December 2, 2021

November Returns and Asset Performance

Major Asset Classes November 2021 Performance Comparison Introduction Red ink swept across the monthly results for most asset classes in November, highlighting the need for active risk management and strategies for capital preservation. Technology stocks performed well, as did U.S. investment grade bonds and inflation-indexed bonds. Finally, commodities continued to […]
November 19, 2021

Important Planning Numbers 2022

2022 Important Planning Numbers Download There are lots of important planning numbers that we work with.  At the same time, there are many core numbers our clients ask us about and need to keep in mind. In some cases, those numbers change each year. Other times, the figures do not […]
November 3, 2021

October Returns and Asset Performance

Major Asset Classes October 2021 Performance Comparison Introduction October returns were led by the stock market, which hit all time highs.  As expected, the S&P 500 hit major highs at month’s end just as the earnings season kicked into high gear.  The index has had three quarters in a row […]
November 3, 2021

S&P 500 Earnings Insight

S&P 500 Earnings Update Actual Earnings – 3Q.2021 The third quarter earnings season is well underway.  Actual earnings have been reported for 328 of the companies in the S&P 500 index.  Specifically, net income for all the reporting companies is 40.4% higher than that reported 12 months ago. The actual […]
October 2, 2021

September Returns and Asset Performance

Major Asset Classes September 2021 Performance Comparison Introduction September returns across global financial markets suffered their broadest retreat in a year.  First, the hardest hit asset classes were domestic and international equities.  Second, government and corporate bonds also declined more than 5%.  Commodity prices were mixed.  For example, lumber, natural […]
September 17, 2021

New Tax Law Proposed Will Kill IRA Conversions and Investments in Private Placements

New Tax Law Proposed Will Kill IRA Conversions and Investments in Private Placements Introduction The new tax law presented by Democrats seeks to reform retirement plan rules.  It also seeks close “loopholes” commonly used by wealthy individuals. Finally, it limits private equity investments by IRAs, including business start-up funding.  The […]
September 14, 2021

Biden Tax Law Proposal Targets High Income Individuals, S-Corps and Trusts

Biden Tax law proposal Targets High Income Individuals, S-Corps and Trusts Introduction The new Biden tax law is on deck and in the books. Democrats released the tax proposal on September 13. After months of anticipation, the final product does not match expectations. The proposed measures may impact you in […]
September 3, 2021

August Returns – The Best and Worse Performing Assets

August Returns – The Best and Worse Performing Assets Introduction August returns proved to be exciting in both financial and commodity markets.  Corporate equities and high-yield debt both proved to be solid performers .  This was evident in the US, developed markets (DM) and emerging markets (EM).  The month also […]
September 2, 2021

The Sustainability of Social Security

The Sustainability of Social Security The Social Security Administration (SSA) just issued its annual report and projects a fiscal cliff in 2034. Let’s discuss what’s happening, what’s being done about it and how you might be affected. Social Security Trust Funds The SSA administers two large trust funds.  The first […]
August 14, 2021

Benchmark Selection for Investment Portfolios

Benchmark Selection for Investment Portfolios Introduction Benchmarking is the process of comparing your investment portfolio to a market index.  Investors should carefully assess benchmark selection.  This is especially important for multi-asset portfolios subject to periodic rebalancing and cash distributions.  A well-chosen benchmark is like a compass that can quickly tell […]