You will likely hear “… a half a point” on May 4th. Who is the Fed, what does this mean, and how many rate hikes are expected this year are important questions.
Rates – at the long-end, at the short-end, at the mortgage end – RATES!
You are likely in the process of completing your 2021 tax return. Those who didn’t plan may be frustrated and wonder if there is anything to do. The answer is YES!
Global events overtook the market toward the end of February but the Fed also remains an important driver.
It is tax season. You are getting the W2’s and 1099’s online or in the mail. Depending on your stage of life, some are getting 1099-R’s for IRA withdrawals and others a 1098-T for college tuition. Some know exactly what all this means; others just enter in the tax software dialogue boxes; still others throw it in the shoe box and hand it to their accountant.
The equity markets aren’t having such a happy new year. As stated last month, watch real interest rates.
I hope you are enjoying the new year. In addition to reflection and refreshing goals, those taking distributions from IRAs – including IRAs inherited prior to 2020 – also need to refresh their distribution calculation using updated IRS Tables.
A strong finish to the year but a weak start to 2022. And watch the real interest rates and impact on growth stocks.
You can feel the energy and excitement of youth (and the older youth!) this time of year. Soak it in and enjoy this holiday season – but also remember that energy is present year-round. After the holiday season passes and the grind sets in, continue to recognize this and encourage them accordingly… but without “measuring you by the yardstick of my own years.”
Most markets began drifting lower mid-month but end-of-month news from the Federal Reserve and COVID variants caused a major pullback.
Social Security benefits are rising 5.9% in 2022. Headline CPI was up 6.2% year-over-year. The Fed says it is transitory. Here are some pictures to help put in context
We escaped the scary month of October on the equity front but inflation concerns took away the treats.