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The Weekly Wealth Report
THE WEEK ON WALL STREET Stocks fell last week as investors sorted through conflicting inflation reports and assessed geopolitical tensions. FACT OF THE WEEK America Before Income TaxesTaxes have been around for thousands of...
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THE WEEK ON WALL STREETStocks dropped last week as investors focused on “what's next” for interest rates after mixed comments from multiple Fed officials. FACT OF THE WEEKOn April 9, 1859, a 23-year-old Missouri youth named Samuel...
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THE WEEK ON WALL STREET 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. FACT OF THE WEEK On April 1, 1700, English...
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THE WEEK ON WALL STREET 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. FACT OF THE WEEK In one of the most...
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THE WEEK ON WALL STREET Stocks fell for the second straight week on inflation concerns despite a report on consumer prices that was initially well received by investors. FACT OF THE WEEK In the spring of 1957, Elvis Presley was...
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The Weekly Wealth Report
THE WEEK ON WALL STREET Stocks were down for the week as investors appeared to take some profits and traders parsed Fed Chair Jerome Powell’s Congressional testimony. FACT OF THE WEEK Though today, there is almost nothing as...
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THE WEEK ON WALL STREETStocks extended their tech-led advance last week as signs of a resilient and still-enthusiastic consumer boosted momentum. FACT OF THE WEEKMarch 5, 1963: the Hula Hoop, a hip-swiveling toy that became a huge fad...
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RFG Monthly Video - Preparing for our 2023 Income Taxes
Tax day is just around the corner on April 15, 2024. This video reviews best practices for preparing to file your 2023 Income Taxes.
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THE WEEK ON WALL STREET 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. FACT OF THE...
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THE WEEK ON WALL STREET Stocks Snap Winning Streak Markets were quiet Monday but opened lower Tuesday in response to the January inflation report that showed higher-than-expected consumer prices. But stocks regained some momentum on...
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THE WEEK ON WALL STREET 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...
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THE WEEK ON WALL STREET Stocks pushed higher last week as investors cheered mega-cap tech corporate reports and a better-than-expected employment report. FACT OF THE WEEK On February 5, 146 BCE, the Roman Republic finally triumphed...
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THE WEEK ON WALL STREET 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. FACT OF THE...
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THE WEEK ON WALL STREET 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. FACT OF THE WEEK From London’s...
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THE WEEK ON WALL STREET 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. FACT OF THE WEEK...
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THE WEEK ON WALL STREET 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. FACT OF THE WEEK...
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THE WEEK ON WALL STREET 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 S&P 500 added 0.49%. The Nasdaq Composite index advanced 0.32%...
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THE WEEK ON WALL STREET Investor optimism and fears of missing out on future gains propelled stocks higher in the last full week of trading before year-end. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 0.22%, while the S & P’s 500...
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THE WEEK ON WALL STREET 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%,...
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THE WEEK ON WALL STREET A late-week, two-day rally left stocks higher, adding to November’s gains as the last month of trading for 2023 began. The Dow Jones Industrial Average was flat (+0.01%), while the S&P 500 gained 0.21%....
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THE WEEK ON WALL STREET 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 S&P 500 gained 0.77%. The Nasdaq Composite index rose 0.38% for the...
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THE WEEK ON WALL STREET Investor enthusiasm for stocks remained strong last week, buoyed by declining bond yields in a holiday-abbreviated trading week. The Dow Jones Industrial Average picked up 1.27%, while the S&P 500 gained 1.00%....
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THE WEEK ON WALL STREET 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 S&P 500 added 2.24%. The Nasdaq Composite index...
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THE WEEK ON WALL STREET 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...
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THE WEEK ON WALL STREET 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 S&P 500 surged 5.85%. The...
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THE WEEK ON WALL STREET 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...
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THE WEEK ON WALL STREET 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...
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THE WEEK ON WALL STREET 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 S&P 500 rose 0.45%. But the...
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THE WEEK ON WALL STREET A Friday rally overcame a shaky week, sending stocks mostly higher. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 0.30% for the week. Meanwhile, the S&P’s 500 gained 0.48%, and the Nasdaq Composite index added...
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THE WEEK ON WALL STREET 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 S&P 500 slipped 0.74%. The Nasdaq Composite index...
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THE WEEK ON WALL STREET 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 S & P’s 500...
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THE WEEK ON WALL STREET 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 S&P 500 slipped 0.16%. The Nasdaq Composite index...
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THE WEEK ON WALL STREET 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...
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THE WEEK ON WALL STREET Falling bond yields–spurred by weak economic data–helped lift stocks to weekly gains. The Dow Jones Industrial Average advanced 1.43%, while the S&P 500 gained 2.50%. The Nasdaq Composite index...
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THE WEEK ON WALL STREET 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...
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THE WEEK ON WALL STREET 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 S&P 500 retreated 2.11%. The...
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The Weekly Wealth Report
THE WEEK ON WALL STREET 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 S&P...
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THE WEEK ON WALL STREET 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...
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THE WEEK ON WALL STREET A Friday surge pushed stocks solidly into positive territory last week, ignited by cooling in an inflation gauge closely tracked by the Federal Reserve. The Dow Jones Industrial Average advanced 0.66%, while the...
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THE WEEK ON WALL STREET Stocks moved to the rhythm of earnings season last week, initially rising on positive earnings surprises and faltering later in the week on key earnings disappointments. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 2...
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THE WEEK ON WALL STREET Better-than-expected updates last week on consumer and wholesale price inflation buoyed investor sentiment, driving stocks higher and lower bond yields. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 2.29%, while the S&P...
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THE WEEK ON WALL STREETRising concerns about further rate hikes sent stocks lower to kick off the second half of trading. The Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 1.96%, while the S&P 500 retreated 1.16%. The Nasdaq Composite index...
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THE WEEK ON WALL STREETStocks posted gains for the week to close out a stellar month, aided by positive economic data and reports that all major banks had passed the Federal Reserve’s annual stress test. The Dow Jones Industrial...
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THE WEEK ON WALL STREET Stocks took a breather last week as investors digested the previous week’s surge and the month-to-date solid gains. The Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 1.67%, while the S&P 500 fell 1.39%. The Nasdaq...
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THE WEEK ON WALL STREET Stocks climbed last week as reassuring inflation data boosted investor hopes that the rate-hike cycle was nearing an end amid fresh economic data pointing to continued economic resilience. The Dow Jones...
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THE WEEK ON WALL STREETA late-week rally sent stocks into positive territory, with the S&P 500 index closing just shy of the 4,300 mark. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 0.34%, while the S&P 500 added 0.39%. The Nasdaq Composite...
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THE WEEK ON WALL STREETStocks surged higher in the closing days of a holiday-shortened trading week, ignited by a political resolution on raising the debt ceiling and a strong employment report. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 2...
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THE WEEK ON WALL STREETMarkets moved in sync last week with perceived movement in debt ceiling talks, weakening early in the week and then surging on news of progress. A solid quarterly report and guidance from a mega-cap technology...
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THE WEEK ON WALL STREETStocks rallied last week, propelled by growing optimism over reaching a deal on raising the debt ceiling and avoiding a technical debt default by the U.S. The Dow Jones Industrial Average edged 0.38% higher,...
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THE WEEK ON WALL STREETStocks were mixed last week as good inflation news was offset by mounting debt ceiling concerns and rekindled regional banking fears. The Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 1.11%, while the Standard & Poor’s...
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THE WEEK ON WALL STREETA Friday rebound, triggered by a big tech company’s earnings beat and a strong jobs report, shaved much of the week’s accumulated losses. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 1.24%, while the S&P 500...
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THE WEEK ON WALL STREETStrong earnings from several mega-cap technology companies offset renewed regional banking jitters and weak economic data, leaving stocks higher for the week. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 0.86%, while...
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THE WEEK ON WALL STREETStocks 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...
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THE WEEK ON WALL STREETThe 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....
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THE WEEK ON WALL STREETStocks 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 S&P 500 slipped 0.10%. The...
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THE WEEK ON WALL STREETStocks rallied last week on receding fears of a widening banking crisis, led by resurging investor interest in technology and communication services names. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 3.22%, while the...
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THE WEEK ON WALL STREETModest gains in major market indices masked sharp volatility amid the uncertainty arising from mixed messages emanating from public officials and revived banking fears. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 1...
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THE WEEK ON WALL STREETAmid the reverberations of two U.S. banks being taken over by regulators and the spread of uncertainty to European banks, stocks trended higher last week on the strength of the technology sector. The Dow Jones...
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THE WEEK ON WALL STREETStocks tumbled last week as investors reconsidered their interest rate expectations after Fed Chair Powell’s Congressional testimony that rates may need to go higher. Stocks also were rattled when a west...
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THE WEEK ON WALL STREETA late-week surge, triggered by reassuring Fed-speak, propelled stocks higher last week.The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 1.75%, while the S&P 500 advanced 1.90%. The Nasdaq Composite index picked up 2.58%...
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THE WEEK ON WALL STREETConcerns over a firmer monetary policy by the Federal Reserve were heightened by fresh economic data, touching off a climb in bond yields and a slide in stock prices last week. The Dow Jones Industrial Average...
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THE WEEK ON WALL STREETGrowing concerns about further interest rate hikes, prompted by fresh economic data, reversed early-week gains and left stocks mixed for the week. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 0.13%, while the S&P 500...
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THE WEEK ON WALL STREETStocks drifted lower as a week of mixed earnings reports and resurgent worries over Fed monetary policy dragged on investor sentiment. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 0.17%, while the S&P 500 declined 1...
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THE WEEK ON WALL STREETStocks were mixed last week following better-than-expected corporate reports and increasing optimism over a slowdown in interest rates. The Dow Jones Industrial Average edged lower, slipping -0.15%. The S&P 500...
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THE WEEK ON WALL STREETStocks added to their early 2023 gains amid a busy stream of mixed corporate earnings results and conflicting economic data. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 1.81%, while the S&P 500 added 2.47%. The...
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THE WEEK ON WALL STREETStocks showed mixed results last week as recession fears resurfaced in response to weak economic data and a tepid start to a new corporate earnings season. The Dow Jones Industrial Average skidded 2.70%, while...
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THE WEEK ON WALL STREET FACT OF THE WEEKOn January 16, 1605, Miguel de Cervantes' El ingenioso hidalgo Don Quixote de la Mancha, better known as Don Quixote, is published. The book is considered by many to be the first modern...
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THE WEEK ON WALL STREETA strong Friday rally triggered by fresh signs of moderating inflation pushed stocks into positive territory to begin the new year. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 1.46%, while the S&P 500 advanced...
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THE WEEK ON WALL STREETIn a holiday-shortened week, erratic trading left stocks marginally down for the week. The Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 0.17%, while the S&P 500 slipped 0.14%. The Nasdaq Composite index fell 0.30%. The MSCI...
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THE WEEK ON WALL STREETHawkish comments by the Fed and weak economic data heightened investors’ recession concerns and sent stocks lower last week. The Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 1.66%, while the S&P 500 retreated 2.08%....
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THE WEEK ON WALL STREETRecession fears and concerns that the Fed may consider a longer rate-hike cycle sent stocks lower for the week. FACT OF THE WEEKOn December 12, 1980, American oil tycoon Armand Hammer pays $5,126,000 at...
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THE WEEK ON WALL STREETStocks ended higher last week as investors navigated the crosscurrents of a potential easing in future rate hikes and continued strength in the labor market. The Dow Jones Industrial Average edged 0.24% higher,...
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THE WEEK ON WALL STREETGrowing optimism that the Fed may be ready to ease future interest rate hikes sent stocks higher in a quiet trading week. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 1.78%, while the S&P 500 added 1.53%. The Nasdaq...
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THE WEEK ON WALL STREETThe stock market edged lower last week as it digested a crosscurrent of conflicting economic data and contrasting comments from Fed officials. The Dow Jones Industrial Average was flat (-0.01%), while the S&P 500...
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THE WEEK ON WALL STREETA cooling inflation number ignited a powerful rally on Thursday, sending stocks to strong gains for the week. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 4.15%, while the S&P 500 added 5.90%. The Nasdaq Composite...
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FACT OF THE WEEKOn November 8, 1895, physicist Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen (1845-1923) becomes the first person to observe X-rays, a significant scientific advancement that would ultimately benefit a variety of fields, most of all...
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THE WEEK ON WALL STREETStocks overcame poor earnings results from some of America’s largest companies to post gains last week as investors cheered positive earnings surprises, easing inflation and a rebound in economic growth....
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THE WEEK ON WALL STREETA positive start to a new earnings season and late-week hopes for a near-term easing in Fed rate hikes lifted investors’ spirits and powered stocks to gains for the week. The Dow Jones Industrial Average...
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THE WEEK ON WALL STREETStocks were mixed last week amid wide intra- and inter-day price swings, as technology shares bore the brunt of the downdraft. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 1.15% for the week. Meanwhile, the S&P 500...
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THE WEEK ON WALL STREETThe Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 1.99%, while the S&P 500 added 1.51%. The Nasdaq Composite index increased 0.73% for the week. The MSCI EAFE index, which tracks developed overseas stock markets,...
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MARKET MINUTEA Tumultuous Week U.S. stocks were under pressure all week due to recession concerns and unsettled trading in the bond and currency markets. This stress followed economic steps out of the U.K. During the previous week, the...
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THE WEEK ON WALL STREETLast week, Fed Chair Powell said the U.S. would not tame inflation without economic pain. This week heightened recession fears and sent stocks broadly lower.FACT OF THE WEEKOn September 26, 1957, West Side Story,...
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MARKET MINUTEInflation Deflates Markets Stocks suffered their worst day in more than two years last Tuesday as markets were caught off-guard by a higher-than-anticipated August inflation report.Markets expected the August report to...
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THE WEEK ON WALL STREET FACT OF THE WEEKNear Montignac, France, a collection of prehistoric cave paintings are discovered by four teenagers who stumbled upon the ancient artwork after following their dog down a narrow entrance...
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THE WEEK ON WALL STREETThe overhang of Fed Chair Powell’s Jackson Hole speech the previous week carried over into last week as investors recalibrated stock valuations amid a seemingly more assertive monetary policy stance. The...
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THE WEEK ON WALL STREETA comprehensive sell-off on Friday following comments by Fed Chair Jerome Powell drove stocks to losses for the week. The Dow Jones Industrial Average tumbled 4.22%, while the S&P 500 dropped 4.04%. The Nasdaq...
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THE WEEK ON WALL STREETStocks tumbled on Friday, sending stocks to a weekly loss after an otherwise quiet August week of trading. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped -0.16%, while the S&P 500 lost 1.21%. The Nasdaq...
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THE WEEK ON WALL STREETAn improving inflation outlook buoyed investors’ spirits last week, helping lift stocks to solid gains. The Dow Jones Industrial Average advanced 2.92%, while the S&P 500 rose 3.26%. The Nasdaq Composite...
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The Week on Wall StreetStocks turned in a mixed performance last week as investors struggled with headlines suggesting that the Fed was unlikely to soon ease up on its current monetary tightening policy.The Dow Jones Industrial Average...
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The Week on Wall StreetUndaunted by another Fed rate hike and news of a contracting economy, the stock market rallied last week on better-than-expected corporate earnings.The Dow Jones Industrial Average increased 2.97%, while the S&P...
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The Week on Wall StreetStocks rallied last week as investor spirits lifted thanks to a better-than-expected start to the second-quarter earnings season.The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 1.95%, while the S&P 500 added 2.55%. The...
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The Week on Wall StreetA record-high inflation report, the prospects of a more aggressive Fed, and growing recession fears sent stocks lower - though losses were pared by a Friday rally.The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 0.16%,...
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The Week on Wall StreetIn a holiday-shortened trading week, stocks rallied despite mixed economic data and vacillating energy prices and bond yields.The Dow Jones Industrial Average increased 0.77%, while the S & P’s 500 rose 1...
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The Week on Wall StreetProspects of cooling inflation powered a rally in stock prices last week despite growing recession concerns.The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 5.39%, while the S & P’s 500 climbed 6.45%. The Nasdaq...
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FACT OF THE WEEKOn June 20, 1975, Jaws, a film directed by Steven Spielberg that made countless viewers afraid to go into the water, opens in theaters. The story of a great white shark that terrorizes a New England resort town became...
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FACT OF THE WEEKDuring the American Revolution, the Continental Congress adopts a resolution stating that “the flag of the United States be thirteen alternate stripes red and white” and that “the Union be thirteen...
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The Week on Wall StreetIn a holiday-shortened week of volatile trading, stocks surrendered some of the previous week’s strong gains.The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.94%, while the S&P’s 500 declined 1.20%. The Nasdaq...
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The Week on Wall StreetStocks posted solid gains for the week, buoyed by the release of Fed meeting minutes and upbeat earnings from mid-size and discount retailers.The Dow Jones Industrial Average jumped 6.24%, while the S&P 500...
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The Week on Wall Street News of a new, highly virulent COVID variant triggered a market sell-off on Friday, sending stocks into negative territory for the week. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slid 1.97%, while the S&P 500 slumped 2...
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The Week on Wall Street Stocks were mixed last week in choppy trading as investors battled the crosscurrents of good economic data and a troubling rise in COVID-19 infections globally. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slid 1.38%, while...
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The Week on Wall Street Stocks posted small declines last week as investors digested recent stock market gains and an unexpectedly high inflation read. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slid 0.63%, while the S&P 500 retreated 0.31%. The...
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The Week on Wall Street A Federal Reserve announcement on tapering, a fresh batch of corporate profits, and encouraging economic data lifted stocks to another weekly gain. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 1.42%, while the S&P 500...
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The Week on Wall Street A fresh wave of positive corporate earnings surprises sent markets to new record highs last week. The Dow Jones Industrial Average increased 0.40%, while the S&P 500 rose 1.33%. The Nasdaq Composite index picked...
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The Week on Wall Street Stocks rallied last week on a stream of positive corporate earnings surprises. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 1.08%, while the S&P 500 advanced 1.64%. The Nasdaq Composite index gained 1.29% for the week....
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The Week on Wall Street A strong opening to the third-quarter earnings season sparked a late week, broad-based rally that helped stocks finish the week with solid gains. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 1.58%, while the S&P 500...
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The Week on Wall Street The overhang of bumping against the federal debt ceiling was lifted last week with an agreement to extend the debt ceiling through early December, helping propel stocks to a weekly gain. The Dow Jones Industrial...
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The Week on Wall Street Higher bond yields and a legislative stalemate in Washington, D.C., added up to losses for the week. The Dow Jones Industrial Average declined 1.36%, while the S&P 500 lost 2.21%. The Nasdaq Composite index fell...
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The Week on Wall Street Stocks prices were whipsawed last week, dragged initially lower by financial contagion worries and later lifted by a supportive Fed policy statement. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 0.62%, while the S&P...
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The Week on Wall Street Stocks weakened ahead of this week’s Federal Reserve meeting and amid persistent concerns about the Delta variant’s impact on the economy. The Dow Jones Industrial Average was flat (-0.07%), while...
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The Week on Wall Street In a quiet week of news, stocks moved lower amid simmering concerns over the Delta variant’s effect on the progress of economic reopening. The Dow Jones Industrial Average declined 2.15%, while the S&P 500...
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The Week on Wall Street Stocks were mixed last week amid conflicting economic data and continued spread of Delta variant infections. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 0.24% during the five trading days. But the S&P 500 tacked on...
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The Week on Wall Street The stock market powered to record levels last week amid talk of Fed tapering and a deceleration in new Delta variant cases. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 0.96%, while the S&P 500 increased 1.52%. The...
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The Week on Wall Street The stock market powered to record levels last week amid talk of Fed tapering and a deceleration in new Delta variant cases. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 0.96%, while the S&P 500 increased 1.52%. The...
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The Week on Wall Street Stocks turned lower last week amid the increasing probability of a Fed tapering, mixed economic data, and growing concerns about the economic impact of the Delta variant. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slumped...
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The Week on Wall Street Looking past inflation figures and Delta variant trends, stocks last week found a way to climb higher and set fresh record highs in the process. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 0.87%, while the S&P 500...
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The Week on Wall Street Overcoming jitters about the Delta variant and the reintroduction of mask requirements, stocks climbed higher on strong employment data and a fresh batch of strong corporate earnings. The Dow Jones Industrial...
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The Week on Wall Street The stock market posted small losses last week despite a very strong showing by corporate America. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 0.36%, while the S&P 500 lost 0.37%. The Nasdaq Composite index dropped...
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The Week on Wall Street Overcoming a COVID-related economic growth scare, stocks moved higher amid a week of strong corporate earnings reports. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 1.08%, while the S&P's 500 gained 1.96%. The Nasdaq...
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The Week on Wall Street Despite a good start to earnings season and some solid economic data, worries of slower second-half economic growth led to a pullback in stock prices last week. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.52%, while...
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The Week on Wall Street Stocks managed small gains as investors wrestled with concerns over economic growth prospects and a rise in COVID-19 infections. The Dow Jones Industrial Average picked up 0.24%, while the S&P 500 gained 0.40%....
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The Week on Wall Street Strong employment reports and rising consumer confidence sent the stock market broadly higher last week. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 1.02%, while the S&P 500 picked up 1.67%. The Nasdaq Composite index...
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The Week on Wall Street Stocks reached new all-time highs last week as markets staged a strong rebound from the previous week’s declines. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 3.44%, while the S&P 500 picked up 2.74%. The Nasdaq...
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The Week on Wall Street New messaging from the Federal Reserve on interest rates and inflation last week led to a broad retreat in stock prices. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 3.45% while the S&P 500 lost 1.91%. The Nasdaq...
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The Week on Wall Street Stocks ended the week mixed as investors appeared to shrug off a hotter-than-expected inflation report. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 0.80%, while the S&P 500 advanced 0.41%. The Nasdaq Composite...
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The Week on Wall Street A strong, but not too strong, employment report sparked a rally on the final day of trading, propelling stocks to a modest gain for the week. The Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed by 0.66%, while the S&P 500...
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The Week on Wall Street Optimism over the economic reopening and renewed enthusiasm for technology and other high-growth companies powered the stock market higher last week. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 0.94%, while the S&P...
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The Week on Wall Street Stock prices fluctuated amid inflation concerns and bargain hunting, leaving stocks mixed for the week. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 0.51%, while the S&P 500 dropped 0.43%. The tech-heavy Nasdaq...
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The Week on Wall Street A surge in consumer inflation unsettled investors, leading to a turbulent week of trading on Wall Street. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 1.14%, while the S&P 500 fell 1.39%. The Nasdaq Composite index...
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The Week on Wall Street Stocks closed mixed last week as signs of continued economic recovery and upbeat earnings helped some sectors while the struggles persisted for high-growth companies. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 2...
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The Week on Wall Street Stocks meandered around a flatline in a busy week of corporate earnings, ending the trading week slightly lower. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slid 0.50%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 was flat (+0...
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The Week on Wall Street The crosscurrents of strong corporate earnings, rising global cases of COVID-19, and the specter of higher capital gains taxes led to a choppy week of trading that left stock prices slightly lower for the week....
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The Week on Wall Street Stocks reached record highs last week, riding the tailwind of improving economic data and a strong start to the earnings season. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 1.18%, while the S&P 500 gained 1.37%. The...
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The Week on Wall Street Strong economic data and a resurgent technology sector propelled stocks to solid gains last week. The Dow Jones Industrial Average advanced 1.95%, while the S&P 500 picked up 2.71%. The tech-heavy Nasdaq...
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The Week on Wall Street Overcoming a rocky start, stocks rallied into the close of a holiday-shortened week of trading as technology shares staged a powerful recovery and investors reacted positively to President Biden’s...
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The Week on Wall Street A rocky week with wide price swings led to mixed results for stocks last week, as investors grappled with anxieties over economic growth and weakness in technology and other high-growth stocks. The Dow Jones...
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The Week on Wall Street Rising bond yields and improving economic conditions led to a choppy week of trading that ended in modest losses for investors. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.46%, while the S&P 500 declined 0.77%. The...
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The Week on Wall Street Stocks touched new record highs last week as bond yields steadied, a fiscal relief bill was signed into law, and confidence in a strong economic recovery grew. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 4.07%,...
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The Week on Wall Street Stocks were mixed last week as rising bond yields and heightening inflation fears sent stocks on a wild ride, capped by a remarkable Friday afternoon rally. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 1.82%, while...
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The Week on Wall Street Stocks dropped amid rising long-term bond yields, with sharp declines in high-valuation growth stocks leading the overall market lower. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 1.78%, while the S&P 500 declined...
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The Week on Wall Street Rising bond yields dampened investor enthusiasm for high-multiple growth companies last week, sending market averages mostly lower in a holiday-shortened week of trading. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained...
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The Week on Wall Street Stock prices inched higher last week amid declining COVID-19 cases, a pick-up in vaccinations, and progress on a fiscal relief bill. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 1.00%, while the S&P 500 rose 1.23%....
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The Week on Wall Street Stocks notched strong gains last week, paced by a string of solid economic reports and consensus-beating corporate earnings. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 3.89%, while the S&P 500 advanced 4.65%. The...
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The Week on Wall Street Despite strong corporate earnings, stock prices closed lower after a volatile week of trading triggered by unprecedented activity in a handful of companies. The Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 3.27%, while the...
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The Week on Wall Street Anticipation of a new fiscal stimulus and improved vaccine distribution powered stocks to fresh record highs last week with technology stocks leading the way. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 0.59%, while...
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The Week on Wall Street Markets drifted lower last week as uninspired investors digested mixed news on the economic front. The Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 0.91% while the S&P 500 slid 1.48%. The Nasdaq Composite index stumbled 1...
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The Week on Wall Street Shrugging off COVID-19 infections and the disruption at the Capitol on January 6, stocks powered higher to kick off a new year of trading. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 1.61%, while the S&P 500...
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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 S&P 500 increased...
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The Week on Wall Street Stocks climbed higher amid the COVID-19 vaccine rollout and an improving outlook for a fiscal stimulus bill. The Dow Jones Industrial Average, which has lagged all year, gained 0.44%. The S&P 500 picked up 1.25%...
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The Week on Wall Street Stocks retreated last week on rising COVID-19 infections and slow progress on an economic relief bill. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dipped 0.57%, while the S&P 500 dropped 0.96%. The Nasdaq Composite index...
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The Week on Wall Street Stocks marched higher last week on an improving outlook for the passage of a fiscal stimulus package. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 1.03%, while the S&P 500 tacked on 1.67%. The Nasdaq Composite index...
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The Week on Wall Street Stocks surged last week, ignited by another COVID-19 vaccine announcement, encouraging economic data and easing political uncertainty. FACT OF THE WEEK On November 2, 1988, Cornell University researchers...
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The Week on Wall Street Despite news of another COVID-19 vaccine candidate, stocks were mixed amid investor anxiety over increased new infections and economic lockdowns. FACT OF THE WEEK In 1953, someone at Swanson colossally...
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The Week on Wall Street News of a COVID-19 vaccine ignited a rally in economically sensitive stocks and a broad retreat in technology companies last week. However, enthusiasm was cut short by reports of rising new infections and fresh...
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The Week on Wall Street Stocks soared last week as investors anticipated that a split Congress would raise legislative hurdles to change corporate taxes and adjusting regulatory oversight of big technology companies. FACT OF THE WEEK...
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The Week on Wall Street Stock prices dropped last week as hopes for a fiscal stimulus bill faded and investors focused on rising COVID-19 infections, here and abroad. FACT OF THE WEEK November 2nd, 1898 was a date worth cheering about...
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The Week on Wall Street The failure to reach an agreement on a new fiscal stimulus bill soured investor sentiment and sent stocks modestly lower for the week. FACT OF THE WEEK National Pumpkin Day falls on October 26. Pumpkin Day...
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The Week on Wall Street Stocks treaded water last week amid fading prospects for a stimulus bill, fears of a second wave of COVID-19 cases, and increasing political and regulatory pressures on Big Tech companies. FACT OF THE WEEK Just...
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The Week on Wall Street Stocks staged a powerful rally last week, riding a wave of optimism over the prospect of the passage of a new fiscal stimulus bill. FACT OF THE WEEK The first recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance occurred on...
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The Week on Wall Street Stocks advanced last week, propelled by hopes that legislators may reach an agreement for a new fiscal stimulus package and optimism generated by a few corporate deal announcements and initial public offerings....
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The Week on Wall Street Last week saw mixed stocks as worries stretched from Washington D.C., where prospects of a new fiscal stimulus bill dimmed, to Europe, which saw an increase of new COVID-19 cases. FACT OF THE WEEK Today is the...
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The Week on Wall Street Stocks slipped as the technology sector remained under pressure and a mid-week announcement by the Federal Reserve failed to inspire investors. FACT OF THE WEEK Between 1969-1970, football league associations...
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The Week on Wall Street Stocks traveled a volatile path last week as investors appeared concerned about the upcoming elections, an uncertain economy, and more delays with additional fiscal stimulus. FACT OF THE WEEK Founded by the...
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The Week on Wall Street A late week sell-off sent stocks broadly lower as investors took some profits after stocks reached all-time highs earlier in the week. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slid 1.82%, while the S&P 500 slumped 2.31%...
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The Week on Wall Street Stocks advanced relentlessly last week on positive COVID-19 developments, encouraging economic data, and a supportive policy shift in the Fed’s approach to its target inflation rate. FACT OF THE WEEK...
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The Week on Wall Street Stocks powered to another week of gains as the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite set multiple new record highs along the way. FACT OF THE WEEK Amelia Earhart made the first solo nonstop flight by a woman across the...
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The Week on Wall Street Stock prices drifted higher in an otherwise quiet news week, as a slowdown in new COVID-19 cases outweighed a Congressional impasse on a new fiscal-spending measure. FACT OF THE WEEK On August 17, 1936, the...
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The Week on Wall Street Overlooking stalled efforts by Congress to pass a new fiscal stimulus bill, stocks marched higher last week with the Dow Jones Industrials leading the way and the NASDAQ Composite setting multiple fresh record...
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The Week on Wall Street Stocks were mixed last week amid a busy week of earnings, some troubling economic data, and seemingly little progress on a new fiscal stimulus package. FACT OF THE WEEK Today is National Watermelon Day! With...
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The Week on Wall Street Stocks slipped in the final days of trading last week on higher jobless claims and rising tensions in the U.S.-China relationship. FACT OF THE WEEK The completion of the transatlantic cable expedition is an...
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The Week on Wall Street Stocks were mixed last week as investors reacted to positive economic data, progress on a COVID-19 vaccine, and the continued nationwide increase in COVID-19 cases. FACT OF THE WEEK The National Association of...
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The Week on Wall Street Stock prices notched substantial gains last week, looking past an increase in COVID-19 cases and any potential economic concerns raised by the trend. FACT OF THE WEEK On July 13, 1923, the Hollywood Hills were...
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The Week on Wall Street In a holiday-shortened week, stock prices turned higher as encouraging economic data outweighed an increase in COVID-19 cases and a rollback in economic re-openings. FACT OF THE WEEK An initiative established by...
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The Week on Wall Street A jump in COVID-19 cases dampened investor enthusiasm last week, sending stock prices lower on worries that rising infections could derail the economic recovery. FACT OF THE WEEK For many of us, insurance can be...
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The Week on Wall Street News that the Federal Reserve would be expanding its bond-buying program to include the debt of individual companies sparked a sharp jump in stocks, gaining momentum continued through the week as investors...
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The Week on Wall Street Investor sentiment turned negative last week following the subdued economic forecast released from the Federal Reserve amid a growing number of COVID-19 cases in states executing reopening phases. FACT OF THE...
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The Week on Wall Street Positive jobs report sent stocks soaring last Friday, capping a solid week as evidence of a global economic recovery outweighed concerns over civil unrest and tensions with China. FACT OF THE WEEK World Oceans...
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The Week on Wall Street The shortened week, which began with a powerful two-day rally of trading, was enough to drive the markets into another week of substantial gains. FACT OF THE WEEK On September 17, 2020, the General Assembly...
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The Week on Wall Street Upbeat comments by the Federal Reserve Chairman and more signs of an economic turnaround combined to help fuel a powerful rally in the stock market last week. FACT OF THE WEEK Memorial Day, formerly known as...
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The Week on Wall Street Stocks drifted lower last week, weighed down by Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell's unsettling comments on the economy and signs of renewed tensions with China. FACT OF THE WEEK If you were to spend one...
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The Week on Wall Street Despite a historic downturn in employment, stocks managed to climb higher last week as investors were emboldened by the pace of economic re-openings, both here and abroad. FACT OF THE WEEK On May 11, 1752, the...
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The Week on Wall Street Stock prices ended the week slightly lower, despite news of positive results from a test trial of a COVID-19 drug treatment and several states easing their economic lockdowns. FACT OF THE WEEK On this day in...
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The Week on Wall Street Stock prices bounced around last week as investors reacted to wild swings in the price of oil and reports that called into question the efficacy of two potential virus treatments. FACT OF THE WEEK The one-dollar...
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The Week on Wall Street Stock prices bounced around last week as investors reacted to wild swings in the price of oil and reports that called into question the efficacy of two potential virus treatments. FACT OF THE WEEK The one-dollar...
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The Week on Wall Street Stock prices pushed higher last week as news of a White House plan to reopen the economy and reports of a potential COVID-19 treatment helped the market overcome weak economic data and an ugly start to the...
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The Week on Wall Street The stock market staged a broad rally this week, buoyed by both the prospect that COVID-19’s grip on the nation may be easing, and also the news of another Federal Reserve program to help stabilize...
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The Week on Wall Street Modest declines in stock prices this week masked the volatile inter- and intraday price swings as investors digested weak economic data and a warning from the president that the worst days of the COVID-19...
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An open-ended commitment by the Federal Reserve to support American businesses and capital markets, along with the passage of a $2 trillion aid package, improved investor sentiment, and drove a strong rally in stock prices. FACT OF THE...
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The Week on Wall Street The stock market suffered through another volatile week as it wrestled with the health and economic fallout of the domestic spread of the coronavirus. Swift and decisive actions by the Federal Reserve and policy...
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The Week on Wall Street Markets remained exceptionally volatile, buffeted by the spreading impact of coronavirus, uncertain responses from federal policymakers, and the sudden drop in oil prices. FACT OF THE WEEK On this day in 1830,...
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The Week on Wall Street Heightened coronavirus fears, falling yields, and Super Tuesday primary results sent stocks on a rollercoaster ride of sharp price swings, leaving stocks marginally higher for the week. FACT OF THE WEEK What was...
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The Week on Wall Street Stocks 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. FACT OF...
Read MoreThe RFG State of the Markets Presentation
My recent State of the Markets presentation provided a comprehensive review of market activity in 2019 and an exclusive look at the beginning of 2020, as well as our expectations for what may be in store for the remainder of the year....
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The Week on Wall Street Traders 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....
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The Week on Wall Street Daily headlines about the coronavirus had little impact on stock market averages last week. Earnings and mergers had more influence. FACT OF THE WEEK The Random Acts of Kindness (RAK) Foundation, located in...
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The Week on Wall Street Stocks advanced four days out of five during the past market week, erasing the losses of the week before. FACT OF THE WEEK On this day, in 1863, the first fire extinguisher was patented in the United States, by...
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The Week on Wall Street Stock benchmarks declined for a second straight week as coronavirus news tempered risk appetite. FACT OF THE WEEK On this day in 1876, a sporting goods company opened its doors and changed the course of sports...
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The Week on Wall Street Stock prices fell last week as investors considered the potential health and economic risks of the flu-like coronavirus. FACT OF THE WEEK This morning 100 million Americans began their day in the same...
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The Week on Wall Street The market had a choppy five days, with traders reacting to geopolitical developments and weaker-than-expected jobs data. Even so, the three major U.S. equity indices posted weekly gains and continued their...
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The Week on Wall Street Stocks descended from record highs Friday, as traders reacted to a U.S. drone strike that killed Iran's top military officer. Oil prices rose more than 3% following the breaking news. FACT OF THE WEEK Ballet is...
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What Drove the Markets? Four factors influenced investment performance in 2019: a shift in U.S. monetary policy, the ongoing trade dispute between the U.S. and China, earnings, and the economy. Stocks reached record highs in 2019. The...
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The Week on Wall Street The U.S. and China announced a limited trade agreement last week. That news lifted U.S. and foreign stocks, leading to weekly gains. FACT OF THE WEEK The United States invented both the tea bag and iced tea in...
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The Week on Wall Street Key Wall Street benchmarks were up and down last week – or rather down and then up. A Tuesday retreat was offset by a Friday rally spurred by the Department of Labor’s November jobs report. FACT OF...
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The Week on Wall Street As November wrapped up, U.S. equity benchmarks advanced. Stocks were again aided by a sense of optimism that a preliminary U.S.-China trade deal could be near. FACT OF THE WEEK Millions of monarch butterflies...
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The Week on Wall Street Stocks declined last week as mixed signals emerged about the progress of U.S.-China trade negotiations. FACT OF THE WEEK America's Thanksgiving holiday, born in the 1500s, now stands as one of the nation’s...
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The Week on Wall Street Stock benchmarks were little changed for much of last week, but a rally occurred Friday after news broke that the U.S. and China could be closing in on the first phase of a new trade pact. FACT OF THE WEEK On...
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The Week on Wall Street Domestic and international stocks rose last week. Risk appetite outweighed concerns about the state of U.S.-China trade discussions. FACT OF THE WEEK Today, Duct Tape is one of the most commonly used tools for...
Read MoreLast-Chance Financial Planning Checklist 2019
The 2019 Last-Chance Financial Planning Checklist is a quick way to determine if you need to take any actions before December 31, 2019. Although we review these items with our clients throughout the year, you may find the checklist...
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The Week on Wall Street A better-than-forecast jobs report prompted a stock market rally Friday, two days after traders witnessed another interest rate cut by the Federal Reserve. FACT OF THE WEEK In an effort to address the growing...
Read MoreRFG In The News - WBBM Noon Business Hour
Peter Maris recently sat down with Rob Hart of WBBM Noon Business Hour to discuss his perspective on the latest economic developments which have influenced the financial markets. We hope you find the interview entertaining and...
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The Week on Wall Street The S&P 500 came within 0.1% of a record close Friday. Stocks were lifted last week by positive news on U.S.-China trade negotiations, plus earnings announcements. FACT OF THE WEEK Change seems to be on the...
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The Week on Wall Street Stock prices pushed higher last week, as investors remained hyper-focused on any new developments with the U.S. trade negotiations with China. FACT OF THE WEEK On this date, in 1916, the inaugural PGA...
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The Week on Wall Street The fourth quarter started with a mixed week for equities. The Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 0.92% for the week; the S&P 500, 0.33%. In contrast, the Nasdaq Composite improved 0.54%. Overseas stocks pulled...
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The Week on Wall Street Stocks retreated last week. Traders worried that the formal impeachment inquiry of President Donald Trump might distract White House officials from their pursuit of a trade deal with China, and shift the focus...
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The Week on Wall Street Investors reacted to two major news items last week, one far more of a surprise than the other. The Fed Reserve did indeed make a rate cut, matching Wall Street expectations. Drone strikes on two of the...
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The Week on Wall Street Stocks rose last week, with help from two developments: the announcement of further U.S.-China trade talks as well as August hiring and manufacturing numbers that seemed to bolster the argument for a rate cut by...
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Fears of an impasse in the U.S.-China trade dispute lessened last week. While additional U.S. tariffs on Chinese imports were scheduled to take effect on September 1, China’s government communicated that it would refrain from...
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The Week on Wall Street Traders assumed that the week’s biggest news event would be Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell’s speech at the annual Jackson Hole banking conference. Instead, China seized the headlines by...
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The Week on Wall Street U.S. stock indices saw significant ups and downs last week, with traders looking for economic cues from Treasury yields and also developments in the tariff fight between the U.S. and China. FACT OF THE WEEK The...
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The Week on Wall Street Stocks spent much of last week rebounding from a Monday drop that reflected nervousness about the U.S.-China trade fight. By Thursday’s closing bell, the S&P 500 had regained all its Monday losses –...
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The Week on Wall Street Last week, the Federal Reserve cut interest rates for the first time in more than a decade, in line with Wall Street’s expectations. Ironically, stocks had their worst week of 2019. FACT OF THE WEEK There...
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The Week on Wall Street Last week, investors assessed earnings and the initial estimate of second-quarter economic growth, while awaiting the Federal Reserve’s next announcement about interest rates. FACT OF THE WEEK The pound...
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The Week on Wall Street Stock benchmarks retreated during the first week of the second-quarter earnings season. As some big names shared quarterly results, investors seemed more interested in what might happen at the Federal...
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The Week on Wall Street U.S. stock benchmarks opened a new quarter positively. The S&P 500 gained 1.65% in the opening week of July; the Dow Jones Industrial Average, 1.21%; the Nasdaq Composite, 1.94%. Overseas, stocks in developed...
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The Week on Wall Street A month of gains for stocks ended with a weekly retreat. The S&P 500 lost 0.30%; the Nasdaq Composite, 0.32%; the Dow Jones Industrial Average, 0.45%. In contrast, overseas shares, tracked by the MSCI EAFE index...
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The Week on Wall Street The S&P 500 hit an all-time peak of 2,964.03, in intraday trading Friday, while improving 2.20% across five market days. The Dow Jones Industrial Average and Nasdaq Composite posted respective, 5-day advances...
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The Week on Wall Street Stocks advanced for a second straight week. The S&P 500 benchmark rose 0.47%; the Nasdaq Composite, 0.70%; the Dow Jones Industrial Average, 0.41%. Overseas shares, as tracked by the MSCI EAFE developed markets...
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The Week on Wall Street Stocks rallied during a week in which Wall Street was buffeted by headlines. The S&P 500 rose 4.41%. The Nasdaq Composite and Dow Jones Industrial Average respectively added 3.88% and 4.71%. The MSCI EAFE index...
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The Week on Wall Street Stocks struggled during a 4-day market week as the U.S.-China trade standoff continued to weigh on the minds of market participants. From the Friday, May 24 close to the Friday, May 31 close, the S&P 500...
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The Week on Wall Street Stocks drifted lower last week as investors considered the possibility that the world’s two largest economies might take some time to resolve key trade issues. The S&P 500 retreated 1.17%; the Nasdaq...
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Stocks fell sharply at the start of last week over trade tensions, then recovered with help from strong earnings and indications that U.S.-China trade talks would continue. Even so, the major indices had a down week. The S&P 500 lost 0...
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As we noted recently, Wall Street has a wandering eye. Last week, it focused on the new tariff threats in the ongoing U.S.-China trade dispute. Stocks fell across five trading sessions: the Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 2.12%, the...
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Stocks were up and down last week, and the three major benchmarks ended up little changed after five trading days. The S&P 500 rose 0.20% for the week; the Nasdaq Composite, 0.22%. The Dow Jones Industrial Average declined 0.14%. FACT...
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Stocks returned to record territory, with both the S&P 500 and the Nasdaq Composite closing at historic highs. The S&P gained 1.20% for the week; the Nasdaq, 1.85%. The Dow Jones Industrial Average lagged, losing 0.06%. The MSCI EAFE...
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A short and relatively placid trading week wrapped up Thursday, with the major indices turning in mixed performances. The S&P 500 retreated 0.08%, the Nasdaq Composite advanced 0.17%, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 0.56%....
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Stocks broke out of a narrow range on Friday following news that two major banks grew their bottom line in the first quarter. For the week, the S&P 500 rose 0.79%; the Nasdaq Composite, 0.91%. The Dow Jones Industrial Average improved...
Read MoreBest High-Yield Savings Accounts - Spring 2019
As a firm, our goal is to ensure our clients are provided with comprehensive financial guidance and to keep you informed of opportunities to improve your overall financial position. If you're like most people, you may have a fair...
Read MoreKey Planning & Investment Deadlines - Spring 2019
he Key Planning & Investment Deadlines document linked below is a handy resource to help you remember important dates coming up during the Spring season. If you have any questions after reviewing this document, please do not hesitate...
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Stocks just posted their second straight weekly gain. Investors were encouraged by the latest jobs report and new signs of progress on a U.S.-China trade deal. The Dow Jones Industrial Average advanced 1.17% in five trading days; the...
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Stocks ended last week higher as volatility slowed, completing their best quarter since 2009. A Friday tweet from Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin encouraged investors, referring to "constructive" discussions in the ongoing U.S.-China...
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Friday, the yield of the 3-month Treasury bill exceeded the yield of the 10-year Treasury note for the first time in 12 years. For some analysts, this "inverted yield curve" may imply a short-term lessening of confidence. (Treasury...
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The big story last week was the sudden grounding of Boeing 737 Max 8 and 9 passenger jets in dozens of countries. The financial effects of this ban could potentially impact the airline industry and segments of the economy for months....
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The Week on Wall Street As in February, investors spent most of the first full trading week of March hoping for new details in U.S.-China trade negotiations. While they waited, stock benchmarks drifted downward. From Monday's open to...
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Stocks lost a little ground as February gave way to March. While domestic and overseas political developments made headlines, the market stayed relatively calm: from Monday's open through Friday's close, the S&P 500 ceded just 0.17%,...
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The Week on Wall Street Stocks rallied last week as optimism about a potential U.S.-China trade deal grew. The S&P 500 advanced 0.80% during the 4-day trading week to 2,792.67. The Nasdaq Composite improved 0.86% to 7,527.54, and the...
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The Week on Wall Street The Week on Wall Street Stocks ended a good week on a high note, as hints of progress in U.S.-China trade talks encouraged investors.When the closing bell rang Friday, the S&P 500 settled at 2,775.60, after...
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The Week on Wall Street Major U.S. stock benchmarks eked out slight gains last week, with corporate profit reports and news about U.S.-China trade negotiations vying for investor attention over five trading sessions. FACT OF THE WEEK...
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Last week closed out one of stocks' top January performances in years. In fact, both the S&P 500 and Dow posted their best January results in at least 3 decades. For the week, major domestic indexes were also up. The S&P 500 gained 1...
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For the first time in months, U.S. markets experienced little movement last week. The Dow and NASDAQ did have their 5th week of gains in a row, but their increases were small: 0.12% and 0.11%, respectively. Meanwhile, the S&P 500 broke...
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U.S. markets were up again last week, as major domestic indexes posted their 4th weekly gains in a row. In fact, the S&P 500 was no longer in correction territory at Friday's close - and was in the middle of its best yearly start since...
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After months of volatility, markets relaxed a bit last week. For the first time since October, the S&P 500 went 5 days without a 1% gain or loss. The Cboe Volatility Index, or VIX, also fell to lower than 20 - in December, it spiked...
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U.S. markets experienced more wild sessions last week before ending in positive territory as the recent turbulence continued. In fact, we are currently in the middle of some of the most volatile market performance in more than eight...
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The close of the year provides an opportunity for investors to step back and consider the wider financial landscape. This week, we're reviewing some key issues that defined 2018, as well as some factors that may influence financial...
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Last week, domestic markets had some of their worst performance in 10 years. The S&P 500 lost 7.05%, the Dow declined 6.87%, and the NASDAQ dropped 8.36%. All three indexes have now lost at least 8% in 2018. On Friday, December 21, the...
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Last week brought more volatility to the markets. While domestic indexes had some rallies as positive trade news emerged earlier in the week, by Friday, December 14, they had erased any gains. The last time major U.S. indexes ended in...
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Markets went for another wild ride last week, as major domestic indexes swung back and forth. By Friday, December 7, markets had posted their worst weekly performance since March - and the S&P 500 and Dow both moved into negative...
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U.S. markets ended a volatile month on a high note Friday. All three major indices posted impressive increases for the week, buoyed by news from the Fed Reserve and international trade. The S&P 500 jumped 4.85%, and the NASDAQ finished...
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Last week was a tough one for markets, while the index officially entered correction territory on Friday, it closed 10.2% below its most...
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Markets experienced more volatility last week, as perspectives on trade, tech, and retail pulled investor sentiment back and forth. Although domestic indexes were up on Friday, November 16, they still posted losses for the week. In all...
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Last week, markets experienced a 4 - day winning streak before dropping on Friday, November 9. Despite those losses, domestic indexes posted gains for the week. The S&P 500 increased 2.13%, the Dow added 2.84%, and the NASDAQ was up 0...
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Markets posted strong gains last week after struggling for much of October. The S&P 500 had its best weekly performance since May, and the NASDAQ had its first positive week since September. Despite domestic markets dropping on Friday,...
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All three indexes are down significantly for the month, and both the S&P 500 and Dow have entered negative territory for 2018. International stocks in the MSCI EAFE also struggled, posting a 3.87% drop for the week, and a 13.31%...
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Volatility was back in full force last week. The three major domestic indexes posted several days of losses before experiencing wide swings on Friday. By week's end, the Cboe Volatility Index (VIX), which investors use to help measure...
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Friday, September 28, was the last trading day in 2018's 3rd quarter, and the S&P 500 posted its strongest quarterly return in nearly 5 years. The Dow also showed impressive returns by beating expectations for the quarter, while the...
Read MoreKey Planning & Investment Deadlines - Fall 2018
The Key Planning & Investment Deadlines document is a handy resource to help you remember important dates coming up during the Fall season. If you have any questions after reviewing this document, please do not hesitate to reach out....
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Last week brought new tariffs and data, and another look at changes coming to equity classifications. Overall, the S&P 500 gained 0.85% and the Dow was up 2.25%, while the NASDAQ dropped 0.29%. International stocks in the MSCI EAFE had...
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Last week, the East Coast prepared for Hurricane Florence, which roared through the Carolinas and Georgia. As investors kept their eyes on the weather and its potential for destruction, estimates emerged of up to $27 billion in...
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Domestic markets fell last week due to negative trade news and declining tech stocks, with the S&P 500 and Dow both breaking their multi-week winning streaks. Meanwhile, the NASDAQ posted losses for 4 days in a row for the first time...
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Domestic markets increased for the week and ended August in positive territory. The S&P 500 and Dow each had their best August since 2014 - while the NASDAQ's 5.7% growth was its best performance for the month since 2000. On Wednesday,...
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Last week marked a noteworthy milestone in our economy: On Wednesday, August 22, the bull market entered its 3,453rd day, the longest such run in U.S. history. In the past 9 plus years, domestic indexes have come quite a way since the...
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Challenges in emerging markets affected both U.S. and global stock performance last week, with the S&P 500 experiencing several down days. By market close on Friday, however, two of the three major domestics posted gains for the week....
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Stocks ended the week in mixed territory as trouble with Turkey's currency affected U.S. equity performance on Friday, August 10. For the week, the S&P lost 0.25%, the Dow declined 0.59%, and the NASDAQ increased 0.35%. International...
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Domestic markets ended last week in positive territory, as the S&P gained 0.76%, the Dow was up 0.05%, and the NASDAQ increased 0.96%. This performance marked the 5th week in a row that the S&P 500 and Dow posted gains. Meanwhile,...
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Markets experienced a push-and-pull last week between data indicating strong economic growth and lagging performance from several tech stocks' earnings reports. Domestic indexes had mixed results, as the S&P 500 gained 0.61%, the Dow...
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On Friday, July 20, stocks lost a small amount of ground after President Trump escalated his threats of increasing tariffs on China. However, strong quarterly earnings reports from several large companies helped provide balance in the...
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Last week, trade tensions with China lessened somewhat, while the 2nd quarter corporate earnings season started with mixed results. Against this backdrop, domestic stocks experienced sizable growth. By market's close on Friday, July 13...
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Domestic stocks only traded for 4 days last week, due to the Independence Day holiday. In that time, all 3 major domestic indexes posted positive results for the week. The S&P 500 added 1.52%, the Dow gained 0.76%, and the NASDAQ...
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International trade concerns continue to create uncertainty in markets around the world. Despite the markets' slight rises on Friday, June 29, they recorded losses for the week. The S&P 500 fell 1.33%, the Dow gave back 1.26%, and the...
Read MoreKey Planning & Investment Deadlines - Summer 2018
The Key Planning and Investment Deadlines document linked below is a handy resource to help you remember important dates coming up during the Summer season. If you have any questions after reviewing this document, please do not...
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Stocks stumbled across the globe last week as trade tensions continued to escalate. Despite rebounding somewhat on Friday, the S&P 500 experienced its first weekly loss in a month, and the Dow posted its worst week since March. The S&P...
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Markets experienced heightened volatility this week, with both the S&P 500 and Dow dropping 0.82% and 1.60% respectively. Meanwhile, the NASDAQ rose 0.24% as international markets took a small dip with the MSCI EAFE losing 1.10%. FACT...
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Despite geopolitical developments, major domestic indexes increased last week. The S&P 500 gained 0.31%, the Dow added 0.15%, and the NASDAQ grew by 1.08%. International stocks dropped, with the MSCI EAFE decreasing by 1.60%. FACT OF...
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Major domestic indexes went down last week after all three gained more than 2% the previous week. The S&P 500 dropped 0.54%, the Dow gave back 0.47%, and the NASDAQ lost 0.66%. International stocks also stumbled; the MSCI EAFE...
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On Friday, the markets closed the week gaining traction. The Dow had 7 days of consecutive growth, rising 2.34% - its largest weekly gain since March. Meanwhile, the S&P 500 rose 2.41%, the NASDAQ jumped 2.68%, and the MSCI EAFE...
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We just finished the busiest week of 1st quarter earnings season, and although many companies shared positive results, stock indexes experienced modest declines. The S&P 500 lost 0.01%, the Dow dropped 0.62%, and the NASDAQ gave back 0...
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Stocks posted moderate gains last week, as the S&P 500 added 0.52%, the Dow increased 0.42%, and the NASDAQ rose 0.56%. International stocks in the MSCI EAFE followed suit, gaining 0.41%. FACT OF THE WEEK 87% of Americans say 'Getting...
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Market volatility continues. Stocks slid on Friday, April 13, but still held on to gains for the week. The S&P 500 increased 1.99%, the Dow added 1.79%, and the NASDAQ was up 2.77%. International stocks in the MSCI EAFE also rose,...
Read More9 Investment Pitfalls
Although the financial markets reached record highs in 2017, complex weather events, political uncertainty and global developments emerged, making the environment challenging for investors to navigate. Experience has taught us that...
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Domestic stocks lost ground last week as trade war concerns continued to rattle investors. With these declines, the Dow officially moved back into correction territory. For the week, the S&P 500 lost 1.43%, the Dow dipped 0.95%, and...
Read MoreKey Planning and Investment Deadlines - Spring 2018
The Key Planning and Investment Deadlines document linked below is a handy resource to help you remember important dates coming up during the Spring season. If you have any questions after reviewing this document, please do not...
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Markets were up on Friday, but domestic stocks lost ground for the week as political turmoil and potential trade wars weighed on investors' minds. The S&P 500 dropped 1.24%, the Dow gave back 1.54%, and the NASDAQ decreased 1.04%....
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Domestic stocks leapt ahead last week as the latest jobs report inspired renewed confidence in our economic standing. The S&P 500 added 3.54%, and the Dow gained 3.25%. The NASDAQ erased its losses from February's market correction to...
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Volatility continued last week as markets posted their 1st weekly loss in 3 weeks. Despite some recovery on Friday, the S&P 500 dropped 2.04%, the NASDAQ slipped 1.12%, and the Dow lost 3.05% for the week. Internationally, the MSCI...
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Last week, the Presidents' Day holiday meant markets were only open for 4 trading days, and during that time, we received comparatively few economic reports. Nonetheless, major domestic indexes showed considerable volatility and posted...
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Markets rebounded last week, posting sizable gains and moving back into positive territory for the year. All three domestic indexes experienced their largest weekly growth in years, despite losing some ground on Friday after news of...
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After months of relative calm, market fluctuations are causing many investors to wonder what is happening to the economy. Last week, the S&P 500 lost 5.16%, the Dow dropped 5.21%, and the NASDAQ declined 5.06%. The MSCI EAFE also gave...
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After 4 straight weeks of gains, the markets have slipped. As of Friday, the S&P 500 lost 3.85%, the Dow dropped 4.12%, and the NASDAQ decreased by 3.53%. International stocks in the MSCI EAFE also took a 2.78% hit. Domestically, the...
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Stocks had an impressive week yet again, as each of the domestic indexes reached record highs and gained at least 2%. The S&P 500 added 2.23%, the Dow increased 2.09%, and the NASDAQ grew 2.31%. International stocks in the MSCI EAFE...
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We're only a few weeks into 2018, and stocks are showing quite a strong performance so far. Last week, major domestic indexes posted gains yet again, with all 3 up at least 5% this year. By Friday, the S&P 500 had added another 0.86%,...
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The Key Financial Data card is a one-stop shop for many of those numbers we need to remember. This document aggregates the brackets and income thresholds we need to know concerning taxes, Social Security, retirement, Medicare, health...
Read MoreQuestion of the Month - Stocks and Risk
In our new "Question of the Month" video series, Peter M. Maris, CFP discusses common questions from RFG's clients. In this inaugural video, I review how to determine how much of your portfolio should be in stocks and whether or not...
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Domestic markets continued their strong start to 2018, posting gains across the board for their 2nd week. The S&P 500 added 1.57% and closed at a new record high on Friday. The index just posted its best 10-day beginning to a year...
Read MoreSPECIAL UPDATE: The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act
In the special update video below, I discuss the new Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which President Trump recently signed into law.
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The first week of 2018 is behind us, and across the globe stocks experienced a strong start to the year. International stocks in the MSCI EAFE gained 2.44% last week. In the U.S., our major indexes also leapt forward, hitting a number...
Read MoreKey Planning & Investment Deadlines
The Key Planning & Investment Deadlines document is a handy resource to help you remember important dates coming up during the Winter season. If you have any questions after reviewing this document, please do not hesitate to reach out.
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Domestic markets were up last week as tax reform became more likely. On Friday, multiple previously undecided Senators announced they would back the combined House and Senate bill, and stocks reacted by hitting new record highs. For...
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Markets went for a wild ride last week - especially on Friday. In fact, on December 1, the S&P 500 had its largest fluctuations since the day after the 2016 presidential election. FACT OF THE WEEK The "stock market" began on May 17th,...
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Last week was a relatively quiet time in the domestic markets. We did not receive a tremendous amount of economic data, and trading halted Thursday for the Thanksgiving holiday. Nonetheless, all 3 of the major domestic indexes...
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Domestic stock performance varied last week, with the S&P 500 and Dow losing ground for the 2nd straight week, while the NASDAQ posted gains. By Friday, the S&P 500 had dropped 0.13%, the Dow gave back 0.27%, and the NASDAQ gained 0...
Read MoreCharitable Giving
You may be bracing for that early December feeling – a crisp chill in the air, the tingling of bells and a mailbox overfilled with donation requests from charitable organizations. As an American, you will probably be in a giving...
Read More2017 Last-Chance Planning Checklist
The 2017 Last-Chance Financial Planning Checklist is a quick way to determine if you need to take any actions before December 31, 2017. Although we review these items with our clients throughout the year, you may find the checklist...
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After posting gains every week since September, U.S. stocks declined by market's close on Friday. The S&P 500 and Dow ended their longest stretch of weekly increases since 2013, and the NASDAQ ended its own 6-week streak. By November...
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Once again, the markets ended the week in positive territory - and all 3 major domestic indexes hit new record highs. The S&P 500 added 0.26%, and the Dow was up 0.45%, with both indexes notching their 8th straight week of growth. The...
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Another week, another round of positive market performance. The 3 major domestic indexes again ended the week with gains and new record highs. The S&P 500 rose 0.23% and marked a 7th-straight week of increases - its longest string of...
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Last week, all 3 major U.S. markets hit record highs once again. The Dow added 2.00% to notch both intraday and closing records, the S&P 500 rose 0.86%, and the NASDAQ gained 0.35%. International stocks in the MSCI EAFE dipped by 0.32%...
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Last Friday, all 3 major domestic indexes continued their streak of weekly gains and record highs. The S&P 500 added 0.15%, and the Dow was up 0.43%. Meanwhile, both indexes posted their 5th weekly gain in a row. In addition, the S&P...
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This Monday, October 9, marks the 10-year anniversary of the S&P 500's highest point before the Great Recession. While the ensuing decade has provided quite a rocky road for the markets at times, the recovery is undeniable. The S&P 500...
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Before we begin our usual weekly commentary, we wanted to take a moment to honor the victims of Sunday's terrible attack in Las Vegas. Though details are still scarce, it is the most devastating mass shooting in U.S. history. Our...
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Domestic indexes were mixed last week, as the Dow gained 0.36%, the S&P 500 eked out a 0.08% increase, and the NASDAQ lost 0.33%. International stocks in the MSCI EAFE added a solid 0.68%. Three stories that have dominated...
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After briefly stumbling the week of September 4, domestic indexes notched significant gains last week and hit record highs. By Friday, the S&P 500 exceeded 2,500 for the first time, the Dow closed at its highest level ever, and the...
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Last week gave a number of things for both investors and non-investors to think - and worry - about. From North Korea's missiles to Hurricane Harvey's devastation to an unemployment uptick, the headlines were busy. Yet, despite these...
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After several weekly losses, the major domestic indexes all ended in positive territory on Friday, August 25. The S&P 500 gained 0.72%, the Dow was up 0.64%, and the NASDAQ added 0.79% for the week. International stocks in the MSCI...
Read MoreElder Financial Abuse
Nationwide, elder abuse is a major public health problem. Elder abuse includes abandonment, neglect, physical, sexual, emotional, and financial abuse, and occurs in 1 in every 10 people age 60 and older who lives at home. Elder...
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From domestic unrest to international terrorism, last week provided many headlines that could easily rattle the markets. While we did see days with volatility and declines, the major indexes remained relatively flat. For the week, the...
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Last week, rising tension between North Korea and the U.S. rattled the world's markets. As the two countries traded tough words, concerns escalated and markets reacted emotionally to the news. Though stress is building internationally,...
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Another week of economic performance brought more news that the markets continue their bullish streak. After eight consecutive record-high closings, the Dow rose above 22,000 for the first time ever and finished the week up 1.20%. The...
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Last week, markets marched ahead within a busy reporting week. The Dow rose 1.16% to close Friday on another new high. The S&P 500 notched a record high during the week, despite closing the week slightly down 0.02%. Meanwhile, the...
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Last Friday, stocks closed on more record highs. The S&P 500 rose 1.41% and the Dow climbed 1.04% - both closing at new peaks. The NASDAQ reported a 2.58% gain and the MSCI EAFE posted a 2.38% increase. Despite continuing headlines...
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As Q2 ended, markets hit a six-week volatility high. While the tech sector declined during the week, consumer discretionary and industrial sectors drove stocks higher on Friday. On Friday, the tech-heavy NASDAQ slumped 1.99%. The S&P...
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Last week, markets kept relatively quiet despite the continuing drop in oil prices. A global glut of oil has led to 5-straight weeks of price declines. OPEC's attempts to curb oil production have not yet played out as expected, as...
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Markets remained mixed last week as the Dow closed at another record high, while the NASDAQ fell and the S&P 500 held steady. By Friday, the Dow gained 0.52%, the NASDAQ fell -0.92%, and the S&P 500 gained a slight 0.05%. Meanwhile,...
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Markets last week were mixed with leading tech stocks falling dramatically as some investors pulled profits. The NASDAQ took the biggest hit, finishing 1.55% down on the week - its worst week of the year. Meanwhile, the Dow rose 0.31%...
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Last week, the S&P 500, Dow, and NASDAQ closed at all-time record highs. The S&P 500 rose 0.96%, the Dow gained 0.6%, and the NASDAQ grew by 1.54%. Despite strong equity markets, bond yields dropped to their lowest point of the year....
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The markets marched ahead last week with the S&P 500 and the NASDAQ reporting all-time records, albeit just slightly above previous highs. Volatility subsided as the CBOE Volatility Index, which gauges fear in the market, fell to 9.8...
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Early last week, both the S&P and NASDAQ recorded all time highs before tumbling along with the Dow as political concerns rose. By Friday, though, the markets had largely rebounded and steadied. The S&P 500 closed the week down 0.38%,...
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Markets tuned out noise from Washington last week and continued to focus on economic fundamentals. Mildly rebounding retail sales and strong consumer sentiment seem to point toward a modestly stronger second quarter. After a three-week...
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Last week, stocks rose but floated within a narrow trading range. By Friday, however, both the S&P 500 and the NASDAQ reached record highs. Overall, we experienced another week of generally positive, but somewhat mixed, economic...
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Stocks continued their advance on generally strong earnings reports this week despite the GDP report showing a slow first quarter economy. The S&P 500 rose 1.51%, the Dow gained 1.91%, and the NASDAQ added 2.32%. On Tuesday, the NASDAQ...
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Domestic stocks posted losses on Friday, April 21, largely due to investor concerns about the French election. Despite these daily losses, U.S. indexes broke their two-week losing streak, with the S&P 500 adding 0.85%, the Dow gaining...
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Last week, major indexes experienced losses for the second week in a row. Markets closed on April 14 for the Good Friday holiday, but in the four trading days, a number of headlines dominated the news cycles: International tensions...
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The first quarter of 2017 is now behind us, and although we won't have complete economic data for a while, we do know that domestic stocks had a solid start to the year. For this week's update, we're going to examine what happened to...
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With the first quarter of 2017 now behind us, we have seen the three major indexes all gain more than 4.5% so far this year. In fact, the NASDAQ just experienced its best quarter since 2013 due to tech stocks driving growth. Despite...
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On Tuesday, March 21, the S&P 500 and Dow recorded a 1% decline for the first time since Oct. 11, 2016. By Friday, the S&P had posted its worst week since the election. At the same time, 10-year Treasury yields fell and the dollar...
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For the fifth time in six weeks, domestic stock indexes ended last week in positive territory. Over the week, we received a series of economic updates that gave a mostly positive view of the economy's progression, including the...
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After at least four consecutive weeks of growth, the three major domestic indexes all lost ground last week. The S&P 500 was down 0.44%, the Dow lost 0.49%, and the NASDAQ declined 0.15%. This week, the Fed meets to determine whether...
Read MoreKey Financial Data 2017
The Key Financial Data 2017 card aggregates many of the brackets and income thresholds we need to know concerning taxes, Social Security, retirement, Medicare, health care, financial deadlines, and more. It can come in handy when you...
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On Wednesday, March 1, the three major domestic indexes all had their best performance in 2017 and reached record highs yet again. In fact, the S&P 500 hit 2,400 for the first time ever on the same day the Dow went above 21,000 for the...
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Once again, domestic markets reached record highs last week. The S&P 500 was up by 0.69% and the NASDAQ increased by 0.12%. With its 0.96% week-over-week growth, the Dow has posted gains for 11 straight days and is currently...
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Another week, another round of record highs. Despite concerns about how France's upcoming presidential election could affect the European Union's stability, U.S. stocks ended the week up yet again. The S&P 500 gained 1.51%, the Dow...
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The political world has presented many topics of conversation lately. But one discussion has been relatively quiet: tax reform. Last week, however, the president announced that a "phenomenal" tax plan is forthcoming, and domestic...
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Political headlines continued to fill the news last week, and while domestic markets declined during mid-week trading, they rebounded on Friday, February 3. Overall, the week showed only modest movement, as the S&P 500 added 0.12%, the...
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After a brief pause during inauguration week, stocks continued to climb last week. The S&P 500 added 1.03%, the NASDAQ was up 1.90%, and the MSCI EAFE increased by 1.29%. The Dow also grew, adding 1.34% while hitting 20,000 for the...
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A new presidential era began last Friday with Donald Trump's inauguration, and the market reaction was far more restrained than its response to his election. For weeks after the presidential election, we saw markets defy expectations...
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As we look back on markets last week, we see mixed results, with none of the major domestic indexes gaining or losing more than 1%. The S&P 500 was down 0.10% for the week, and the Dow gave back 0.39%, once again failing to reach 20...
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In the last full trading week of 2016, domestic markets were relatively quiet, with many people out of the office for the holidays. Nonetheless, all three major domestic indexes ended the week in positive territory. The S&P 500 was up...
Read MoreYear End Tax Planning Whitepaper
As the end of the year approaches, it is a good time to do some last minute tax planning. This Year End Tax Planning whitepaper provides a few eleventh-hour tax tips you may find useful to help you keep more of your hard earned money....
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Last week was mixed for the markets, as the Dow increased by 0.44%, while the S&P 500 lost 0.06%, the NASDAQ dropped 0.13%, and the MSCI EAFE gave back 0.55%. We also saw a variety of data released, giving a similarly mixed view of...
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On Friday, December 9, all three major U.S. stock indexes ended at record highs. For the first time in five years, they also each posted gains every day of the trading week. International stocks even gained, despite potential risks...
Read MoreTransition Your Portfolio for Retirement
Resource Financial Group's Peter Maris contributed to U.S. News & World Report's recent "5 Ways to Transition Your Portfolio for Retirement" article. Peter discussed his thoughts on holding cash in an investment portfolio with the...
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After a three-week run where all major U.S. indexes posted significant gains, we saw more mixed results last week. The Dow was up 0.10%, but the S&P 500 lost 0.97% and the NASDAQ was down 2.65%. The MSCI EAFE's measure of international...
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During a week while many were thankful, the markets gave us much to be thankful for. Through the four-day trading week, the Dow gained 1.51%, the S&P 500 was up 1.44%, the NASDAQ added 1.45%, and the MSCI EAFE increased 1.26%. What...
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For the second straight week, the major domestic indexes all ended in positive territory: The S&P 500 was up 0.81%, the Dow increased 0.11%, and the NASDAQ added 1.61%. While American indexes performed well, MSCI EAFE's international...
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Last Tuesday, many Americans watched in great surprise as Donald Trump won our presidential election. Just that day, the New York Times had placed Hillary Clinton's odds of winning at 85%, based on a range of state and national polls....
Read MoreLast Chance Financial Planning Checklist
The 2016 Last-Chance Financial Planning Checklist is a quick way to determine if you need to take any actions before December 31, 2016. Although we review these items with our clients throughout the year, you may find the checklist...
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Last week, investors experienced another bout of election jitters, and the Standard & Poor's 500 (S&P 500) Index fell for the ninth straight session. The CBOE Volatility Index (VIX), a.k.a. the fear gauge, which measures the expected...
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It's almost over... During July 2016, Pew Research reported almost 60 percent of Americans were suffering from election fatigue. They weren't uninterested in the election. They were just worn out by never-ending news coverage that...
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Major U.S. stock indices finished the week slightly higher. Experts, cited by Barron's, suggested markets seemed tired and were waiting for clarity around the U.S. election outcome, Federal Reserve rate increase, and corporate...
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'Tis the season! Third quarter earnings season, that is. Every quarter, companies report earnings to let investors know how profitable the companies were during the quarter. When profits grow, a company's share price may move higher....
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Was it good news or wasn't it? The U.S. unemployment rate ticked higher last week. The September jobs report showed the United States added 156,000 new jobs in September. That was 16,000 fewer than economists were expecting and 11,000...
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Markets were relatively calm during the third quarter of 2016, yet they delivered some attractive returns overall. In the United States, all three major U.S. indices posted record highs twice during a single 7-day period in August,...
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As expected, the U.S. Federal Reserve left rates unchanged last week and markets celebrated. Across the globe, national stock market indices finished the week higher. In the United States, the Standard & Poor's 500 Index and NASDAQ...
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If it's not one thing, it may be another. Economic data released last week will factor into this week's Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) decision on whether to push interest rates higher in the United States. Some of the August...
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Blame it on the central banks! After 44 consecutive sleepy, summer days when Barron's reported the Standard & Poor's 500 Index opened and closed without a 1 percent move in either direction, the index tumbled last week - and so did...
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Economists and market analysts have been thinking a lot about the Federal Reserve and the actions it may take before the end of 2016. Friday's employment numbers helped fan the speculative fire. The U.S. Labor Department reported the...
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Attention investors: U.S. interest rates may be moving up and it might happen this year. During last Friday's speech at the Federal Reserve's annual economic symposium in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, Fed Chairwoman Janet Yellen signaled that...
Read MoreDon't be the all-or-nothing
RFG founder Peter Maris enjoyed contributing to a recent Newsday article discussing asset-allocation for workers in their 60s. Too many people do not understand how poor allocation decisions can hold them back from their financial...
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Last week, Wall Street was speculating about monetary policy with the enthusiasm of commentators trying to predict who will bring home Olympic gold. The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) is now expected to introduce another rate...
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How do you measure stock market valuation? If you look at conventional measures - like price-to-earnings (P/E) ratios - then U.S. stock markets appear to be pricey. The Wall Street Journal reported trailing 12-month P/E ratios are high...
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It's déjà vu all over again! The Chicago Board of Options Exchange (CBOE) Volatility Index, also known as the VIX, tracks the prices of options on the Standard & Poor's 500 (S&P 500) Index. Since options often are used to...
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Here's a brain teaser for you: In July 2016, there were four. In June 2016, there were 10. Since 2008, there have been 673! What are they? If you guessed central bank rate cuts, you are on the money. Financial Times reported: "In the...
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Like a cool breeze on a hot day, the post-Brexit market rally has soothed investors. The CBOE Volatility Index (VIX), also known as the fear gauge, fell significantly during the past few weeks, according to CNBC.com. The VIX measures...
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"Start your engines," was not in the Department of Labor (DOL)'s June Employment Report Summary, but it may as well have been. A positive jobs report revved investor optimism and sent U.S. stock markets sprinting higher last week. Job...
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When the yield on 10-year Treasuries finished last week at 1.37 percent, a record closing low, Barron's called it a Kübler-Ross rally. Elizabeth Kübler-Ross was a Swiss psychiatrist whose research identified the five stages...
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Second quarter ended with a spectacular finale of Brexit-inspired market volatility. Investors typically welcome sharp market movements with about the same level of enthusiasm that canines show for fireworks. However, recent market...
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SURPRISE! Britain is leaving the European Union (EU) after 40 years of membership. Last Thursday, almost three-fourths of voters in Britain - about 30 million people, according to the BBC - cast ballots to determine whether the United...
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The world's stock markets took it on the chin last week. A one-two punch was delivered with the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting leading and concerns Britain will leave the European Union following. On Wednesday, the...
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The British may be leaving. The British may be leaving. Last week, the interest rate on 10-year U.S. Treasuries dropped to levels last seen in 2013. Why, you may ask, would bond yields move lower when Federal Reserve policy is to push...
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Statistics means never having to say your certain, and that was certainly true last week. The employment report, which was released on Friday, was a bit short on jobs. Analysts had predicted employers would add about 162,000 new jobs...
Read More6 Critical Social Security Facts
Social Security provides an important source of guaranteed income for most Americans, and choosing the right claiming strategy is even more important under new Social Security regulations. 6 Critical Social Security Facts Retirees...
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Everyone makes mistakes. Some people learn from them. In GMO's March 2016 white paper, James Montier and Philip Pilkington continued to explore the Federal Reserve's influence on the stock market. It was a process they'd begun in 2015...
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A mobile trivia game maker recently assessed the playing habits of Americans and identified the most popular topics by state. As it turns out, Alabamians like college football questions, Alaskans like queries about U.S. states, Rhode...
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When is a door not a door? The answer, of course, is: When it's ajar. Investors and analysts were trying to find the answer to a different riddle last week: When are strong retail sales not strong retail sales? The answer is: When the...
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Reading economic portents can be tricky. For example, do signs that economic growth is slowing - like last week's employment report, which was anemic relative to consensus forecasts, and first quarter's gross domestic product (GDP)...
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Which would you prefer to be: a medieval monarch or a modern office-worker? If you immediately answered medieval monarch, take a moment to ponder life without "...modern dentistry, antibiotics, air travel, smartphones, and YouTube."...
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U.S. stock markets finished last week in heady territory. The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed at 18,003. Its all-time closing high is 18,312. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index was less than 1 percent below its intraday trading record...
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Isn't it remarkable that China's growth is so consistent? A columnist from The Washington Post once opined that China "produces an astonishing number of astonishing numbers." Last week's GDP announcement, which helped push markets...
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We all learned a thing or two about Panama last week. The country is not the home of the Panama hat, which is made in Ecuador. However, it is the only place in the world where you can watch the sun rise on the Pacific Ocean and set on...
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It's like déjà vu all over again! This wasn't the first quarter, or even the first year, that bond markets have not performed in the way Wall Street strategists have expected. During 2014, bond yields were expected to rise. They did...
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Are corporations in the United States struggling? In its cover article last week, The Economist (a British publication), suggested there is not enough competition among American companies. It pointed out: "Aggregate domestic profits...
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There is ongoing debate about whether markets behave in rational ways. The efficient market hypothesis suggests it's impossible to outperform the stock market because current share prices reflect all relevant information. In other...
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The European Central Bank (ECB) was singing a tune that invigorated financial markets last week. The Wall Street Journal explained: "The fresh measures included cuts to all three of the ECB's main interest rates, €20 billion a...
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When Mark Twain's death was reported in the United States, he was alive and well in London. He responded to news accounts with a note saying, "The report of my death was an exaggeration." Last week's jobs data suggest the same is true...
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It wasn't as entertaining as the Fantastic Four, The Magnificent Seven, or Ocean's 11 but, last week, we had an opportunity to watch the Group of 20 (G20). The G20 stars finance ministers and central bankers from 19 countries and the...
Read MoreWBBM Noon Business Hour
Peter Maris recently discussed the choppy markets and why he currently believes there is room for stocks to move higher with WBBM's Kris Kridel and Cisco Cotto.
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And the economic data says... The United States economy is doing pretty well. So well that a March rate hike by the Federal Reserve is not entirely out of the question. Barron's described the situation like this: "Squawking pessimism...
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Are markets suffering from excessive worry? Last week, markets headed south because investors were concerned about the possibility of negative interest rates in the United States - even though the U.S. Federal Reserve has been...
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There was bad news and good news in last Friday's unemployment report. In the negative column, fewer jobs were created in the United States than economists had predicted, and January's jobs gains were not as strong as December's had...
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How low can you go? The Bank of Japan (BOJ) dove into the negative interest rate rabbit hole last week when it dropped its benchmark interest rate to minus 0.1 percent. If you've been following Japan's story, then you know the country...
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Investors breathed a sigh of relief last week when U.S. stock markets recovered from a tumble toward bear market territory with the grace of a Cirque du Soleil performer. Many stock markets around the world finished the week with gains...
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We all have our pet peeves, and if there is one thing markets do NOT like, it is uncertainty. Unfortunately, we entered 2016 with a lot of unanswered questions: How much has China's growth slowed? How will the country's slower growth...
Read MoreFive Star Wealth Manager Award
For the third year in a row, Peter Maris and his Wealth Management team at Resource Financial Group have been named Five Star Wealth Managers! To receive the 2015 Five Star Wealth Manager award, a wealth manager must satisfy 10...
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The People's Bank of China (PBOC) started the New Year with a downward currency adjustment and fireworks followed. Last week, three distinct issues affected China's stock market. First, the PBOC's devaluation of the yuan (a.k.a. the...
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Investing in U.S. stock markets during 2015 was a bit like riding a mechanical bull. Markets jolted up and down but, once the year ended, investors were almost where they had started. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index (S&P 500) entered...
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Oil prices moved higher, according to The Wall Street Journal, after the U.S. Energy Information Administration reported crude-oil inventories fell unexpectedly last year. Analysts had predicted oil supplies would rise. One expert...
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After a level of hype that would have exhausted even the most dedicated Star Wars fans, the Federal Reserve finally began to tighten monetary policy last week, raising the funds rate from 0.25 percent to 0.50 percent. Although...
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It's not like it's a surprise! Last week, investors didn't appear to be thrilled with the possibility the Federal Reserve might raise rates this week. They also weren't too impressed by another drop in oil prices. There was red ink...
Read More2016 Tax Planning
As the end of the year approaches, we know you are busy with holidays, family, and travel, but it is also a good time to do some last minute tax planning. As a courtesy, we want to provide you with a few eleventh-hour tax tips you may...
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Anyone looking at U.S. stock market performance last week might assume it was a pretty quiet week. They would be wrong. It was a very bouncy week. U.S. stock markets moved lower on Monday, rebounded on Tuesday, and then appeared to...
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American markets were relatively quiet during Thanksgiving week but there were fireworks in China's markets. Late in the week, media outlets reported the China Securities Regulatory Commission was conducting inquiries into several...
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Financial markets were remarkably calm last week. Many stock markets in the United States, Europe, and Asia moved higher as investors chose to focus their attention on the minutes of the October 27-28, 2015 Federal Open Market...
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Attacks on Paris by the Islamic State were an appalling exclamation point at the end of a difficult week for stock markets. World stock markets tumbled as investors braced for a possible rate hike by the Federal Reserve in December....
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And, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) said... U.S. job growth surpassed expectations in October. About 271,000 jobs were created across diverse industries: professional and business services, health care, retail, construction, and...
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Keep your eyes on the data. There was much to be said for U.S. stock markets' performance during October. Both the Dow Jones Industrial Average and the Standard & Poor's 500 Index delivered their best monthly performance in four years,...
Read MoreThe 2015 Last-Chance Financial Planning Checklist
The 2015 Last-Chance Financial Planning Checklist is a quick way to determine if you need to take any actions before December 31, 2015. Although we review these items with our clients throughout the year, you may find the checklist...
Read More8 Timeless Principles of Investing
It is no secret that markets have been turbulent over the last few months. In volatile times it is often helpful to step back, refocus on the bigger picture, and review time tested investment principles that have helped create...
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Central banks were at it again - and markets loved it.Last week, European Central Bank (ECB) President Mario Draghi surprised markets when he indicated the ECB's governing council was considering cutting interest rates and engaging in...
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How quickly emotions have changed since August. Worry? Angst? It's already priced into the markets, according to some experts.Last week, Barron's published the results of its Big Money Poll, a biannual survey of professional investors...
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Just a few weeks ago, on September 17, the Federal Reserve Open Market Committee (FOMC) decided to leave the fed funds rate unchanged. In part, this was because, "Recent global economic and financial developments may restrain economic...
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Well, the third quarter was a humdinger.It began with the first International Monetary Fund (IMF) default by a developed country (Greece) and finished with Hurricane Joaquin possibly headed toward the east coast. In between, China's...
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As Tom Petty often sang, "The waiting is the hardest part."Whether it's waiting for college acceptance letters, medical test results, employment offers, or Federal Reserve monetary policy changes, waiting can produce a lot of anxiety....
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The market is as streaky as a slice of bacon.U.S. stock markets have been sliding higher. And sliding lower.Barron's reported the Standard & Poor's 500 Index has tumbled from gains to losses and back again for 10 weeks in a row. The...
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Who's the culprit?Speculating on who or what is to blame for recent market weakness is a popular pastime right now. Last week, Barron's said the search for someone to blame is a lot like a game of Clue. So far, the most common...
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U.S. stock markets finished last week higher than they started it, but the five-day ride was awfully bumpy.Concerns about China's slowing growth, shifting currency valuations, and falling stock markets, coupled with uncertainty about...
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Correction!The Dow Jones Industrial Average lost about 6 percent last week. That puts the benchmark index about 10 percent below its record high on May 19, 2015, according to Barron's.A drop of that magnitude from a new high may be a...
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Stock markets in the United States got off to a good start last week, heading higher before stumbling over China's currency news.China, which has one of the world's largest and fastest growing economies, is experiencing a slowdown in...
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Back to school... back to higher interest rates?After a solid July jobs report arrived on Friday - 215,000 new jobs were created and unemployment remained at 5.3 percent - analysts were pretty confident there would be ample support...
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The market is flat.That's right. It's a rare occurrence - something that has happened just 12 times since 1926, according to Fortune - but the Standard & Poor's 500 Index (S&P 500) has remained in a narrow trading range for seven...
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There was a spate of bad news last week, and it drove U.S. markets lower.China's wild ride isn't over yet. The Purchasing Managers' Index, a private measure of Chinese manufacturing, came in below expectations at 48.2, according to...
Read MoreChoosing A Financial Advisor
Choosing a financial advisor may be one of the most important financial decisions that you will ever make. The person you decide to work with will be in a position to influence critical investment and planning decisions, and the...
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Investors around the world breathed a sigh of relief last week.It wafted many markets higher. The NASDAQ jumped by more than 4 percent. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index gained 2.4 percent. France's national benchmark index rose 4.5...
Read MoreWBBM Noon Business Hour
Peter Maris spoke with Sherman Kaplan and Kris Kridel on the WBBM Noon Business Hour to discuss what has been moving the markets and his expectations for the future.
Read MoreWBBM Noon Business Hour
Peter Maris spoke with Sherman Kaplan and Kris Kridel on the WBBM Noon Business Hour to discuss "irrational exuberance", economic expectations, and portfolio allocation.
Read MoreFOX News.com LIVE
Tracy Byrnes of FOX News.com LIVE highlights the market experience of Peter Maris, founder and principal of Resource Financial Group. Maris offers his cautiously optimistic market outlook, noting that now is a good time for investors...
Read MoreInternational Business Times
International Business Times reporter Palash R. Ghosh consults the economic experience of Peter Maris, founder and principal of Resource Financial Group. Peter discusses the global banking industry, noting that the recent bank layoffs...
Read MoreRegistered Rep. Magazine
Peter Maris, founder and principal of Resource Financial Group, discusses investor reaction to recent market volatility with Jerry Gleeson of Registered Rep. Magazine. Peter comments on reaching out to his clients in light of the...
Read MoreInternational Business Times
Palash R. Ghosh of International Business Times consults the economic experience of Peter Maris, founder and principal of Resource Financial Group. Maris comments on the state of the banking industry, particularly recent layoffs at...
Read MoreFirst Business Network
Peter Maris, founder and principal of Resource Financial Group, provides his current market outlook for Angie Miles of First Business Network. Maris notes that investors are remaining cautiously optimistic of the long-term economic...
Read MoreFOX News.com LIVE
Resource Financial Group founder and principal Peter Maris shares his market insight with FOX News.com LIVE anchor Tracy Byrnes. Maris points to strong fundamentals encouraging continued market growth. He goes on to detail his...
Read MoreMarketWatch Radio
Peter Maris, founder and principal of Resource Financial Group, joins MarketWatch Radio anchor Larry Kofsky in a discussion of the current market environment. Maris details his optimistic market outlook, emphasizing the market’s...
Read MoreBusiness News Network
Business News Network highlights the market expertise of Peter Maris, founder and principal of Resource Financial Group. Peter provides his long-term market outlook and identifies the fundamental factors contributing to the...
Read MoreCNBC "Squawk on the Street"
Erin Burnett of CNBC’s “Squawk on the Street” features Peter's investment expertise. Peter discusses bank loan funds and explains that they are “a timely investment given where we are coming out of the...
Read MoreChicago Tribune
The Chicago Tribune spotlights the financial planning experience of Peter Maris, principal at Resource Financial Group. Maris discusses financial scams targeting older investors and outlines strategies for avoiding common pitfalls. He...
Read MoreTheStreet.com
Resource Financial Group principal Peter Maris shares his market outlook with TheStreet.com reporter Melinda Peer. Maris discusses the Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke’s most recent assessment of the overall economic recovery,...
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