Insight Reports
August 6, 2025
Tactical Positions for Fed Rate Cuts Introduction Signs of economic slowing and a softer labor market are starting to shift the market yield outlook after a prolonged period of high interest rates. Falling rates tend to favor growth stocks, bonds, gold, real estate, and infrastructure development projects. Portfolio rebalancing toward […]
August 2, 2025
Major Asset Classes July 2025 Performance Comparison Introduction July returns for the S&P 500 index (+2.2%) maintained upward momentum for the third month in a row despite ongoing tariff tensions and economic uncertainty. A key driver was second quarter earnings which grew 10.3% on an annual basis versus pre-report estimates […]
July 4, 2025
Major Asset Classes June 2025 Performance Comparison Introduction June returns for the S&P 500 (+5.0%) were solid despite volatility from trade tensions, inflation concerns, and geopolitical risks. The last day of the quarter also saw a new all-time high, fueled by strong earnings from big tech and optimism from potential […]
May 3, 2025
Major Asset Classes April 2025 Performance Comparison Introduction April returns tell a tale of two markets. Early in the month, a severe market drawdown was triggered by tariff turmoil. Notably, the second half of the month had a relief rally given reduced geopolitical tension and improving corporate earnings. The S&P500 […]
March 2, 2025
Major Asset Classes February 2025 Performance Comparison Introduction February returns for the S&P 500 index (-1.4%) saw two all-time highs followed by sell-off at month-end tied. The market turned on new fiscal tightening, pending tariffs, consumer confidence declines, and forward projections of lower GDP and earnings growth. A shift in […]
February 2, 2025
Major Asset Classes January 2025 Performance Comparison Introduction January returns for the S&P 500 index (+2.7%) exactly offset the losses seen in December. It was a rollercoaster month with another all-time high for the S&P 500 index, followed by sharp drops triggered by a new IA model from China and […]
January 6, 2025
Major Asset Classes December 2024 Performance Comparison Introduction December returns for the S&P 500 index (-2.7%) were down, but lead global markets by a wide margin for the year (+23.3%). US government bonds (-1.7%) were also down in December, struggling to stay positive in 2024, but ending the year with modest […]
December 15, 2024
Roth IRA Conversions Introduction Roth IRA conversions are a powerful tool for tax and retirement planning. A Roth IRA conversion is a financial strategy that allows individuals to move funds from a standard retirement account, such as a Traditional IRA or 401(k), into a Roth IRA. The conversion can have […]
December 3, 2024
2025 Important Planning Numbers Download There are lots of important numbers that we work with in financial, tax, and retirement planning. 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 […]
December 3, 2024
Major Asset Classes November 2024 Performance Comparison Introduction November returns for the S&P 500 index (+5.7%) were the strongest of the year, benefiting from a post-election rally. Government tax reform, deregulation, and improvements in government efficiencies launched the S&P 600 Small Cap index (+11.1%), while the 20Y+ Government Bond (+2.0%) […]