Macro Overview June 2021

Kent Forsey, CFP® American Workers, Cyberattacks, Economic Impact, Inflation, Macro Overview, Scams, US Workforce, Vaccination

The market is said to always be climbing a “wall of worry.”  Here are the current issues that are creating a new wall or helping to take down previous “walls of worry.” Financial global markets are drawing support from the effectiveness of ongoing vaccinations and improving economic signs.  Consumer sentiment is re-evolving, resulting in rising consumer demand as pandemic anxieties …

Macro Overview May 2021

Kent Forsey, CFP® Census Data, Economic Impact, Global Price Index, Inflation, Macro Overview, Stimulus, Tax Proposals, US Workforce

Last year’s Federal Government stimulus package was credited with helping both individuals and business weather a mandated shut down.  However, the continued efforts to throw money at the waning crisis appear a bit short sighted as we take a closer look at the effort of a possible fourth stimulus package and the beginning of tax increases to pay for all …

Stimulus Bill and Tax Hikes

Kent Forsey, CFP® Economic Impact Payment (EIP), Stimulus, Taxes

Individuals will see many benefits with the passing of the $1.9 trillion bill last month, know as the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. Economic Impact Payment (EIP) of $1,400 per individual with an Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) up to $75,000 based on their most recent tax return filing EIPs for qualifying dependents over 16 years of age based on …

Macro Overview February 2021

Kent Forsey, CFP® COVID-19, Economic Update, Investing, Macro Overview, Stimulus, Stocks, Tax Returns, Vaccination

As we settle into the new year, we find the market influenced by an unexpected source, progress in vaccination distribution and new information on stimulus checks. Read on for additional information into these areas and more. Speculative trading among smaller retail investors raised concerns about how social media is influencing individual stock valuations. Recently popularized social news aggregation and discussion …

Macro Overview January 2021

Kent Forsey, CFP® Consumer Spending, COVID-19, Inflation, Macro Overview

The start of a new year brings renewed hope and optimism.  Here is a quick look at the past years major events and government legislation affecting the market, interest rates, inflation, as well as the expected carry over into this year.  The rollout of vaccinations will be a continuing news topic along with the long-term changes to consumer behavior as …

Markets Head Higher in November – Equity Market Overview

Kent Forsey, CFP® Copper, COVID-19, Dow Jones, Equity Markets, S&P 500

Earnings are always the big wind behind the market direction, but there are other issues that help add to the narrative.  The combination of a finalized election, effective vaccine trials, and positive earnings from various sectors drove equity indices higher in November. Analysts expect upcoming additions to the S&P 500 Index to produce added volatility with the index, creating demand …

Macro Overview November 2020

Kent Forsey, CFP® COVID-19, Economic Update, Inflation, Macro Overview, Presidential Election

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

Kent Forsey, CFP® Consumer Spending, COVID-19, Economic Update, Macro Overview, Presidential Election

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

Kent Forsey, CFP® COVID-19, Economic Update, Stocks, US 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

Kent Forsey, CFP® American Workers, Consumer Spending, COVID-19, 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 …