With the election over, a lingering uncertainty has been removed as expectations of how fiscal policy and stimulus programs funded by government debt may evolve. Unfortunately, along with the increased clarity of possible new government policy, other things are becoming clearer as some economists and market analysts project eventual higher taxes along with an expanding fiscal debt. A politically divided …
Macro Economic Overview October 2020
Worries regarding a second wave of infections heading into the fall, election uncertainties, and wavering economic indicators contributed to a dubious September. Equities paused from their upward trajectory in September, with technology stocks repelling from their highs. Uncertainty surrounding vaccine deployment and the election are expected to influence market momentum and investor confidence. Election results will help determine the direction …
Equity Markets Driven Higher In August – Domestic Market Overview
A little good news in an uncertain world. The recovery of U.S. stocks from the depths of the market turmoil in March has been unprecedented. Equity values returned to where they were before the pandemic in August. The rebound in equity indices has been one of the strongest in nearly 90 years, propelling indices to new highs this past month. …
Why Small Businesses Are So Important To The Economy
The country is composed of millions of small businesses from home-based one person consultants to hair salons and manufacturing companies. As defined by the SBA’s Office of Advocacy, a small business has less than 500 employees and operates independently, not under the control of another entity. As of 2018, the SBA acknowledges that there were 30.2 million small businesses in …
Macro Overview March 2020
Fear has been permeating capital markets worldwide as the impact of the coronavirus continues to evolve. Global economic forecasts have been revised downward by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank as factory closures, quarantines, and travel bans continue to hinder numerous industries. The Federal Reserve helped alleviate markets with a rate reduction announcement as a result of …
The Secure Act – Key Provisions Affecting Retirement & College Savings Plans
There are a few new rules and numbers to keep in mind regarding retirement plans as legislation passed by Congress 2020 includes changes affecting millions of American retirees. The Setting Every Community Up For Retirement Enhancement Act, known as the SECURE Act, was signed into law by the president on December 20th. Provisions of the law are intended to facilitate …
Macro Overview
A quick snapshot of where we stand at the end of 2019 and the past decade. Financial markets experienced a bountiful decade for stocks and bonds, as a low rate environment fostered by the Federal Reserve and technological advances driven by innovation, catapulted values higher. The 2010 decade was the first decade to avoid a domestic economic recession, with accelerated …
Global Markets Elevate
Domestic equities finished November with gains not seen since the summer, took a brief pause and then continued their ascent as we approach the end of the year. Optimism surrounding U.S. – China trade discussions helped fuel equities higher, with technology, health care, and financials as the leading sectors in November. The absence of volatility, along with the Fed maintaining …
Year End Tax Actions to Consider
It’s been two years since the last major tax changes were made by congress in 2017, but some of the changes were slow to be defined and understood. Here are some that affected most individual taxpayers to consider as we reach the end of the year. Withholdings and Estimates Withholdings and estimated taxes should be verified before year end, as …
Stretch IRA Rules May Change – Retirement Planning
A widely used method to defer taxes and benefit your children or grandchildren with your unused retirement funds is about to change as new rules are being imposed on distribution of funds from Inherited IRAs, also known as Stretch IRAs. Both the House of Representatives and the Senate have drafted their own versions of the new rules. The House has …