wealth management Archives

September 1, 2025

Published by Brad Horn on September 1, 2025

Categories

Market Analysis

August 2025 Returns and Asset Performance

Major Asset Classes August 2025 Performance Comparison Introduction August returns mark the fourth straight month of consecutive gains, resulting in high valuations and leaving prices vulnerable to drawdowns, as seen on the last day of the month. The S&P 500 index (+1.9%) saw solid corporate earnings and increased optimism surrounding […]

August 2, 2025

Published by Brad Horn on August 2, 2025

Categories

Market Analysis

July 2025 Returns and Asset Performance

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

Published by Brad Horn on July 4, 2025

Categories

Market Analysis

June 2025 Returns and Asset Performance

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

Published by Brad Horn on May 3, 2025

Categories

Market Analysis

April 2025 Returns and Asset Performance

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

Published by Brad Horn on March 2, 2025

Categories

Market Analysis

February 2025 Returns and Asset Performance

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

January 2025 Asset Returns and Performance

Published by Brad Horn on February 2, 2025

Categories

Market Analysis

January 2025 Returns and Asset Performance

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

Published by Brad Horn on January 6, 2025

Categories

Market Analysis

December 2024 Returns and Asset Performance

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 3, 2024

Published by Brad Horn on December 3, 2024

Categories

Financial Planning

Download – Important Numbers 2025

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

Published by Brad Horn on December 3, 2024

Categories

Market Analysis

November 2024 Returns and Asset Performance

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%) […]

October 10, 2024

Published by Brad Horn on October 10, 2024

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Download – REIT Masterclass

The MasterClass on Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) was taught October 7, 2024 at the Magrath Library, UofM St. Paul campus. The focus on REITs is part of an ongoing series of classes on retirement planning that looks at the building blocks for income generation. For example, a REIT is […]