Insights | Fed Talk Calms Volatility for the Week
Stocks were mixed last week as volatility dropped despite ongoing trade concerns and the Federal Reserve's update on short-term rates. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 0.16 percent, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index lost 0...
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Weekly Market Insights | Tariffs Take Markets for a Wild Ride
Stocks continued their slide through a volatile week. U.S. trade policy drove much of the market’s movement, broadening investors' concerns about economic growth and inflation. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index declined 3.10 percent,...
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Weekly Market Insights | Tariff Talk Returns, Volatility Close Behind
Stocks were mixed last week as investor concerns over inflation and trade policy combined to produce another volatile trading week. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 0.95 percent, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index lost 0.98...
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Weekly Market Insights | New Indicators Rattle Investors
Stocks fell last week as concerns about sticky inflation and the pace of economic growth rattled investors. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index declined 1.66 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index dropped 2.51 percent. The Dow Jones...
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Weekly Market Insights | Markets Advance Amid Volatile Week
Stocks advanced last week despite some intra-week volatility as investors showed concern about the economy's strength. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index gained 1.47 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index picked up 2.58 percent. The...
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Weekly Market Insights | Markets Process Tariff Deals, New Data
Stocks posted modest losses last week as tariff deals, January jobs data, and Q4 corporate reports injected volatility into markets. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index slipped 0.24 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index lost 0.53...
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Weekly Market Insights | Black Swan Casts Shadow Over Wall Street
Stocks were mixed last week as investors parsed market-moving news nearly every trading day—from an unsettling AI update to White House news to Q4 corporate reports. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index fell 1.00 percent while the Nasdaq...
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Weekly Market Insights | Goldilocks Returns; Market Ends Week "Just Right."
Stocks roared back last week, fueled by upbeat Q4 corporate reports and economic news that stalled inflationary fears. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index rose 2.91 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index advanced 2.45 percent. The Dow...
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Weekly Market Insights | Investors Read Inflation Risk in Job Numbers
Stocks fell for the second consecutive week as a round of fresh economic data stoked inflationary fears among investors. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index declined 1.94 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index dropped 2.34 percent. The...
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Weekly Market Insights | Stocks Decline Slightly as New Year Dawns
Stocks edged lower last week despite a powerful end-of-week rally. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index lost 0.48 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index slid 0.51 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.60 percent. The MSCI...
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Weekly Market Insights | Powell Signal Leaves Investors Cold
Stocks were under pressure last week as the Fed Chair's hawkish comments unsettled investors ahead of the holiday season. The Dow Jones Industrial Average received the hardest hit, falling 2.25 percent. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index...
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Weekly Market Insights | Mixed Data, Mixed Results.
Stocks finished the week mixed, bookending losses around midweek gains as investors digested fresh inflation data. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index slipped 0.64 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index ticked up 0.34 percent. The Dow...
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Weekly Market Insights | Markets Mixed; Jobs Back on Track
Stocks were mixed during the first trading week of December. Technology stocks led, while the widely followed Dow Jones Industrial Average struggled. The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index picked up 3.34 percent while the Dow...
Read MoreU.S. election results: What's next?
With the recent elections behind us, markets are now reflecting a range of potential policy shifts that could influence the investment landscape in the coming months. It's important to remember that portfolio management should remain...
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Weekly Market Insights | Stocks Retreat on Jobs and Election Concerns
Stocks slid last week as mixed economic data and strong-but-not-spectacular Q3 corporate reports failed to inspire investors. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index fell 1.36 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index declined 1.50 percent....
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Weekly Market Insights: Stocks Mixed Ahead of Election
Stocks were mixed last week as fresh economic data points and election-related uncertainty slowed market momentum. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index fell 0.96 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index rose 0.16 percent. The Dow Jones...
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Weekly Market Insights: Sixth Week of Gains on Wall Street
Stocks posted modest gains last week, with quarterly earnings season in full swing and the election on the horizon. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index increased 0.85 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index rose 0.80 percent. The Dow...
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Weekly Market Insights: Mixed Data Leaves Investors Anxious
Stocks advanced last week despite mixed inflation data, lurching oil prices, and lingering anxiety about the Middle East. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index gained 1.11 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite rose 1.13 percent. The Dow Jones...
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Weekly Market Insights: Market Rallies But Ends Week Flat
Stocks were essentially unchanged last week as geopolitical tensions added some volatility to an otherwise quiet trading week. The Dow Jones Industrial Average was flat (+0.09 percent), while the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index ticked up...
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Weekly Market Insights: Rate Cut Momentum; D.C. Averts Shutdown
Stocks moved higher last week, continuing to build on the momentum generated after the Federal Reserve decided to cut short-term rates by 0.50 percent. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index gained 0.59 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite...
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Weekly Market Insights: Fed Cuts Interest Rate by Half-Point
Stocks moved higher last week after the Federal Reserve’s half-point rate cut, bolstered by multiple data points supporting a cooling but still strong economy and decelerating inflation. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index gained 1.36...
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Weekly Market Insights: Stocks Rally Ahead of Fed Meeting
Stocks rallied last week as investors received better-than-expected consumer and producer inflation data. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 2.60 percent, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index gained 4.02 percent. The Nasdaq...
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Weekly Market Insights: Markets Focus on Fed's Big September Move
Stocks fell last week as soft economic data rattled investors focused on the Fed’s next move with interest rates. The Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 2.93 percent, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index dropped 4.25 percent. The...
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Weekly Market Insights: Stocks React to Key Data and Earnings
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...
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Weekly Market Insights: Powell: Fed is Ready for Rate Cut
Stocks notched a solid gain as dovish comments from Federal Reserve officials boosted the market’s recovery from early August lows. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index rose 1.45 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite added 1.40 percent. The...
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Weekly Market Insights: Markets Rise Thanks to Upbeat Indicators
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...
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Weekly Market Insights: Stocks Stage Comeback After Heavy Monday
Stocks ended last week with modest losses, masking a volatile five-day trading period that saw investors embrace recession concerns and then dismiss the slow-down talk as speculation as the week progressed. The Dow Jones Industrial...
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Weekly Market Insights: Fed Goes Dove; Investors Retreat
Stocks fell broadly last week as investors looked past upbeat Fed comments and focused on disappointing corporate reports and weaker-than-expected economic data. The Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 2.20 percent, while the Standard &...
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Weekly Market Insights: Down Corporate Reports Shake Investors
Stocks had a mixed, see-saw week as disappointing corporate reports unsettled investors who appeared to rotate away from some leading groups in favor of other names. The Dow Jones Industrial Average picked up 0.75 percent. Meanwhile,...
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Weekly Market Insights: Investors Shift, Anticipating Lower Interest Rates
Stocks were under pressure last week as investors appeared to rotate out of mega-cap tech stocks and into areas that may benefit from lower interest rates. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index fell 1.97 percent, while Nasdaq Composite...
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Weekly Market Insights: Stocks Advance After New Inflation Data
Stocks advanced last week as market leadership shifted amid fresh inflation data and quarterly corporate reports starting to roll in. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index advanced 0.87 percent, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average picked...
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Weekly Market Insights: Stocks Steady in Short Holiday Trading
Stocks steadily advanced over the holiday week thanks to strength in mega-cap tech issues and encouraging jobs data. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index rose 1.95 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index added 3.50 percent. The Dow Jones...
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Weekly Market Insights: Mixed Message From Fed Chair, Governor
Stocks finished the last week of June and Q2 mixed as investors digested a fresh round of economic data. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index slipped 0.08%, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average also dipped 0.08 percent. The tech-heavy...
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Weekly Market Insights: Stocks Rise Modestly Over Short Trading Week
Stocks edged higher over the four trading days last week, with the three major averages taking turns leading based on various economic and artificial intelligence (AI) news. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 1.45 percent–its best...
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Weekly Market Insights: Market Enjoys Gains, Reacting to Major Reports
Stocks notched a solid gain last week, driven by the Fed’s decision, May's inflation report, and Apple’s AI-related news. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index rose 1.58 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite picked up 3.24 percent. The Dow...
Read MoreIs Social Security Going To Run Out In Your Lifetime?
We get regular updates on the Social Security trust fund. In early May, the Social Security Board of Trustees announced that the trust funds had revenue to pay full benefits until 2035. Generally speaking, the headline's tone is very...
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Weekly Market Insights: Solid Week Despite Mixed Reports
Stocks rose last week despite conflicting stories from economic reports. The Dow Jones Industrial Average inched up 0.29 percent while the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index powered ahead 1.31 percent. The Nasdaq Composite led, picking up 2...
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Weekly Market Insights: Stocks Sag on Downbeat Economic Indicators
Stocks edged lower in the final week of May as fresh news on economic growth and inflation failed to inspire investors. Stocks Slide Markets shrugged off news that the Q1 Gross Domestic Product was revised lower to 1.3 percent from...
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Weekly Market Insights: AI Rules Big Week for Tech Stocks
Last week's stock performance was mixed, following investors' reaction to the Fed's May meeting minutes, while a handful of mega-cap tech companies created a buzz with their news. Market Splits Stocks began trading in a narrow band...
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Weekly Market Insights: Investors Anticipate Fed Rate Change
Stocks notched a solid gain last week in a mega-cap, tech-led rally bolstered by positive inflation news. Dow 40,000 The week began quietly as market averages traded in a tight range, awaiting fresh inflation news. On Tuesday, markets...
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Weekly Market Insights: Stocks Rise, Anticipating Rate Cut
Stocks notched a solid gain last week as rate-cut expectations paced the rally as the Q1 earnings season wound down. Stocks Climb Steadily Monday opened with stocks picking up where they left off the prior Friday. Stocks were still...
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Weekly Market Insights: Volatility, Uncertainty Rule the Week for Markets
Stocks notched a solid gain last week, rallying behind upbeat earnings, a dovish Fed, and mixed economic data. Stocks Pop, Drop, Then Rally Markets began the week with an upward bump as positive news from some mega-cap tech companies...
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Weekly Market Insights: Despite Turbulent Week, Stocks Stage Comeback
Stocks staged a choppy comeback last week as investors cheered positive earnings, led by mega-cap tech stocks. The rally came to pass despite fresh data showing a slowing economy and increasing inflationary pressures. Stocks Bounce...
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Weekly Market Insights: Fed and Middle East Conflict Diminish Stocks
Stocks fell for a third straight week, as Fed Chair Jerome Powell's mixed but upbeat message could not offset the anxiety caused by the Middle East conflict. Stocks Retreat Markets began the week rattled by further escalation in the...
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Weekly Market Insights: Stocks Startled By Inflation, Conflict
Stocks fell last week as investors sorted through conflicting inflation reports and assessed geopolitical tensions. Inflation Spooks Markets On Wednesday, the March Consumer Price Index (CPI) report rattled markets, revealing that...
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Weekly Market Insights: Fed Comments Stir the Pot for Stocks
Stocks dropped last week as investors focused on “what's next” for interest rates after mixed comments from multiple Fed officials. Fed Officials Weigh In Stocks struggled out of the gate again last week, ending Monday and Tuesday in...
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Weekly Market Insights: Stocks Narrowly Higher
Stocks were narrowly higher for the week as investors digested mixed economic news about consumer confidence. All three of the major averages posted gains for Q1 2024. Stocks Finish Strong Markets slipped for the first half of the...
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Weekly Market Insights: Fed Talk Boosts Stocks
Stocks posted their best week of the year, sparked by news that the dovish Fed decided to keep rates steady and signaled three rate cuts were still possible this year. Stocks Bounce Back As widely expected, the Fed left rates...
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Weekly Market Insights: Second Week of Stock Retreat
Stocks fell for the second straight week on inflation concerns despite a report on consumer prices that was initially well received by investors. Stocks Slide Tuesday was the only bright spot during the week as stock prices rose after...
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Weekly Market Insights: Markets Take a Breather After Mixed Week
Stocks were down for the week as investors appeared to take some profits and traders parsed Fed Chair Jerome Powell’s Congressional testimony. Markets Wobble Stocks had a rough start to the week, with the Dow, S&P 500, and...
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Weekly Market Insights: Tech and AI Lead Another Advancing Week
Stocks extended their tech-led advance last week as signs of a resilient and still-enthusiastic consumer boosted momentum. Nasdaq Sets New High Stocks traded in a narrow band early in the week but ended the five-trading sessions with...
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Weekly Market Insights: Stocks Hit New Highs on AI's Promise
Stocks vaulted to new heights last week on the back of an artificial intelligence (AI) semiconductor company, marking investors’ belief that AI has the potential to transform the U.S. economy. Stocks Rally to Record Highs Stocks...
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Weekly Market Insights: Market Retreats on Inflation, Economic Reports.
Stocks fell last week as investors reacted to disappointing inflation updates and other economic reports that fell short of estimates. Stocks Snap Winning Streak Markets were quiet Monday but opened lower Tuesday in response to the...
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Weekly Market Insights: S&P Hits Record High
The stock market experienced solid gains last week, concluding the trading week on a positive note, thanks to robust corporate reports and favorable inflation news; this propelled the S&P 500 Index to achieve a new record high at the...
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Weekly Market Insights: Investors Move Past Mixed Fed Message
Stocks pushed higher last week as investors cheered mega-cap tech corporate reports and a better-than-expected employment report. Stocks at New Highs At the beginning of the week, stocks surged, anticipating fourth-quarter corporate...
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Weekly Market Insights: Excitement Around Big Tech Continues
Stocks continued their upward climb last week as excitement around big tech continued; positive economic reports stoked investors’ belief that the Federal Reserve has pulled off a soft landing. Stocks Power Ahead Big tech was...
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Weekly Market Insights: Big Win For Big Tech
Stocks finished higher last week, with big tech again leading amid lingering uncertainty over how continued economic strength would influence the Fed’s rate decision. Stocks Dip, Then Rally Stock prices dropped early in...
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Weekly Market Insights: Investors Begin to See the Light in Upbeat Week.
Stocks pushed higher last week, led by big tech names and boosted by December inflation reports that were mixed but positive enough to shore up investor confidence in Fed rate cuts this year. Stocks Rock and Roll It was a rocky week...
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Weekly Market Insights: Investors Enter 2024 in Doubtful Mood
Stocks retreated in the first trading week of 2024, struggling a bit after a celebratory end to last year as investors second-guessed Fed signals and fretted over lingering inflation concerns. New Year Blues Stocks got off to a rough...
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Weekly Market Insights: S&P Ends 2023 Up 26%
Stocks posted a slight gain last week amid a shortage of news and light holiday trading. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 0.76%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 added 0.49%. The Nasdaq Composite index advanced 0.32% for...
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Weekly Market Insights: Stocks Rally on Fed, Inflation News
Markets reacted positively last week to cooler inflation and the idea of potential rate cuts next year, adding to the gains of the market’s year-end rally. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 2.92%, while the Standard &...
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Weekly Market Insights: Stocks Rise as Bond Yields Fall
A Friday rally turned an otherwise mixed week for stocks into a solid performance. The Dow Jones Industrial Average picked up 2.42%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 gained 0.77%. The Nasdaq Composite index rose 0.38% for the...
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Weekly Market Insights: November Rally Continues
Stocks extended their November rally last week as investors cheered lower-than-forecast inflation data. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 1.94%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 added 2.24%. The Nasdaq Composite index rose...
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Weekly Market Insights: Stocks Rally Friday; Powell Cautious On Progress
A powerful Friday rally left stocks higher last week, extending the market’s early November gains. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 0.65%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 advanced 1.31%. The Nasdaq Composite index...
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Weekly Market Insights: Stocks Rise, Jobs Cool
Stocks ripped higher last week on a dramatic retreat in bond yields triggered by easing inflation and a slowing labor market. The Dow Jones Industrial Average jumped 5.07%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 surged 5.85%. The...
Read MoreMedicare's Open Enrollment
How long has it been since you’ve reviewed your Medicare policy? With open enrollment beginning soon, there are a few questions you may want to ask before you renew, add, drop, or switch coverage. Have you changed or added...
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Weekly Market Insights: Stocks Retreat on Cautious Earnings Reports
Amid a busy week of corporate earnings reports, stocks slumped on cautious earnings guidance, fears of higher interest rates, and growing anxiety over the increasing amount of Treasury bonds and notes coming to market. The Dow Jones...
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Weekly Market Insights: Stocks Retreat Despite Solid Earnings
Rising bond yields and uncertainty over whether this was the close of the Fed’s rate-hike cycle dragged markets lower last week despite solid corporate earnings results. The Dow Jones Industrial Average sank 1.61%, while the...
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Weekly Market Insights: Markets React to Turmoil in Middle East, Inflation Concerns.
Stocks ended mixed last week amid the outbreak of hostilities in the Middle East and higher-than-expected inflation data. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 0.20%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 rose 0.45%. But the Nasdaq...
Read MoreSocial Security Announces 2024 COLA
The Social Security Administration has announced a 3.2% Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for 2024. This adjustment means the average Social Security retiree beneficiary will see their monthly check increase by about $57 to $1,849,...
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Weekly Market Insights: Stocks Rally After Strong Jobs Report
A Friday rally overcame a shaky week, sending stocks mostly higher. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 0.30% for the week. Meanwhile, the Standard & Poor’s 500 gained 0.48%, and the Nasdaq Composite index added 1.60% for...
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Weekly Market Insights: Bond Yields Rise; Government Shutdown Looms
Rising bond yields and government shutdown fears left stocks in mostly negative territory for the week. The Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 1.34%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 slipped 0.74%. The Nasdaq Composite index was...
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Warren Buffett Says, "Don't Watch."
Have you ever heard the expression, "If you love sausages, never watch how they're made?" The same is true of stock prices. Warren Buffett once said, "I would tell [investors], don’t watch the market closely." In recent weeks,...
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Weekly Market Insights: Stocks End Summer with Gloomy News
Rising bond yields and fears of a government shutdown hammered stocks last week, with technology shares bearing the brunt of the retreat. The Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 1.89%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 dropped 2.93%...
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Weekly Market Insights: Stocks Stand Still, Awaiting Fed
Stocks ended the week roughly where they began as investors digested a mixed set of new economic data. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 0.12%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 slipped 0.16%. The Nasdaq Composite index fell...
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Weekly Market Insights: Will the Fed Raise Interest Rates?
Concerns that the Fed may raise interest rates soured investor sentiment, sending stocks lower in a holiday-shortened trading week. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 0.75%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 declined 1.29%....
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Weekly Market Insights: September Stocks Open In Positive Territory
Falling bond yields–spurred by weak economic data–helped lift stocks to weekly gains. The Dow Jones Industrial Average advanced 1.43%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 gained 2.50%. The Nasdaq Composite index...
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Weekly Market Insights: Stocks Retreat; Powell Talk Goes Hawk
Stocks fluctuated last week, jostled by fitful bond yields and headline news, before ending strongly following Fed Chair Powell’s comments on the monetary outlook. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 0.45%, while the...
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Weekly Market Insights: Stocks Weather Summer Storm of News and Indicators
Stocks extended their August declines last week as higher yields and weak economic data out of China soured investor sentiment. The Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 2.21%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 retreated 2.11%. The...
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Weekly Market Insights: Summertime Blues for the Markets
Positive inflation data failed to lift stocks from their August doldrums last week as economic data and a ratings downgrade soured investor sentiment. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 0.62%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500...
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Weekly Market Insights: Stocks Raise White Flag to Bad News
Stocks retreated last week as bond yields increased following the Treasury's announcement indicating “a larger-than-expected funding need” and a downgrade in the federal government’s debt rating. The Dow Jones...
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Cathy Pareto and Associates is now Azzendo Wealth Advisors
Cathy Pareto and Associates is now Azzendo Wealth Advisors. We are excited to unveil our new brand. You will see our new logo displayed on our website, your account statements and our email accounts very soon.
Read MoreHow SECURE 2.0 Might Change Retirement
The SECURE Act of 2019 represented the biggest update to retirement law in over a decade. Now, Congress is deliberating on what “SECURE 2.0” legislation might entail.One reason the subject receives so much attention from...
Read MoreBuffett and Powell Talk Inflation
What does it mean when two of the most powerful voices in American financial life seem to be saying two different things? In one corner, we have the “Oracle of Omaha,” investor Warren Buffett. As one of the nation’s...
Read MorePlan to save taxes and grow wealth at once.
Don’t just invest. Plan to save taxes and grow wealth at once. Integrated wealth management gives you a powerful, synergistic way to create and preserve wealth. That’s the kind of wealth management our team brings to...
Read MoreJanuary 4, 2021 - The Year in Review
The Week on Wall Street Stocks moved higher during a holiday-shortened week of trading, capping off a turbulent, but otherwise strong year for equity investors. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 1.35%, while the Standard &...
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Are You Considering An Early Retirement Package?
As Covid-19 continues to put pressure on corporate profits, many companies have been offering their executives early retirement packages. The question is, "does it make sense to take one?" The answer to this question depends on many...
Read MoreMarch 2, 2020 - The Virus Becomes the Focus
The Week on Wall StreetStocks fell sharply last week as Wall Street considered how the coronavirus outbreak might influence global business activity and household spending.The selloff became a correction for the U.S. markets. The S&P...
Read MoreMoney After Divorce – 4 Steps to Rebuild Your Financial House
Going through a divorce is one of the most stressful life experiences a person can go through. For many, it may feel as if you are going through a hurricane. Here are 4 steps to follow to rebuild your financial house
Read MoreDistribution Options for Retirement Assets Settled in Divorce
Breaking up is hard to do. Breaking up is even worse when it involves money. Divorce is never an easy matter. Surprisingly enough though, getting distributions before age 59 ½ from retirement accounts settled through a divorce...
Read MoreFebruary 24, 2020 - Virus Anxieties Affect Stocks
The Week on Wall StreetTraders paid close attention to coronavirus developments and earnings last week, while wondering how the former might eventually impact the latter. Concern over updated infection numbers moderated risk appetite.A...
Read MoreFebruary 18, 2020 - Weekly Gains for Big Benchmarks
The Week on Wall StreetDaily headlines about the coronavirus had little impact on stock market averages last week. Earnings and mergers had more influence. All three Wall Street benchmarks improved. The Nasdaq Composite rose 2.21%,...
Read MoreFebruary 10, 2020 - Stocks Bounce Back
The Week on Wall StreetStocks advanced four days out of five during the past market week, erasing the losses of the week before. The Nasdaq Composite surged 4.04%, the S&P 500 3.17%, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average 3.00%. Foreign...
Read MoreFebruary 3, 2020 - Equities Slip on Virus Concerns
The Week on Wall StreetStock benchmarks declined for a second straight week as coronavirus news tempered risk appetite.The S&P 500 fell 2.14% on the week. The Nasdaq Composite dipped 1.76%, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average, 2.55%....
Read MoreFinancial Planning is All About Balance
Financial planning is all about achieving your goals by creating a solid financial foundation that can support them. Having the right financial advisor on your side helping you put all of the pieces together could make the difference...
Read MoreProud Sponsor: ALS Recovery Fund (Lou Gehrig’s Disease) 10K 5K Walk
Cathy Pareto and Associates is a proud sponsor of the ALS Recovery Fund (Lou Gehrig’s Disease)10K Run 5K Walk this Saturday May 11, 2019 in Coconut Grove. https://alsrecovery.org/
Read MoreRobo Advisors vs Human Advisors?
Robo Advisor vs Human Advisor? Which Should You ChooseIf you are just starting out, the use of online investment and financial planning tools can be helpful. These online tools can help you get started and can also provide some level...
Read MoreThe Cycle of Market Emotions
The cycle of market emotions can be described as riding a non-stop roller coaster at an amusement park. When you invest in the financial markets there will be many highs, many lows, and in some cases some plateaus. However, through a...
Read MoreMoney Only Speaks One Language
Financial Planning Made Easy While it is always better to start planning for your future early on in your career, it is never too late to get your finances in order. Let our team help you feel more confident about your financial...
Read MoreProtect Your Money Against Voice and Email Phishing Scams
Phishing scams can wreak havoc on your finances by tricking you into providing thieves with personal identifiable information through fake websites or even over the phone. It used to be that phishing was limited to emails received from...
Read MorePreparing For Your Special Needs Child’s Future
by Guest Columnist, Jackie Waters If you are the parent of a special needs child, you already know how important it is to prepare for the future. A number of issues can come forward during both childhood and adulthood. Your job is to...
Read More7 Things to Consider and Ask When Hiring a Financial Advisor
Entrusting someone with your savings and investments is never an easy thing. This is why it is critical that you do your due diligence when selecting a financial advisor or financial planner and that you feel comfortable with not just...
Read MorePlanning for Life’s StagesHome
Because Life is Not Static We understand that life is not static and that each stage of your life requires special consideration. This is the reason why we begin every engagement with a financial plan. We help you plan for the future...
Read MoreUnderstanding Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs)
Today, the interest rate returns available from fixed income investments are at all time historic lows. In the search for increased income returns, more and more people are turning to Real Estate Investment Trusts, commonly known as...
Read MoreIs a 4% Withdrawal Rate Still Viable?
by Ana Maria Martinetti-Katz, MBA, CFP®, CPA – August 2013 For a number of years now, the rule of thumb has been that a 4% withdrawal rate from a portfolio during retirement was “sustainable”. That is, it was...
Read MorePension Maximization Strategies for Retirees
by Ana Maria Martinetti-Katz, MBA, CFP®, CPA – August 2012 As financial advisors, clients who are lucky enough to have a retirement pension through their employer often ask us which income option is best. This is a very...
Read MoreIndividuals and Trusts
Investing and Financial Planning for Individuals Whether you’re single because you’ve never married, or are suddenly single due to divorce or death of a spouse, money management and financial planning are critical. You have...
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