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5 Things to Consider When Downsizing for Retirement

After working hard and providing for your family for all of these years, you are likely counting down the days until retirement and beginning, as The Beach Boys once said, that “endless summer.”

Annuities: The Key to Women’s Financial Empowerment and Independence

In today's world, financial independence is a stepping stone to women's empowerment. A critical path to pursuing this independence is having a suitable retirement income.

Why Insurance is a Must-Have Element of Estate Planning

You probably already know that insurance is something you should have in case of unforeseen events. When it comes to estate planning, insurance helps manage the distribution of your assets the way you see fit.

How's It Going? Depends on Who You Ask

The post-pandemic economy is treating people very differently, creating a headache for central bankers. The extreme differences can often get traced back to living situations, as renters have a very different experience than...

Preferred Securities: Still Our Preferred Non-Core Bond Sector

It continues to be a challenging environment for a lot of fixed income markets, especially higher quality markets. With the Federal Reserve (Fed) seemingly unlikely to lower interest rates until after the summer months (at the...

SELL IN MAY? MAYBE NOT

“Sell in May and Go Away” is one of the most widely used maxims on Wall Street. There is no shortage of financial media coverage on this topic as the calendar turns to May. However, this phrase may be more rhyme than reason, as stocks...

The Surprising Benefits of Getting Life Insurance Later in Life

A common piece of standard life insurance advice is to get it as early as possible — and there are good reasons why. If you're young and in relatively good health, purchasing a term life insurance policy is usually much cheaper than it...

Exercise, Diet, and Financial Wellness - 3 Tips to Ensure You're in Good Financial Health for Retire

To maintain good physical health, most people must exercise regularly, eat a balanced diet, and keep stress to a minimum. Achieving financial wellness is no different. It requires careful planning, smart decision-making, and...

Estate Planning for HNW Foster Parents

Estate planning is crucial for all individuals, regardless of their wealth or status. However, the need for comprehensive estate planning becomes even more significant for high-net-worth (HNW) foster parents. Despite the rewarding...

How Will My Children Pay for College? 7 Tips to Help You Plan, Save, and Pay

As a parent, one of the most significant concerns is ensuring that your children have the financial resources they need to pursue higher education. With college tuition costs continuously rising, it's no surprise that many parents...

Volatility Is Back: Understanding Ever-Changing Market Narrative

Volatility has come back into the market as the narrative shifted toward a higher-for-longer monetary policy backdrop. Signs of sticky inflation and a resilient economy, including a strong labor market, have underpinned the change in...

Revisiting Energy: How Rate Cuts Could Benefit the Space

As the first quarter earnings season kicked off on April 12, expectations for the energy sector were decidedly negative. That low bar has tempted analysts to forecast a series of positive surprises as recent data releases for both the...

What to Watch This Earnings Season

First quarter earnings season kicks off this week with several big banks reporting this Friday, including sector bellwether JPMorgan Chase (JPM). This quarter will seem quite similar to the fourth in terms of growth and drivers, with...

The ABCs of Financial Literacy

Being financially literate allows you to have a better, more intelligent relationship with your money, allowing you to make financial decisions more quickly and efficiently.

How Working with a Lawyer May Help Preserve Your Estate

Through the services of a lawyer, comprehensive estate planning may provide financial independence so that your affairs are in order and your estate protected.

Asking for Help Is a Strength, Not a Weakness. Here Are 10 Ways a Financial Professional Can Assist

Here are ten ways a financial professional can assist high-performing individuals work toward improving their financial health.

Raising Savers: Teaching Your Kids How to Avoid Learning Financial Responsibility the Hard Way

Do you remember how hard it was learning about finances by making mistakes? Don’t make your kids suffer through that like you had to. Here are seven tips you can teach your children, so they don’t have to learn the hard way.

High-Net-Worth Retirement Planning: How Social Security Fits In

As high-net-worth (HNW) individuals approach their golden years, retirement planning often becomes a focal point of their financial strategies. One aspect of this planning that sometimes creates confusion or misinterpretation is the...

IPOs AS A MARKET TELL

The initial public offering (IPO) market allows institutional investors to incorporate the macroeconomic landscape with individual corporate earnings data — and future earnings forecasts — to ascertain a share price that will hold up...

NAVIGATING THE STRATEGIC INVESTING LANDSCAPE

The difference between strategic and tactical investment time horizons can be likened to the ebb and flow of tidal patterns in oceans. Strategic investing mirrors the steady rise and fall of the tides, focusing on long-term goals and...

A Busy (and Perhaps Historic) Week for Central Banks

It seems like we just can’t stop talking about central banks. And this week will be no different, with at least 15 central bank meetings planned, some more important than others, of course. While the Federal Reserve (Fed)...

Super Six Drives Solid Earnings Season

Fourth quarter earnings season is winding down with only about a dozen companies in the S&P 500 left to report. After a slow start mired by messy bank results early on, corporate America picked up the pace and ended up delivering...

Markets Warming Up

As spring approaches, the weather is starting to warm up. For the stock market, the temperature has been rising for a while now. In fact, since December 2023, the S&P 500 has not experienced a pullback of even 2%. Strong starts to...

SUPER SIX DRIVES SOLID EARNINGS SEASON

Fourth quarter earnings season is winding down with only about a dozen companies in the S&P 500 left to report. After a slow start mired by messy bank results early on, corporate America picked up the pace and ended up delivering...

How Does a Leap Year Impact Your Finances?

Life is full of strange and interesting things, like Halley’s Comet and the Northern Lights, and one that affects us all, even if you don’t realize it, is a “leap year.” Every four years, an extra (or...

Managing Your Money: Top Financial Habits for Women Entrepreneurs

Today, there are an estimated 12.3 million women-owned businesses. To give that some context, approximately 43% of entrepreneurs worldwide are women. A study conducted by Fidelity Investments showed that women are often less prepared...

A Dollar Saved by Packing Your Lunch Can Be a Dollar Invested Towards Retirement

Eating lunch out during work is fun, convenient, and an opportunity to try new eateries, but it can also be expensive. Even if you only spend $10 - $12 per day, that adds up over time. According to a CNBC study, if you eat out every...

The Role of AI in Investing and Financial Planning

The integration of tech can amplify the capabilities of financial professionals. As investors navigate the dynamic landscape of the financial markets, they find themselves at the intersection of cutting-edge technology and...

Building Credit Confidence: Empowering High-Earning Women on the Path to Financial Success

As high earners not rich yet (HENRYs), women may find themselves in a position where their earning potential is high, but they may still have uncertainties about building their credit confidence. Establishing and managing credit is a...

Dressed for Retirement Success: Organizing Your Financial Closet

As you approach retirement, you're probably envisioning a future of leisure, adventure, and well-deserved relaxation. But just as you plan your wardrobe for different seasons, organizing your financial closet is crucial to help manage...

BUYBACKS ARE BACK

After a brief lull in 2023, buyback activity appears to be back this year. A resilient U.S. economy, easing inflation pressures, and expectations for an eventual shift to interest rate cuts have given corporate America confidence to...

Treasuries: Who’s Buying and Why it Matters

As the Federal Reserve (Fed) continues with its Quantitative Tightening (QT) program, questions abound regarding the Treasury Department’s expanding funding needs. The QT program is designed to reduce the Fed’s balance...

Outlook for U.S. Economy Continues to Brighten

When we wrote the annual outlook last November, the data was mixed. Some metrics hinted at emerging cracks in the economy while others suggested the growth trajectory in capital markets and the economy had legs. So, the variety of the...

Solid Start to 2024

Stocks are off to a solid start in 2024. January gains are particularly enjoyable because of the old adage from the Stock Trader’s Almanac, “As goes January, so goes the year.” Nearly 75 years of historical data show...

Will the January Barometer Come Through?

A positive January has historically been a bullish sign for stocks. Yale Hirsch, creator of the “Stock Trader’s Almanac”, first discovered this seasonal pattern back in 1972, which he called the January Barometer and...

You’re About to Retire: Here are 7 Tips to Stay Independent

Independence is important in retirement. The more independent retirees are, the more fulfilling their retirement is likely to be. However, living independently as you age isn't always easy and may take some degree of planning.

Managing Your Money: Top Financial Habits for Women Entrepreneurs

A study conducted by Fidelity Investments showed that women are often less prepared for retirement than their male counterparts. Here are several financial habits women entrepreneurs can consider in pursuit of their money management goals.

3 Practical Time Management Tips for Investors

For many, spending more quality time with loved ones and friends is a New Year’s resolution or work-life balance goal.

Women Are Navigating the Great Wealth Transfer

Over the next two decades, trillions of dollars will change hands, and women are poised to inherit a substantial share, projected to control several trillion dollars in investable assets by 2030.

Magnificent Seven and Margins Are Keys to Q4 Earnings Season

With the S&P 500 having recently ascended to a fresh record high after such a strong 2023, it’s natural for investors to worry that valuations have become over-extended. On traditional valuation measures, valuations do appear...

Will Shipping Disruptions Alter Fed Plans?

Shipping disruptions in the Red Sea could temporarily impact goods prices but not at the same magnitude as during the pandemic. Tight financial conditions, slowing economic growth, and a disinflationary trend all support the Federal...

Magnificent Seven and Margins Are Keys to Q4 Earnings Season

Fourth quarter earnings season kicked off last week, and markets were generally left wanting more. That doesn’t necessarily mean this earnings season will be disappointing, especially considering the bar has been lowered so much...

Important Lessons from 2023

Stocks defied the skeptics in a very unpredictable 2023. The Dow Jones finished at a record high on December 28, and the S&P 500 came within a whisker of a fresh all-time high after the index rallied more than 20% for the year. It...

Understanding Capital Gains Taxes and Planning

It’s not just about how much money you make, but how much you keep Capital gains taxes might sound like a complex financial term reserved for Wall Street tycoons, but in reality, they touch most investors and many homeowners....

7 Tips for Near Retirees to Protect Their Financial Data

While protecting your financial data has always been important, it grows even more critical as you start planning for retirement. From preserving your retirement savings to maintaining financial independence to avoiding stress, you...

Lessons Learned in 2023: “This Time Is Different” in Post-Pandemic Economy

To say 2023 was challenging may be an understatement. While stocks had a surprisingly impressive year, there was no shortage of obstacles for investors to overcome, including historic interest rate volatility, recession risk, banking...

Tips to Planning Your Purposeful Retirement

Three science-backed avenues to retirement enrichment and fulfillment Retirement is often idealized as a serene period of well-deserved rest and leisure. Yet, while the respite from a career's demands is welcome, retirees soon find...

Key Financial Wellness Metrics for Near-Retirement Individuals

As one approaches retirement, monitoring your financial situation by understanding your net worth and assessing the assets and resources needed to maintain a comfortable lifestyle throughout retirement is vital. This article explores...

Key Equity Themes Underlying U.S. Stock Market Outlook for 2024

Following the Federal Reserve’s (Fed) aggressive rate-hiking campaign in 2022 and 2023, stocks are entering a phase in which the market narrative is focused on interest-rate stability — as inflation, we believe, comes down...

LPL's 2024 Outlook: A Turning Point

LPL Research recently unveiled Outlook 2024: A Turning Point, which recaps where markets have been over the last half of 2023 to help position your portfolio through midyear of 2024. It’s with pleasure that we bring you a...

DISCORD IN THE OPEC+ OIL PATCH

Despite a heavy lobbying effort to cajole OPEC+ members to agree to a unified cut in oil production, Saudi Arabia, the de facto leader of the energy cartel, was unable to orchestrate anything more than pledges on a...

A November to Remember

Solid gains for both stocks and bonds gave investors a November to remember. As financial markets continue to defy skeptics, I’m reminded of a quote from Warren Buffett’s long-time partner and one of the greatest investors...

Market Opportunities Amid An Economic Rotation

Opportunities abound in the markets, even during periods when the economy appears ripe for a regime shift. Recent growth metrics surprised to the upside, but leading indicators point toward some downside risk. In this edition of...

Talking to Your Children About Inheritance

Generational wealth involves proactive financial planning, especially when parents or grandparents pass on their wealth to loved ones after they die. Entrusting family members with receiving an inheritance is more than just getting a...

Check Your List Twice: A Toys and Gifts Safety Checklist for Parents

With the holidays fast approaching, kids are anxiously waiting to receive the toys and gifts they asked for. While buying presents is one of the fun parts of the season, it is easy to get caught up in the moment and forget to follow...

Qualified Charitable Distributions for RMDs

Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) are vital for those who must take an annual required minimum distribution (RMD) but seek a tax-advantaged strategy that may help lower their adjusted gross income (AGI). Using a QCD strategy,...

Choosing a Retirement Date: Is the End or First of the Year Better?

There are only 24 hours of separation between the last day of the year and the first day of the new year. Nevertheless, choosing the official calendar date of your retirement to be in one calendar year over another is not a trivial...

Anatomy of a Market Rally: Looking at Key Catalysts

As the market appears to be taking a rest and consolidating its $2.7 trillion rally leading up to the Thanksgiving holiday, the historical pattern over the last five years suggests the shortened holiday week typically enjoys modest...

Is the Stock Market Correction Over?

There is nothing like an eight-day winning streak to change the market narrative. Stocks have quickly gone from a correction to a comeback this month, and the S&P 500 is now challenging key resistance at 4,400. While a confirmed...

Can Muni Investors Catch a Break? We Think So

It’s been another volatile year for municipal (muni) investors this year. While generally outperforming U.S. Treasuries, the Bloomberg Muni Index is on track for its second calendar year of negative returns—something that...

Trusts and Year-End Planning: A Checklist

A trust is a legal vehicle that protects your assets and contains instructions for your assets when you die or become incapacitated. When you set up a trust, you transfer assets from your name into your trust's name while you still...

Creating Your Perfect Retirement Recipe

Although achieving your financial goals is more challenging than following a step-by-step recipe, a few common ingredients and preparation methods may help improve your ability to manage financial resources. Here is one recipe for a...

'Tis the Season for Scammers: 3 Steps to Spot Charity Fraud

For many people, the holiday season is when you enjoy family and friends and give a little back to those in need. Charitable giving is its highest during the holiday months. While many legitimate charities are out there looking for...

Offering Thanks

The penultimate month of the year is often a time to reflect and offer thanks. And while economic and geopolitical uncertainty can overshadow the positives, there are things to be thankful for. Here is just some of what we’re...

5 Tax Benefits of Long-Term Care Insurance

Kitty O’Neill Collings, an American politician and pioneer in the area of international diplomacy, civil liberties, and social justice, once quipped, “Aging seems to be the only available way to live a long life.”...

Possible Halloween Scares for Markets and the Economy

It’s a tradition here to write about what scares us around Halloween each year. The past few years have offered plenty of material to use in these annual commentaries, but with wars in Israel and Ukraine ongoing, Washington, D.C...

Economic Impact: Can Something Good Come from a Crisis?

Despite headwinds, the U.S. could experience structural changes in the labor market, residential real estate, and inflation as the post-pandemic economy progresses into the New Year. As markets adjust to a new regime, investors should...

Earnings Hope to Keep This One-Year-Old Bull Market Going

Earnings season has kicked off with several of the big banks and a handful of other blue-chip companies having already reported results for their calendar third quarters. The key headline this reporting season will be the (likely) end...

Yields Higher for Longer: Why We’re Updating Our Treasury Forecast

U.S. Treasury yields have seemingly been moving in one direction lately (higher), with the 30-year Treasury yield temporarily breaching 5% for the first time since 2007. The move higher in yields (lower in price) has been unrelenting,...

Estate Planning - Don't Just Set It and Forget It

Estate planning is critical for efficiently transferring your money, property, and assets to your beneficiaries after you die. The reason people choose an estate plan is that it avoids probate. One thing to keep in mind about your...

The Most Common Estate Planning Mistakes and How To Mitigate Them

In the realm of estate planning, the ripple effects of our oversights often linger long after we're gone, impacting the lives of those we leave behind. It’s the uniqueness of this area of planning that makes it paramount to get...

Staying The Course

Dear Valued Client,  The S&P 500 lost 3.3% in the third quarter after sliding nearly 5% in September. Putting this into perspective, nothing really qualifies as out of the ordinary. Since 1950, the S&P 500 has historically...

Prospects for a Fourth Quarter Rally

After a difficult September for stocks, investors are surely ready to flip the calendar to October. That’s the month that kicks off the historically strong fourth quarter. Expecting this pattern to repeat this year is tricky...

Is India Surpassing China to Become the Next Superpower?

India has emerged as a compelling economic growth story and an increasingly attractive alternative to China within the emerging markets complex. A growing population with a robust and young workforce, significant infrastructure...

Retirement Security Starts With Visualizing Your Future

Planning for your financial future and retirement looks much different now than in previous years. Some people must supplement their Social Security to have enough to maintain their desired lifestyle. This means financial planning is...

A Woman’s Guide to Long-Term Care

Women face unique financial challenges as they age. When compared with men, women live longer, earn less, and spend fewer years in the workforce. Financial concerns are often more acute for older women who are divorced, widowed, or...

Succession Planning for Women Business Owners

Women entrepreneurs face a unique set of hurdles when it comes to starting new businesses, particularly in a post-pandemic world. In 2021, women started about 40 percent of all new businesses, and this figure has remained fairly steady...

Protect Financial Information from Prying Eyes on the Web

As more and more consumers search for financial information on the Internet, they may inadvertently leave themselves open to being “tracked” by certain companies and individuals. Visitors to financial websites have created...

Advice to Advisors: Buy Japan, Hold U.S., Sell Europe

Recent data suggests economic conditions in Europe are deteriorating, removing a key element of LPL Research’s positive view of the attractively valued developed international equities asset class. Previous U.S. dollar weakness...

Social Media Influencers vs. Financial Professionals

One is based on personal experiences and the other is grounded in theories As the digital age reshapes traditional norms, a dramatic shift in the sources of financial advice is emerging among young investors. Betterment, a leading...

The Growing List—and Politicization—of BRICS and Friends

The BRIC acronym, without the “S,” was introduced in 2001 by the Goldman Sachs chief economist who highlighted the prodigious growth and investment prospects of Brazil, Russia, India, and China combined. In 2009, Russia...

Navigating Market Setbacks

Financial markets lived up to their reputation during the month of August, which has a record for being difficult. On the first day of August, markets had to contend with a downgrade of U.S. long-term debt by the rating agency, Fitch....

Interest Rates Are Back to Normal, But What Is Normal

Fixed income investors have had a rough time over the last few years. Normally a staid asset class, core bonds (as proxied by the Bloomberg Aggregate Bond Index) have seen negative returns over the last two calendar years and could...

Opportunities and Risks in the Markets: Lessons Learned from the Grand Tetons

The Federal Reserve (Fed) often uses the Jackson Hole Symposium to announce tweaks in policy. Other central bank leaders are also worth watching as investors try to perceive where rates will be in the coming months. In this piece, we...

Women Who Mean Business: 7 Secrets of Successful Businesswomen

Being successful in the business world has been especially challenging for women in recent decades as they continue to strive for equality in the workplace and advancement as well as comparable advancement opportunities. At the same...

5 Emergency Savings Tips for Building a Financial Safety Net

From unemployment to a sudden health crisis to a crippling accident, being financially prepared for life's many challenges may smooth the road ahead. Whether you are just starting out or have been working toward financial health for...

401(K): The Preferred Vehicle for Retirement Savings

A 401(k) retirement savings plan is one of the most desirable fringe benefits a small business can offer. For a business owner, it can help strengthen a company’s position when competing for top talent. It can also be structured...

The Facts of Life Insurance: Debunking 5 Common Life Insurance Myths

Having a solid life insurance policy in place is crucial for any adult who has assets, a business, or a steady income. While most adults know that having a life insurance policy is a vital piece in their financial puzzle, there are...

Pullback Perspective: The Reasons Why Stocks Are Pulling Back

Volatility has returned right on cue as U.S. equity markets continue to pull back from overbought levels. The recent jump in interest rates has proven to be too much too fast for stocks to absorb, especially for the heavyweight and...

How This U.S. Debt Downgrade is Different from 2011

It’s different this time. The four (or five) most dangerous words in investing. We’ll take the risk and use those words here as we break down the recent decision by credit rating agency Fitch to downgrade U.S. government...

Key Earnings Season Takeaways

Earnings season is mostly behind us with about 85% of S&P 500 companies having reported second quarter results. The high level results aren’t particularly impressive, but if we peel back the onion, the numbers are encouraging....

Staying Invested In A Tricky Market Environment

Making economic forecasts and stock market predictions can be humbling. It’s especially tough when you expect stocks to go higher and get a big drop instead. The environment today is the opposite, but still tricky, as the...

A Cloudy Outlook Makes for Choppy Markets

The economy is doing better than expected, and the markets are responding accordingly. In this piece, we discuss some of the factors that cause us to think the Federal Reserve (Fed) hiked for the last time in this cycle as inflation...

(Still) Waiting on the Fed to Be Done Raising Rates

The first half of the year probably didn’t go the way many fixed income investors had hoped, particularly after the historically awful year last year. It wasn’t a horrible start—more in line with recent...

The Great Wealth Transfer: Women, Are You Ready?

As the Baby Boomer generation moves on, a great wealth transfer is coming, and women are likely to be the largest beneficiaries of passed-down wealth. Women are also building their own wealth despite continuing gender wage...

High Earning Women and Wealth Management

In the U.S., women control a third of household assets. But by 2030, U.S. women are expected to control much of the assets that the baby boomer generation will pass to heirs, roughly 30 trillion in assets. High-earning women have...

It's Never Too Late to Improve Your Financial Awareness

Financial education is constantly evolving. As investments, financial priorities, and the economy change, so do financial strategies and plans. To stay on top of your retirement and ensure that you are on your way toward your financial...

The Traits of a Good Investor and How Women Can Make the Most of Them

Many women manage their own money. This includes women who have always been doing so and women who are relatively new to the world of investing, for whatever reason.Regardless of your level of investing experience, there are certain...

Earnings Need to Do Some Heavy Lifting to Keep Rally Going

Earnings season is upon us as some banks and a small handful of other blue chip companies have already reported results for their quarters ending June 30. The results on the surface probably won’t offer much to write home about...

Mid Year Outlook: The Path Toward Stability

Now that we’re beyond the midpoint of the investing year, it’s a great time to look at where we’ve been—to help position your portfolio for the latter half of the year. Our Midyear Outlook: The Path Toward...

A Better Than Expected First Half

As we finalize the log on the first six months of 2023, we believe there’s value in reflecting on recent months gone by. Doing so can help crystallize key learnings and help chart a course through the rest of the year. Looking...

Capital Markets: The Essence of American Capitalism

The long dormant capital markets have recently begun showing signs of interest from institutional investors and deal makers anxious to bring companies to market. While activity remains muted at best, expectations are focused on 2024,...

The New Standard and Poor's 500 Bull Needs a Breather

We know it’s old news at this point, but on June 8, 2023, the S&P 500 entered a new bull market. After such a strong rally off the October lows, this young bull probably needs a breather. A look at the charts suggests this market...

Why is ESG Investing So Appealing?

For more than 200 years, long before the advent of modern stock markets and electronic trading, some investors have been committed to socially-responsible (SRI) investingi. This involves choosing companies and products that...

Acquaint Grown Children with Your Financial Affairs

Many parents may feel it is unnecessary to inform their adult children about their personal, financial affairs. However, as your children grow older, it can work to your advantage—and that of your entire family— to share...

6 Retirement Tips for Surviving the Sandwich Generation Squeeze

Adults caring for aging parents and children simultaneously have now become known as the "sandwich generation." While each generation comes with its own array of financial challenges, the sandwich generation often feels a tight...

Market Responses to Fed (In)Action

As the economy is likely downshifting, investors should take heed that the Federal Reserve’s (Fed) current stance is eerily similar to early 2007.  During that time, the Fed held a tightening bias since they believed the...

Tips for Women to Help Build Financial Independence

Every woman needs to balance her financial past with her financial future.Traditionally, women have been the caretakers of both the older and younger generations of their families. But providing care for family members is becoming...

FOMC Preview: Fed Skip, Pause, or Hike?

The Federal Reserve (Fed) meets this week where it is largely expected to not raise short-term interest rates for the first time in 15 months. However, Fed messaging has been all over the place in recent weeks. While some Fed...

Debt Ceiling Drama Behind Us

Every so often Washington likes to remind us how hard it can be to get things accomplished. The most recent example is the debt ceiling—the amount Congress can borrow to pay its bills. It seems like we have this debate every few...

Closing Out Our Equities Overweight

Stocks have had a nice run, but at higher prices, the bar for further gains gets higher. We have recently made the case in this publication that there are a lot of reasons to expect the market to go higher between now and year-end. But...

Money Mistakes that Young Professionals Make

Proactive tips to help you and your family pursue a confident financial futureAs you enter the workforce and start to earn a regular income, it's easy to get carried away with newfound financial freedom. However, this can often lead to...

Are You Retirement Ready? 5 Ways to Help Your Parents Prepare for Retirement

The sandwich generation is a term commonly used to describe those between the ages of 40 and 59 who are responsible for raising their family and are also often helping their aging parents manage their ongoing needs. Those members of...

Last Minute Considerations for the FAFSA Deadline

For many, the expenses of college or technical school can be overwhelming. But, with financial aid programs, tuition, room and board, books, and other college-related costs can become more affordable. To determine if your student...

529 Plans and Alternatives: Making an Educated Decision about Education Savings Options

Those that choose to invest in the education of a family member, friend or acquaintance are investing not only in that individual’s future, but also the future of society. It is an act of generosity, forward-thinking, and love....

As Volatility Increases, So Does Retirement Worry

Tips to combat banking failures, inflation, rate hikes and market corrections.Getting ready for retirement involves more than just calculating how much you will need and the rate you can draw down your savings. The years before you...

Will History Rhyme? A Fed Pause Has Been Good For Fixed Income

Economists like to remind us there is no such thing as a free lunch. In investment parlance, that just means all investments carry risk—even cash. And the big risk with cash is reinvestment risk. That is, while short-term rates...

Earnings Update: Better Than Feared Undersells These Results

First quarter earnings season is nearly complete, and it has caused us to regret titling our earnings preview commentary on April 10, “Malaise Continues.” While the “better than feared” label fit the past couple...

What To Know Before Drafting A Will

A will is an important document most people don’t want to think about, but it’s crucial to have in place to protect your assets and ensure your loved ones receive what you want them to.It can be wise to have a lawyer write...

A Tough Times Survival Guide for Small Businesses

Small businesses may often find themselves struggling, and there are many situations in which business owners may find themselves weathering a storm and hoping to make it through. While the strength and fortitude of those who run small...

King Dollar Still Rules

Much has been written lately about the threats facing the reserve currency status enjoyed by the U.S. dollar. “De-dollarization” headlines appear on a near-daily basis, suggesting the dollar’s reign is in looming...

Battle Inside the Beltway

Key Takeaways:Time is running out for Congress to raise the debt ceiling. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen has warned lawmakers that the government may not be able to service its debt by June 1.The fixed income market continues to show...

Reading and Understanding Your Life Insurance Policy

Most people hate the thought of reading a life insurance policy (or any insurance policy, for that matter). However, if you can find the time and muster the patience, it's probably a good idea to read through your policy. If you do,...

Sell in May?

“Sell in May and go away” is probably the most widely cited stock market cliché in history. Every year a barrage of Wall Street commentaries and stories in the financial press floods in about this popular, but overused...

Reading and Understanding Your Life Insurance Policy

Most people hate the thought of reading a life insurance policy (or any insurance policy, for that matter). However, if you can find the time and muster the patience, it's probably a good idea to read through your policy. If you do,...

Medicare Will Not Cover All Health Care Costs

There are out-of-pockets, limitations and gaps that Medicare doesn’t cover Medicare is a federal health insurance program for individuals aged 65 or older and certain younger people with disabilities.And despite being a widely...

Draining The Lifeblood Of The Economy

Investors use various analogies to describe the importance of small businesses in the domestic economy. Some refer to the small business sector as the backbone or the lifeblood of the economy. At this current stage of the cycle, we...

From Riches To Rags In Three Generations: Managing Generational Wealth Checklist

When discussing multigenerational wealth it is common to come across proverbs that acknowledge the fact that generational wealth typically won’t make it past the third generation. In the United States the saying goes, “from...

The Treasury Market is Starting to Show Signs of Worry Over Debt Ceiling

With tax season (mostly) behind us, the U.S. Treasury Department will have a better sense of how much cash it has on hand and when it will run through the extraordinary measures it is currently employing to pay its bills. The Treasury...

A Closer Look At Commercial Real Estate

The commercial real estate (CRE) market has recently captured the spotlight after being flagged as the next potential shoe to drop following last month’s banking turmoil. While rising rates have weighed on financing costs and the...

Minimizing Taxation of Your Social Security Retirement Benefit

Your Social Security retirement benefit may be taxableDid you know that you might have to pay federal income tax on your Social Security retirement benefit? If the only income you had during the year was Social Security income, then...

Earning Preview - Malaise Continues

First quarter earnings season kicks off this week with some big banks reporting toward the end of the week. In some ways this quarter’s earnings season will probably be déjà vu all over again—earnings declines and...

Who Is Right, Fed Or Markets?

Financial markets and the Federal Reserve are reading from two different playbooks. Who is right? The markets are pricing in several rate cuts by the end of this year, while the Federal Reserve communicated more rate hikes with an...

The 36-Hour SVB Collapse and Hierarchy of Blame

A lot has changed in the past few weeks, both in terms of expectations for interest rates and lost confidence in the health of the banking system as a result of the sharp rise in interest rates that has led to some things...

Stocks and Bonds Before and After Taxes

Managing Investment Returns with Tax-Efficient Strategies Investing in U.S. stocks and bonds is a popular way for individuals and institutions to grow their wealth and generate income. However, it is important to consider the impact of...

Wading Through Financial Stability Risks: An Action Plan

The Federal Reserve (Fed) has a history of raising short-term interest rates until something “breaks.” Considering the Fed has raised rates from a near-zero level to 4.75% (upper bound) over the course of only one year, it...

Spring Clean Your Finances

As temperatures warm up, trees begin budding, and the days get longer, you probably throw open your windows and think about spring cleaning your home. As you tackle washing windows, cleaning carpets, and sorting out the garage,...

Update on Credit Suisse situation

Just as the market was starting to make some progress digesting the news of the Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) failure, another source of potential financial stress popped up in the form of Credit Suisse (CS). Here’s what we know...

Financial Mistakes to Avoid in 2023

Could you be losing money because of simple monetary mistakes? Avoid these money-wasting habits in 2023 to have more cash when you need it—or save it for a rainy day. Failing to budgetConventional wisdom says to follow the...

Taking A Closer Look at the Fed’s New Bank Term Funding Program (BTFP)

Those of us who lived through the Bear Stearns, Lehman Brothers and Washington Mutual (to sadly only name a few) financial collapses are shuddering at the thought history may be about to repeat itself. Thankfully, as we wrote about in...

Latest Equity Asset Allocation Views

Last week did not play out how we anticipated. Coming into the week, it was all about Federal Reserve (Fed) Chair Jerome Powell’s congressional testimony and the February jobs report. Instead, we got a shockingly fast collapse of...

Dissecting Recent Bank Failures

Posted by lplresearchBank Failures Raise Market DistressStock and bond market activity was materially shaken last week as Silicon Valley Bank (SVB), the California bank subsidiary of SVB Financial Group (SIVB), fell into FDIC...

All About Credit Scores

Every consumer is entitled to a free credit report every 12 months from each of the three major credit reporting agencies:ExperianTransUnionEquifaxBesides the annual report, you may be entitled to an additional free report under...

No Landing = No Sense

Suggesting an economy makes “no landing” makes no sense. Analogies eventually break down, especially this one. Economic activity does not stop like an airplane eventually does, but rather the economy will settle into a...

Debt Ceiling Primer

While concerns about the debt ceiling have been increasing, markets, businesses, and the economy are likely to see only minimal impact until we are days, or maybe a few weeks, from the “x date,” the date on which the...

A Beginner’s Guide to Investing

When you start to consider if investing is an appropriate option for you, you may have questions. You might want to ask:How do I invest money, and where?How much money will I need?What are some common strategies for someone that has...

What's Changed and What it Could Mean

Markets have adjusted to several changes this year. The pace at which inflation has cooled is slowing. The market has started to believe the Federal Reserve’s (Fed) “higher for longer” message. The bar for earnings has been lowered.

Wealth Due to Inheritance

What is it?IntroductionIf you're the beneficiary of a large inheritance, you may find yourself suddenly wealthy. Even if you expected the inheritance, you may be surprised by the size of the bequest or the diverse assets you've...

Debt Ceiling Standoff Back in Focus

The debt limit—commonly called the debt ceiling—is the maximum amount of debt the Treasury Department is authorized to borrow to pay its already committed financial obligations. The amount is set through Congress and has...

Trying to Stick the Landing

Soft landing or no soft landing, that is the question, with all due respect to William Shakespeare. But while this may be the most commonly asked question these days, it may not be the most important or the toughest. That honor goes to...

The Facts of LIFE (Living Independently For Elders): Financial Planning and Senior Independence

Navigating elder care and elder care finances in the U.S. can be a challenge even for the most well-prepared households. So what, exactly, is involved in senior financial planning? What steps can you take now to help you be prepared...

Brightening Outlook For International Equities

Investors got more excited about international investing late last year. Some of that was chasing better returns, as developed international equities solidly beat the U.S. over the last three months of 2022. Some was the increased...

Independent and Thriving: What to Consider In Your Later Years

While you never know your needs as you age, the first step is thinking about your financial situation and health today so you can plan for your later years. With a one in four chance of making it to our 90th birthday, being independent...

Will January Hit The Trifecta?

The script has been flipped in 2023. Last year’s underperformers have turned into outperformers this year, driving the S&P 500 Index up over 5% this month. The pace and composition of the rally have left many investors skeptical...

Debt Snowball vs. Debt Avalanche: The Cold Hard Facts

What would you do if you didn't have a single monthly payment each month on debt? No car, credit card bills, student loans, or even a house payment! Living a debt-free life with no monthly payments is possible for everyone, regardless...

A Feisty Bull-Bear Debate

The latest episode of the debate between stock market bulls and bears has gotten more interesting. For every valid point from one side, there’s an equally compelling argument on the other side. Perhaps the best reason for the...

Understanding Capital Gains Tax as an Investor

As an investor, you may be impacted by capital gains if you sell your investment – whether at a gain or loss. Understanding capital gains may help with your overall investment strategy and the potential to preserve your wealth....

Q4 Earnings Preview: Pessimism May Be Overdone

Fourth quarter earnings season is underway and probably won’t bring much good news. Lackluster global growth, ongoing profit margin pressures from inflation, and negative currency impacts are likely to translate into a year-over-year...

Don't Miss Out on These 5 Commonly Overlooked Tax Deductions

When you own a business, you get to deduct business expenses from your business income. This general rule applies, subject to certain limitations, whether you are a sole proprietor with employees or a self-employed freelancer...

Impact of SECURE 2.0 on Retirement Savings

As you may know, Congress passed SECURE 2.0 as part of the fiscal 2023 spending package. This bipartisan retirement security legislation could present opportunities for your retirement savings strategy. I have included a summary that...

Lessons Learned in 2022

We believe accountability and modesty are among the keys to success in this business. In striving for those qualities, LPL Research has a tradition of starting off a new year with a lessons learned commentary. We got some things wrong...

Are You Fiscally Fit? 5 Ways to Check the Health of Your Wealth

Just as it is important to be physically and mentally fit, it is also important to be fiscally fit. Fiscal fitness is not only about how much money you earn or the balance in your savings or retirement accounts. Instead, it is...

2023 Market Outlook

2022 was a dizzying year as markets and the global economy continued to find itself out of balance due to the still present aftereffects of the COVID-19 pandemic and the policy response to it. If 2022 was about recognizing imbalances...

A Path to Setting and Reaching Your 2023 Goals

What if you focused on your system instead of just your goals? Setting goals for a new year can feel overwhelming.  We all know that resolutions don’t last, but we also feel the energy that comes with a new year of...

Historic Year For Central Bank Activity

The Federal Reserve (Fed) wrapped up its last Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting of the year last week, where it hiked short-term interest rates for the seventh time in as many meetings, taking the fed funds rate to 4.5%...

Key Numbers 2023

Start preparing for the upcoming tax season by reviewing Key Numbers 2023 which provides tax reference numbers at a glance.

December Down But Not Out

Despite the S&P 500 Index starting December with five consecutive days of losses, we think December is down but not out. December often starts slow but historically has been a strong month. There are also some potentially supportive...

Top Year-End Investment Tips

Three tips on year-end givingYou may be able to sidestep capital gains taxes and get a deduction by making a charitable donation of securities that have risen in value but no longer fit your strategy.If you make a charitable donation...

Resilient Consumers Have Not Saved Retail Stocks

Economic and corporate data support the initial strong reads on holiday retail sales despite the macro headwinds, reinforcing the idea that today’s consumer is in a better position than usual at this point in the business cycle....

IRS Increases 401(k) Limit By Record Amounts

As inflation soars, you can now save a lot more for your retirement. On October 21st, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced that the amount individuals can contribute to their 401(k) plans in 2023 has increased to $22,500, up...

Playbook for a Fed Pivot

Recent inflation data has tempered expectations for future Federal Reserve tightening, including a potential peak in the terminal rate near 5.0% in May or June of 2023. While the market has welcomed this news, history suggests the path...

5 Key Steps To Help Women Strengthen Their Business and Their Retirement

As a female entrepreneur, you may face different challenges than your male counterparts. For example, women were disproportionately affected by the COVID pandemic. 1 They also tend to earn less than their male peers—largely in...

Caring for Your Aging Parents

What is it?Caring for your aging parents is something you hope you can handle when the time comes, but something you probably hope you never have to do. Caring for your aging parents means helping them plan for the future, and this can...

High Inflation and Rising Rates Supported Value in 2022

The growth vs. value debate has been pretty one-sided in 2022, with value outperforming growth for a sustained period for the first time in almost 15 years. However, the debate is heating up as investors begin to consider whether the...

How Midterm Elections May Move Markets

Midterm elections are upon us, with Election Day on Tuesday. Republicans are strongly favored to win the House, and the Senate is roughly a tossup. We believe either outcome would be market-friendly, although the bigger market driver...

Appropriate Checklists for Year-End Tax Planning

What are appropriate checklists for year-end tax planning?Tax planners often develop checklists to guide taxpayers toward year-end strategies that might help reduce taxes. Typically, suggestions are grouped into several different...

Federal Reserve Preview: Trick or Treat?

With a series of important economic indicators suggesting the economy is declining and inflation is finally decelerating, albeit very slowly, markets are beginning to factor in that the Fed may soon transition to a less aggressive...

Your Long Term Care Action Plan: A Step-by-Step Guide

Those turning 65 this year have a 7 in 10 chance of needing long-term care (LTC) at some point.1 With the cost of a private room in a nursing home now topping $100,000 per year, the thought of paying this — or for a loved...

Three Things to Know About Recessions: The 3 D’s

If the U.S. economy enters a recession, the causes and potential outcome will be hotly debated. At LPL Research, our starting point is always looking at history. This week’s commentary will remind us of three things we know about...

How to Protect Your Small Business from Cyber Threats

In addition to visiting the SBA cybersecurity website, business owners might want to review "Protecting Personal Information: A Guide for Business" and "Start with Security: A Guide for Business," both available on the FTC...

Low Bar For Earnings Season

Expectations are very low for this earnings season. The challenges are many, with intense cost pressures and slowing economic growth at the top of the list. The chorus of analysts and strategists calling for big cuts to estimates has...

Everything You Need to Know About Medicare Savings Programs

The terms Medicare and Medicaid are similar sounding names; however, these programs serve very different needs. Medicare is a health insurance benefit program for those aged 65 and older and others with certain disabilities. Medicare...

Investor Pessimism Still at Historic Lows

The latest weekly data from the American Association of Individual Investors (AAII) showed the percentage of individual investors who are bullish about short-term market expectations at very depressed levels (20.4%), and continued the...

Pockets of Vulnerability Magnified by Monetary Policy

As Federal Reserve (Fed) officials continue to emphasize the Fed’s commitment towards restoring price stability, the dollar marches ever higher. Markets are currently pricing in another 75-basis point rate hike at the November 2...

Markets on Watch as Xi Jinping’s Influence to be Tested in October

On October 16, China will begin its 20th National Congress of the Chinese Communist Party in Beijing. This plenum is especially significant because it is expected that President Xi Jinping will be granted an unprecedented third term,...

Plan, Prevent, and Protect

When it comes to a home emergency, most of us would prefer not to think about the risks of a potentially devastating event, such as a fire. But statistics show that these events do happen, and, what’s worse, many people are...

Taking Advantage of Higher Yields

The LPL Research Strategic and Tactical Asset Allocation Committee is increasing its recommended interest rate exposure in its tactical allocation from underweight to neutral. Now that interest rates have moved substantially higher, we...

Fall Into a Healthy Routine

Fall is in full swing, and for most families, so is a return to the school year routine. But for some kids, adjusting back to this schedule can be stressful—and can take a little longer than you’d like to find balance.But...

How Much Higher Can Rates Go?

Inflationary dynamics continue to surprise to the upside, and markets now expect the Fed to pursue one of its most aggressive rate hiking campaign in years. U.S. Treasury yields continue to move higher as well. We think we’ve...

The Role of Caregiver Affects Women Differently

Tips to meet the needs of your loved ones, employer, and yourself Today, like so many other women, you may be facing a new challenge while you’re still working full time. Your children are growing up just as your parents are...

Inflation is Easing But Not Enough

Inflation Cools But Not EnoughThe August Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose 8.3% year-over-year (YoY) from 8.5% in July. Excluding food and energy, the core CPI rose 6.3% (YoY), accelerating from last month. Inflation pressures continue...

Markets Continue Lower Amid Powell Message

View enlarged chart.U.S. and International EquitiesMarkets Finish LowerMarkets finished lower for a third straight week. The S&P 500 Index is down more than 8% from its mid-August peak after the index rallied 17% off its mid-June low....

Aging Gracefully: 6 Healthy Ways to Enjoy Your Retirement

Retirement is an exciting time. You have worked hard all of your life and now get to take advantage of the fruits of that hard labor. While retirement is the perfect time to tackle to-do lists and all of the things you have always...

Markets Sell Off Sharply On Hawkish Powell Message

View enlarged chart.U.S. and International EquitiesMarkets Finish LowerMarkets pulled back sharply this week as the S&P 500 Index ended its streak of four straight weekly gains.  Markets got an unwelcomed reminder from Federal...

Women and Money: Taking Control of Your Finances

It's important to have a clear understanding of your overall financial position.As a woman, you have financial needs that are unique to your situation in life. Perhaps you would like to buy your first home. Maybe you need to start...

Markets Pull back, Ending Four-Week Winning Streak

Markets across the board pulled back this week as the S&P 500 Index ended its streak of four straight weekly gains, the longest such streak since November 2021.  Concerns about China’s economic landscape along with an all-time record increa

Advanced Estate Planning Concepts for Women

As you plan your estate, it is important to consider the tax implications. This can range from planning for the income tax basis of your property, to the gift tax, estate tax, and generation-skipping transfer tax potentially applicable...

The Bulls Are Back In Town?

The latest weekly data from the American Association of Individual Investors (AAII) showed a continued increase in the percentage of individual investors who are bullish about short-term market expectations (32.2%), and a continued...

Retirement-Planning Tips for Women

Understanding the special challenges women may face in planning for retirement can help them manage the associated risks.All investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal, and there can be no assurance that any...

English Premier League Soccer Kickoff: Do Stocks Cheer Red Or Blue?

The most watched, and arguably the most exciting, soccer league in the world kicked off this weekend across the pond: the English Premier League (EPL). It’s set to be an enthralling season for the many EPL fans around the world...

Market Strength Continues Amid Favorable Earnings

Index PerformanceView enlarged chart.U.S. and International EquitiesU.S. Markets Finish HigherThe major U.S. market indexes finished higher this week as growth and value names witnessed solid gains. The latest batch of second quarter...

ESG Investing: Monitoring Doing Good for The Planet and Its Inhabitants

ESG investing enables investors to participate as stewards of the planet and its inhabitants by leveraging environmental, social, and governance factors when they invest. The primary goal of the ESG investment is profit, but the impact...

A Surprisingly Good Sign for Housing

From Heavy Highway Congestion to Eerily Empty RoadwaysNot to play up too much on the data from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) but the NAHB gives insights on the traffic of prospective buyers, a leading indicator of...

Social Wellness: What is It and Why is it Important?

Social wellness refers to the relationships you have and how you interact with others. It involves building and maintaining positive, supportive relationships and fostering meaningful connections.If you prioritize becoming socially...

Are Supply Constraints Becoming Less of an Influence?

Supply-Driven Contributions to InflationYou have heard it here many times that the current inflationary environment has been irritated by supply-related problems with ports, international manufacturing shutdowns, and global shipping as...

June Market Insights – Markets Struggle As the Bear Growls

Index PerformanceView enlarged chart.U.S. and International Equities LowerThe major market indexes finished the month in the red as sticky inflation conditions weighed on last month’s market returns as the Federal Reserve (Fed)...

LPL Financial Research Midyear Outlook 2022: Navigating Turbulence

Markets rarely give us clear skies, and there are always threats to watch for on the horizon, but the right preparation, context, and support can help us navigate anything that may lie ahead. So far, this year hasn’t seen a...

Is the U.S. Treasury Market Showing Signs of Cracking?

The U.S. Treasury market is arguably the most important market in the world. Not only does the market provide the financing of the federal government, it also provides a safe and liquid asset to support the flow of capital and credit...

Conduct a Homeowners Insurance Check-Up

When was the last time you evaluated your homeowners insurance? Have your needs changed since you initially purchased your homeowners policy? If so, there may be gaps in your insurance coverage. For example, you may have acquired...

Was that the Bear Market Low?

With the S&P 500 moving into a bear market and the first half of the year since shaping up as one of the worst ever, many investors are wondering if we have yet seen the bear market low. We first asked, “Was that the...

Tips to Shape Up Your Fiscal Fitness this Summer

A regular program of disciplined financial practices can help you in the long-run Many people realize that the best way to stay in shape is to develop an appropriate fitness regimen and then stick with it. If you start a fitness...

Higher Rates Break Homebuilder Stocks

Undoubtedly the most important story of the past week is the historic move in interest rates. While this is a trend that has been firmly in place for months, it has accelerated even more following last Friday’s higher than...

Mindful Questions to Ask Yourself at Work

It’s important to be task driven at work, but your mental and physical well-being should never suffer because of your daily tasks. Here are some questions worth asking yourself during a work day.How are you fueling your body?A...

Inflation at 41 Years Highs but There Is Some Good News

Headline Inflation Jumps, Core Inflation CoolsHeadline inflation in May rose 8.6% from a year ago, accelerating from April’s 8.3% growth rate. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose to the highest year-over-year increase since...

Estate and Financial Planning Considerations for LGBTQ+ Couples

Even though same-sex marriage has been legal in the U.S. for about seven years, LGBTQ+ couples still face a few extra hurdles regarding estate planning. From family squabbles to establishing legal parenthood, here are a few...

Fed Fears The Tight Job Market

Labor Markets Are Tight With Little Signs of LooseningEmployment in May grew by 390,000, driven by strong gains in leisure and hospitality, professional and business services, and transportation and warehousing. Job growth does not...

Will There Be A June Swoon? Maybe, But Maybe Not

After a late month rally, we can say goodbye to the month of May, which now opens the door to June. Here’s the bad news, June is historically a weak month and it is actually the worst month of the year during a midterm year, down...

Revive Your Resolve: How to Recommit to Your Goals and Resolutions

What Happens After A Bear Market Starts? Four Things To Know

Resources for Women-Owned Small Businesses

Five Things You Should Know About the Traditional 60/40 Portfolio

Older Americans: Growing Targets of Financial Fraud

Subliminal Messages in the Jobs Report

6 Self-Care Strategies for Nurses

6 Charts Focused on the Long Term

Invest in Your Financial Education During Financial Literacy Month

Three Reasons Inflation Could Be Near A Peak

3 Ways to Invest in Our Planet on Earth Day

Potential Sector Winners and Losers This Earnings Season

Why Retirees Should Devote Time to Community Service

Will Rising Mortgage Rates Squash the Housing Market?

Health Is Wealth: How Improving Your Physical Health May Benefit Your Finances

April 1st employment report was no joke: the labor market is tightening

First Woman to Receive Nobel Prize in Economics

Higher Frequency Data Point to Slower Growth

Three Things That Happened Last Week That Have Bulls Smiling

Spring Cleaning Countdown

Luck of the Investor: Making Your Own Luck on St. Patrick's Day

Gas Drives Headline Inflation To 40-Year High: Are We Near The Peak Yet?

Job Gains Surprise to the Upside But Fed Will Still Likely Hike by 25 Basis Points Next Meeting

Women, Wealth, and Legacy Planning

Women's History Month: 4 Female Financial Pioneers

What Is the VIX Index And How Has It Responded To Russia-Ukraine Conflict?

11 Things To Know About Russia and Ukraine

Positivity Amidst Uncertainty

How setting a schedule can make you less productive

Munis Have Held Up (Relatively) Well in Periods of Rising Rates

Home-Health-Care Factors for You to Consider

What’s the Technical Setup for the S&P 500?

Chocolate-Covered Cherry Bread

Will the Year of the Tiger Make the Bulls Smile?

IRS Makes Contribution Limit Changes for 2022

GDP Gets a Big Boost from Inventories

Tax Prep Checklist: Everything You Need to Be Ready for Tax Season

Moving Forward After a Pullback

A Place for Everything: A Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Your Finances Organized

Corporate Credit Markets are Healthy but Remain Expensive

Five Healthy Habits for Financial Wellness

Markets Begin Year On A Weak Note

Four New Year's Resolutions for Current Retirees

Markets End The Year On A Strong Note

3 Things You Might Not Know About Charitable Giving

How to Stay Committed to Your Financial Goals

Setting healthy financial goals is critical. Even more important is staying committed to those financial goals. Keeping yourself committed to your goals may be difficult, especially when times may be financially tough. But by staying...

Sector Playbook For Fed Rate Hikes Favors Value

The Best Ways to Stay Active This Winter

If the cold has you less motivated to crawl out of bed this winter, don’t fret! Here are a few ways to stay active if the outdoor weather conditions aren’t for you. Workout apps With technology always within our reach,...

A Season of Giving: 5 Different Ways To Give During the Holidays

With the holidays here, now is the time to get into the giving spirit and help to change others' lives for the better. Whether you are looking to make a difference in a specific person's life or the life of many, there are many ways to...

Peak Inflation: Are We There Yet?

LPL Financial Research Outlook 2022: Passing the Baton

Job Growth Came Up Short in November

How Have Stocks Done Under Jerome Powell?

The big news this week was Jerome Powell will remain in charge of the Federal Reserve (Fed) for four more years, so we wanted to do a quick blog that looked at how stocks have done while he has been the Fed Chairman. “There are...

Tech is Leading Again

The S&P 500 Information Technology Sector has gained 27% in the past six months, outperforming the broader S&P 500 by more than 10%. But could its run of leadership just be getting started? As shown in the LPL Chart of the Day, the...

Remarkable Rise Of ESG Investing

Environmental, Social and Governance Investing Basics Responsible investing is widely understood as the integration of environmental, social and governance factors – hence the ESG acronym – into investment processes and...

How do Black Friday and Cyber Monday retail sales affect the stock market?

What typical investors need to know We all read and hear about various special deals, “doorbusters,” price cuts, and early opening hours on Black Friday. We also read and hear about the Cyber Monday deals. These sales days...

Spotlighting Women-Owned Businesses on Women's Entrepreneurship Day

Celebrated on November 19th, Women's Entrepreneurship Day was established by Women’s Entrepreneurship Day Organization (WEDO) in 2013 to bring awareness to the hundreds of millions of women and girls living in poverty and to help...

Reasons To Be Thankful

As we reach the home stretch of 2021, there is a lot to be thankful for. Stocks are having an amazing year, the economy is improving, and COVID-19 trends are going the right direction. Let’s look at some reasons to be thankful....

Can You Spot the Scam? Common Financial Fraud Warning Signs

Many people are familiar with the scammers who promise to pay millions of dollars in exchange for briefly holding funds in your bank account or those who offer to enhance certain body parts risk-free. Today's scammers are clever at...

Job Growth Bounces Back in October

The October payroll report more than delivered on expectations for a bounce back from the soft September report. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics released its October employment report this morning, revealing that the domestic...

2021 Year-End Planning for Retirees

For some, 2021 has flown by—and as we approach the last quarter of the year, it's a good time to begin planning for the next one. Year-end planning is especially important for retirees and those hoping to retire in 2021 or 2022....

October Market Insights – The October Rebound

Index Performance View enlarged chart. U.S. and International Equities Stocks erased September losses with solid gains in October for the broad market averages. The S&P 500 returned almost 7% for the month, while the Dow Industrials...

Leading Indicators Show Tempered Optimism for Economy

On Thursday, October 21, the Conference Board released its September 2021 report detailing the latest reading for the Leading Economic Index (LEI), a composite of ten data series that tend to lead changes in economic activity. Many...

Solid Retail Sales in September

The U.S. Census Bureau reported overall retail sales grew 0.7% month over month in September vs. forecasts for a 0.2% decline, while retail sales excluding autos and gas also saw solid gains, rising 0.7% month over month vs. estimates...

Third Quarter Earnings Season Preview

We have used most of the superlatives we know to describe corporate America’s stunning performances over the past two earnings seasons. Despite lofty expectations, results exceeded estimates by huge margins. We expect solid...

September Market Insights – The September Selloff

Index Performance View enlarged chart. U.S. and International Equities September has been the worst performing month over the past 10 and 20 years. Looking at the prior year, the S&P 500 pulled back over 9% from September 2nd to...

Leading Indicators Show Optimism For Domestic Economy

On Thursday, September 23, the Conference Board released its August 2021 report detailing the latest reading for the Leading Economic Index (LEI), a composite of ten data series that tend to lead changes in economic activity. Many...

Revisiting Our 10-Year Treasury Yield Forecast

Until recently, we expected the 10-year Treasury yield to end the year between 1.75% and 2.0%. Now, however, there are two key elements suggesting we are unlikely to see significantly higher interest rates by year end: The Delta...

Main Street Sentiment Remains Strong Despite Risks from Speedy Recovery

According to LPL Research’s analysis of the Federal Reserve’s (Fed) recently released Beige Book, business sentiment on Main Street has declined in recent months as the economy navigates the latest wave of COVID-19, but...

How To Financially Prepare for a Disaster

Natural disasters like wildfires, floods, earthquakes, tornadoes, and long-term power outages don't discriminate—they may impact anyone at any time. However, you don't need to live your life under the constant stress of expecting...

Global Monetary Policy and What Likely Comes Next

The Covid-19 pandemic was an unprecedented shock to a large majority of global economies. But the economic damage was met with an extraordinary global monetary response with the Federal Reserve (Fed), European Central Bank (ECB), the...

A Growing Trend

Women Entrepreneurs The business landscape is continually changing—technological advances, corporate downsizing, restructuring, and telecommuting have reshaped the marketplace.­ Although these improvements and modifications...

Don’t Fall into Fall

Vacation season is coming to an end and it’s time for one of the busiest times of year—fall. With holidays around the corner and back to school for kids, budgeting your time accordingly is key in having a successful season....

What Should Grandparents Know About 529 Savings Accounts?

Grandparents can often find themselves in a better financial position to save for their grandchildren's education than their own children are. The parents of prospective students may still be contending with competing priorities like...

Healthy Mind, Healthy Life

There are many things you can do to keep your brain active: going outside more, listening to classical music, or learning a new skill. As you get older, it’s imperative to take care of your mental and physical health. Both are...

How is Delta Affecting Consumer Behavior?

How is the recent increase in COVID-19 cases in the United States linked to the spread of the Delta variant affecting the U.S. consumer’s behavior? We look at some consumer confidence focused high-frequency data for clues on how...

3 Types of Funds for Socially Responsible Investing

While making money off investments is often a major goal, the new generation of investors is also focusing on where they put their money in the hopes that their investments will do more for the greater good.[1] The move toward socially...

Jackson Hole Economic Symposium Preview

Since 1978, the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City has played host to central bankers, policymakers, academics and economists from around the world at its annual economic policy symposium in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, which is slated to...

A Closer Look At The High Yield Muni Market

As mentioned in the most recent Muni Market Monitor, high yield muni funds have accumulated $24 million of net inflows year to date, representing ~20% of total inflows to the total municipal category. With the prospects of higher...

How to Structure Charitable Giving Throughout Your Lifetime

Charitable giving is a way for affluent individuals spread their money around and to benefit causes that are near and dear to their hearts. Yet, for those who fall into the high net worth category, it is critical to structure...

Ways to Support Black Business

As the call continues to come for following through on support of minority-owned businesses,[1] many are wondering how they may lend their support to black businesses. Whether through direct investment or community support, there are...

Leadership Changes Coming to the Federal Reserve?

The Chairperson of the Federal Reserve (Fed) is appointed by the President of the United States and serves a four-year term. The current Chairperson, Jerome Powell, has held that position since 2018 so his initial term is ending early...

July Market Insights – Sixth Straight Monthly Gain for the S&P 500, Led by Growth

Index Performance View enlarged chart. U.S. and international equities In July, the U.S. major market indexes finished higher while international equities, as represented by the developed international markets (MSCI EAFE), and the...

Federal Reserve Meeting Preview

The Federal Reserve (Fed) meets this week to discuss its ongoing support for the U.S. economy. During its regularly scheduled two-day meeting, the nineteen-member committee is expected to discuss if and when the Fed should start to...

3 Types of Funds for Socially Responsible Investing

While making money off investments is often a major goal, the new generation of investors is also focusing on where they put their money in the hopes that their investments will do more for the greater good.[1] The move toward socially...

How Women Are Different from Men, Financially Speaking

We all know men and women are different in some fundamental ways. But is this true when it comes to financial planning? In a word, yes. Everyone wants financial security. But women often face unique obstacles that can affect their...

Earnings Season Off to a Great Start

Top Story Earnings season off to a great start Beat rates have been outstanding so far with 85% and 90% of S&P 500 companies beating earnings and revenue targets. Second quarter earnings growth is tracking to a nearly 70%...

LPL Research Releases Midyear Outlook 2021: Picking Up Speed

LPL Research is proud to announce the release of Midyear Outlook 2021: Picking Up Speed. While the speed can be exhilarating as economic growth accelerates, it can also be dangerous. Our updated outlook is designed to help you navigate...

Midyear Outlook 2021: Picking Up Speed

LPL Research Midyear Outlook 2021: Picking Up Speed is designed to help you navigate the risks and opportunities over the rest of 2021 and beyond. While the speed can be exhilarating as economic growth accelerates, it can also be...

Why is ESG Investing So Appealing?

For more than 200 years, long before the advent of modern stock markets and electronic trading, some investors have been committed to socially-responsible (SRI) investing.1 This involves choosing companies and products that...

S&P 500 Index Streaking

Top Story Streaking. Stocks have been extremely strong recently. Here are some eye-opening stats. The S&P 500 Index is up seven days in a row for the first time since August 2020. It hasn’t been up eight in a row since April 2019...

Healthcare and the Sandwich Generation

Members of the "Sandwich Generation"—or adults who have at least one parent over age 65 and at least one child who still requires financial support—often find themselves torn between their dual caregiving responsibilities.1...

Corporate Credit Markets Are Boring And Why That’s Good For Equity Investors

While most of the focus lately has been on the volatility in the Treasury markets, the corporate credit markets continue to tell an encouraging story about the economic recovery. The traditional U.S. corporate credit bond market...

The Different Stages of Financial Freedom

If you're living paycheck-to-paycheck or stuck in a job you don't love just to pay the bills, it can be easy to feel as though you're financially trapped. But financial freedom doesn't need to be elusive—with some focused and...

Connecting the Dots on the Recent Bond Market Price Action

The “dot plots” are slowly becoming the new phrase of the year after the July 16 Federal Reserve (Fed) meeting. As a reminder, the dot plots represent the expected path of short-term interest rates by Fed members. Each dot...

Tempering Tech

As investors we fight against behavioral biases in every investment decision we make. Our Director of Research Marc Zabicki talked recently about some of these biases in this video. We become attached to our ideas and when we think...

The Traits of a Good Investor and How Women Can Make the Most of Them

Many women manage their own money. This includes women who have always been doing so and women who are relatively new to the world of investing, for whatever reason. Regardless of your level of investing experience, there are certain...

Women & Retirement: Modern Day Challenges

Women can experience more challenges saving for retirement than men, and unfortunately, COVID-19 has added even more challenges. According to Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies report Women and Retirement: Risks and Realities...

Financial Insights for the LGBTQ+ Community

Retirement isn’t easy for most couples, and it’s even harder for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people. A modest amount of planning can go a long way to providing the financial support you need. Many LGBTQ seniors...

Munis Are Expensive but Technicals Remain Favorable

While many of the taxable markets have generated negative returns this year, both the high quality and high yield municipal markets have generated positive returns (no guarantees that will continue, of course). State and local...

May Market Insights – Commodities Extend Gains in May

Index Performance View enlarged chart. U.S. and international equities The month of May proved to be mixed for the U.S. major market indexes. Last month’s top performer, the Nasdaq composite, was May’s laggard....

The Relationship Between Treasury Yields and Mortgage Rates

Mortgage rates are still around all-time lows but they may be headed higher. The 30-year national average mortgage rate hit an all-time low of 2.82% back in February, but with the U.S. economic recovery in full swing, mortgage rates...

How Technology Can Improve Your Financial Wellbeing in 2021

The coronavirus pandemic has motivated financial professionals to take full advantage of technology. Many of them are pairing various tech solutions with their unique human touch to help clients work towards their financial well-being....

Aging in Place: Growing Older at Home

The U.S. population continues to age, with the baby boomer generation now the largest generation ever. By 2035, one in three heads of households will be someone age 65 and older. The American population will have one in five people age...

What Is “Tapering” and Why Is It Important?

After the April consumer price index (CPI) release that surprised to the upside, indicating consumer prices in some areas of the economy are increasing at a faster pace than many expected, the discussion has shifted to the need for the...

Measuring Inflation and the Fed’s Reaction to Higher Prices

Inflation is one of the primary risks to bondholders. Rising consumer prices erodes the “real” value of principal and interest payments making them worth less. However, the Federal Reserve’s (Fed) reaction to...

A Holistic Approach to Your Retirement

Retirement and financial planning should take on a holistic approach. There are two parts involved, preparing for retirement, and being in retirement stages. Both stages are equally important in your approach to how you view your mind,...

April Market Insights – Economic Revival Signs Are At Hand

Index Performance View enlarged chart. U.S. and International Equities This month provided another set of positive results for the U.S. major market indexes. The top performer was the Nasdaq, rebounding from last month’s lagging...

CalSavers – Everything You Need to Know

Even before the financial challenges so many people have faced due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, an estimated one in five Americans had no retirement savings.[i] When employers offer retirement plans, their employees are more...

End of Recession May Be Announced Soon

End of recession call may come soon Incredibly, the COVID-19 recession may have ended a year ago, but we still don’t have an end-of-recession call from the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER). But we may be a step closer...

April is Financial Literacy Month

Too many people just don’t have it, but your financial professional can help April is National Financial Literacy Month – an entire month dedicated to underscoring the importance of learning, establishing and maintaining...

Valuations Matter in the Bond Market Too

“Price is what you pay; value is what you get.” – Legendary value investor Ben Graham. Valuations matter—at least in the long run. We believe it to be true in the equity markets and in the fixed income markets...

Quarterly Market Insights – Economic Recovery, Redux

Index Performance View enlarged chart. U.S. and International Equities This quarter provided positive results for all major market indexes. The top performer and standout was the US small cap Russell 2000, returning over 12% for the...

Facing Down the Fear of Running out of Money

Tips to avoid one of the biggest retirement worries that all of us will face Retirement is a major milestone that brings many life changes. One thing that doesn't change for most people: the fear of running out of money. In fact, one...

4 Tips For a Healthier Financial Outlook

With Public Health Week on the way,[1] it is not only time to consider your physical and mental health but also your financial health. When your financial outlook is healthier, you will be less stressed and enjoy what all your hard...

Revisiting Our Treasury Yield Forecast

Coming into this year, we expected longer-maturity U.S. Treasury yields to rise, consistent with improving economic growth dynamics. That is indeed what we have seen, with the yield on the 10-year Treasury higher by 80 basis points (0...

Stocks Love April

“History doesn’t repeat itself, but it often rhymes.” Mark Twain What more can we say other than few months have been kinder to stocks lately than the month of April. In fact, it was last year that saw the S&P 500...

Corporate Credit Markets Have Sold Off This Year. A Harbinger of Things to Come?

While most market participants have been (rightly) focusing on the sell-off in the Treasury markets this year, U.S. corporate credit markets have sold off as well. Corporate credit markets, as defined by the Bloomberg Barclays U.S....

Women, Wealth, and Legacy Planning

Women play a central role in establishing and preserving family wealth -- whether nurturing the values of children, fulfilling charitable goals, or making investment decisions that affect the financial security of themselves or their...

The Bull Market Is About To Turn One

“The stock market is a giant distraction to the business of investing.” Jack Bogle, founder of Vanguard First off, we hope everyone has a happy and safe Saint Patrick’s Day! We’ve had a lot of green out there...

History of St. Patrick’s Day

On Saint Patrick’s Day, towns hold festive parades, people head to restaurants to dine on Irish fare, children pinch each other if they don’t wear green, and everything from beers to milkshakes turn the color of shamrocks....

Rising Interest Rates Are A Global Phenomenon

Today is the one-year anniversary of the low in the 10-year Treasury yield. While we’ve discussed the sharp rise in U.S. Treasury yields that have occurred this year, rising rates have been a global phenomenon. Similar to the...

Women, Money, and Today's Retirement

Despite all of the other advances made in our society in recent generations, women continue to face unique challenges when it comes to preparing for their financial futures. Recognizing the Shortfalls For starters, women on average...

Energy and Financials Fuel February’s Markets

Index Performance View enlarged chart. US and International Equities This month provided positive results for the major market indexes. The top performer was the Russell 2000 small cap index, returning over 6% for the month. Small caps...

Treasury Yields Are Rising. Now What?

Treasury yields started moving sharply higher this past month (remember that as yields go up, prices go down). And while the upward march began in earnest last August when the 10-Year Treasury yield bottomed at an all-time low rate of...

Re-thinking Your Bucket List

When approaching the latter part of life, it is easy to get caught up in achieving every goal on your bucket list. Individual lists vary widely, but often are filled with wild adventures like skydiving and scuba diving in the Great...

Got Yield? Hold the Rate Risk, Please

In LPL Research’s Weekly Market Commentary this week, we looked at some stock and bond options that may be attractive income-producing ideas for suitable income-oriented investors. On the bond side, many income-oriented investors...

The History of Mardi Gras

Mardi gras is French for “Fat Tuesday,” and this holiday is celebrated on the day before the first day of Lent. Historically, for Catholics, Lent is a period of fasting, and, before starting the fast on Ash Wednesday, many...

Inflation Expectations Highest Since 2014

The 10-year breakeven inflation rate, a market-based measure of inflation expectations, hit its highest level last Friday, February 5, since 2014. Still, at 2.21% expected annual inflation over the next 10 years, it remains a...

Tips for Women to Help Build Financial Independence

Every woman needs to balance her financial past with her financial future Traditionally, women have been the caretakers of both the older and younger generations of their families. But providing care for family members is becoming...

As Goes January, So Goes The Year

Stocks got off to a nice start in 2021, until the late January selloff, as everyone got GameStop fever. Should bulls worry about what a down January might mean for the rest of 2021? There’s an old adage on Wall Street that...

Interest Rate Reversals Revisited

In LPL Research Outlook 2021: Powering Forward, we noted that large interest rate declines historically have been followed by reversals. With the 10-year Treasury yield continuing to climb, now’s a good time for an update. As...

Tips for Organizing Your Financial Documents

In an increasingly paper-free society, organizing your financial documents can still be a challenge. No matter how simple or complex your financial picture might be, it takes some thought-out organization to keep your tax documents,...

Credit Spreads Limit Bond Performance Outlook

Investment-grade credit spreads, the extra yield you get from investment-grade corporate bonds compared to similarly dated US Treasuries, have already tightened to a level you usually only see during the middle of the economic...

Treasuries Hit Key Levels

Treasury yields hit two key levels the first week of 2021. As shown in the LPL Chart of the Day, the 10-year Treasury yield moved above 1% for the first time since March 2020, and the 10-year breakeven inflation rate, a measure of...

Three Main Benefits of Being a Mentor

Just about every success story involves the influence of one (or more) mentors along the way. Mentorship can provide benefits to both the mentor and mentee, helping build long-term relationships while developing leadership skills and...

3 Way for Women to Achieve Financial Independence

For many women, working toward financial independence is more difficult. Obstacles women face include having a longer life expectancy than men which will require more savings for retirement, spending fewer years in the workforce than...

December Market Insights

Market Blog View enlarged table. US and International Equities The S&P 500 Index, Dow Jones Industrial, and Nasdaq Composite indexes, continued their November run in December. As noted last month, November was a record-breaking month...

Three Fed Takeaways from an Extraordinary Year

2020 was an extraordinary year for the Federal Reserve (Fed). The Fed responded swiftly and decisively to the rapidly accelerating financial and economic uncertainty brought on by efforts to contain the COVID-19 pandemic. The current...

Stimulus Bill May Help

Stimulus Bridges to Recovery Recent economic data shows evidence of slowing momentum in the US economy, but the new stimulus package could keep the recovery moving forward. This week’s Market Signals podcast reviews the stimulus...

Three Ways to Safely Celebrate the Start of the New Year

The COVID-19 pandemic put quite a crimp on large parties or even smaller gatherings in close quarters, and now, holiday gatherings and events are likely to look very different in 2020. But different doesn't necessarily mean bad, and...

How the Winter Solstice Can Impact Your Budget

Last year, the average American spent nearly $1,000 per person on holiday gifts, up from about $885 per person in 2018.1 Though the COVID-19 pandemic continues to weigh on the retail sector (and many Americans' bank accounts), some...

4 More Years of Dollar Weakness?

Back in July, we wrote in our July 23 LPL Research blog that dollar weakness may continue, highlighting a short-term bearish technical case for the US dollar. Since then, the Bloomberg US Dollar Index and the US Dollar Index (DXY) are...

IRS Makes Annual Inflation Adjustments for 2021

Adjustments for deductions, tax rate schedules and 60 other tax provisions The Internal Revenue Service announced annual inflation adjustments for the 2021 tax year for more than 60 tax provisions, including standard deductions and the...

Charitable Giving and Donating Toys

As the holidays approach, many children start to make wish lists, but unfortunately, not all children have someone to give them gifts. Luckily, there are many charities that help get holiday gifts and joy to children. If you're...

Highlights of Outlook 2021: Powering Forward

2020 has been a tumultuous year, and as we near its close, we are pleased to present Outlook 2021: Powering Forward, which outlines our views on markets, the economy, and policy into 2021 and beyond. Policy changes should be relatively...

Outlook 2021: Powering Forward

2020 has been a tumultuous year, and as we near its close, we are pleased to present Outlook 2021: Powering Forward, which outlines our views on markets, the economy, and policy into 2021 and beyond. Click Here to Download the PDF

Corporate Bonds Tilting Toward Expensive

Not surprisingly, corporate credit spreads widened dramatically back in March 2020, making corporate bonds cheap relative to historical averages. (Credit spreads are the extra yield corporate bonds offer versus similarly dated...

IRS Makes 2021 IRA Cost-of-Living-Adjustments

Understanding the income ranges and contribution limits for next year Tax law places limits on the dollar amount of contributions that you can make to Individual Retirement Accounts and by law, the IRS is required to adjust these...

Treasury Yields After Recessions End

It may be a year or more before the end of the recession is officially called, but gauging from the growth we’ve seen since April, it may already be over. If that’s true, it’s a good time to take a look at what US...

The Origins of Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is one of the most widely celebrated holidays in both the U.S. and Canada with the purpose of celebrating the blessings of the past year. It is known as one of the busiest travel holidays of the year and in the U.S is most...

2 Reasons Long-Term Rates Could Continue to Rise

Fixed income investors aren’t used to having to deal with the volatility of stocks, but in the year that is 2020, that is exactly what has happened thus far. Unfortunately, while we don’t see the volatility of Q1 2020...

4 Reasons to Do Your Shopping on Small Business Saturday

When Thanksgiving rolls around, the holiday shopping season comes into full swing. While many people prepare their strategy for Black Friday shopping, a lot of them forget about the second shopping holiday that weekend: Small Business...

Retirement Planning—Options for Women Business Owners

You’re an entrepreneur and you’re not looking back. You’ve opened your own business, whether alone or with other partners, and you’ve found some success. You’ve hired employees, or not, depending on your...

How to Control Holiday Spending

If advertisements and commercials are beginning to feature scenes of happy families, clad in brightly colored sweaters, gathered by a fire, surrounded by an assortment of presents, then the countdown to the holidays has begun. Although...

Market Update: Wed, Nov 4, 2020

US markets opened sharply higher despite lack of winner. Following a solid close for US equities, the markets opened strongly in the green this morning. Investors appear to be pricing in increasing odds of a divided government, which...

Halloween: The History of One of the Most Mysterious Holidays

Halloween is full of fun, scares, and a little bit of mystery. But what few people may realize is that the holiday that is now represented by candy, costumes, and the occasional mischief, has evolved drastically over time with multiple...

The Best Day Of The Year Is This Week

Market Blog With the election only eight days away and earnings season in full swing, stocks have bucked the usual October weakness during election years so far in 2020 (Monday’s losses notwithstanding). The good news is this...

Estate Planning Checklist

Because you've worked hard to create a secure and comfortable lifestyle for your family and loved ones, you'll want to ensure that you have a sound financial plan that includes trust and estate planning. With some forethought, you may...

Treasury Return Expectations Historically Low

The 10-year US Treasury yield, at 0.77% as of October 19, is still near historical lows set earlier this year. Historically, 10-year Treasury performance for the next 10 years has tended to track the Treasury yield at the start of the...

Three Tips for Planning Your Income in Retirement

If you've been diligently saving for your retirement, you may often find yourself wondering when you can afford to set an official retirement date. The answer to this question can often depend on how much monthly or annual income your...

Under-the-Radar Signal That Rates May Head Higher

Market Blog The 10-year Treasury yield has stayed in a narrow range since April 2020, helped by a supportive Federal Reserve and ongoing concerns about the COVID-19 pandemic. As shown in LPL’s Chart of the Day, the 10-year...

Fixed Income Excels in the Third Quarter

Market Blog The third quarter was characterized by the carry-over of economic momentum from the second quarter, as states continued to lift restrictions to reopen their economies. Perhaps it was no surprise that some of the hardest hit...

How to Protect Your Wealth as You Get Older

As you get older and closer to retirement, your financial practices need to shift slightly as you transition from working and saving to relying on your nest egg. As you approach this stage of your life, you need to take steps to...

How Corporate Bond Spreads Respond to Equity Market Volatility

An old Wall Street adage says bond markets are smarter than equity markets, so when stocks encounter volatility, investors often look to the bond market for clues about the potential severity of equity market weakness. The...

National Life Insurance Awareness Month

Should you really consider getting life insurance when you are close to 60? September is National Life Insurance Awareness month. And while most of us likely recognize that life insurance provides us peace of mind and security, there...

How Bonds May Perform When Rates and Stocks Fall

A few weeks ago we looked at how different bond sectors performed during rising rate periods during the last economic cycle (2009–2020). Today we look at falling rate periods—not the outcome we expect, but it can still be...

Smart Investing to Reduce the Bite of Taxes

Three things to look for when buying an index fund or ETF As tax season comes to a close, you realize exactly how much you paid in taxes and naturally will ask the question, “what can I do to reduce my taxes next year?” The...

10 Money Mistakes Millennials Should Avoid

No. 10's a Shocker Many millennial households are on their way to building substantial wealth. They are saving 20% or more of their paychecks, investing in 401(k) accounts, and keeping their debt levels low. But others, even those with...

Central Banks Speak

The US Federal Reserve (Fed) and Bank of Japan (BoJ) both meet this week, while the European Central Bank (ECB) met last week. When central bankers talk— markets listen. “The global economy has been steadying faster than...

LPL Street View: The Recession Is Likely Over

Economic Blog In the recent LPL Market Street View video, LPL Financial’s Chief Market Strategist Ryan Detrick discusses why the recession is likely over, making it one of the shortest recessions ever. Some reasons discussed...

Weekly Market Insight

Markets mostly higher. The S&P 500 Index and Nasdaq opened higher after a mixed close on Monday, with the Nasdaq making yet another new high. The S&P 500’s lower close broke a seven-day win streak and six consecutive all-time...

Three Steps to Build Your Savings

The fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic has made the need for a healthy savings account clearer than ever. Even before the pandemic, the U.S. Federal Reserve estimated that nearly 40 percent of Americans didn't have enough set aside to...

When Do Rates Start Rising After a Recession?

As the economy begins to recover, with the early stage more robust than expected, we increasingly get asked when interest rates will move meaningfully higher. As shown in the LPL Chart of the Day, historically rates don’t start...

Low Treasury Yields Present a Challenge as Inflation Expectations Rise

As the COVID-19-related economic weakness that characterized the first half of the year subsides, growth has begun to return as trillions in fiscal stimulus have helped to stabilize consumer spending. Against a backdrop of improving...

Back to School: Getting Your Financial House in Order

The abrupt end to the 2019-2020 school year in many parts of the U.S. left parents and students alike struggling to establish healthy routines. As many students prepare to head back to the classroom (or the remote classroom) this fall,...

The Worst Years for Treasuries Don’t Look Like This…Except One

Economic Blog The 10-year Treasury yield is historically low, so low that it could climb a full 1% before the end of the year and still be the lowest year-end yield on record, with room to spare. Historically low rates come with a...

3 Estate Planning Strategies You Should Consider Now

Today's low interest rates are a far cry from the double-digit rates seen in the 1970s and 1980s when even a certificate of deposit (CD) could yield up to 20 percent per year.1 But there are some distinct advantages to a...

A Checklist for Your Retirement Planning

Remember, it is never too early to start planning for your future The time to begin planning for your financial future is now. So, when it comes to preparing for retirement, the earlier you start, the better. Here are some steps to...

Women: Make a Financial Plan -- the Secret of Your Success

Financial planning is more than just a good idea. Research has consistently shown that people who have financial plans -- and who work with financial professionals -- save and invest far more and are nearly twice as likely to feel on...

Let’s Get Real About Yields

While the 10-year Treasury yield has traded in a narrow range since early April, the equivalent real yield, represented by the yield on 10-year Treasury inflation-protected securities (TIPS), has continued to fall and could go lower....

3 Way for Women to Achieve Financial Independence

For many women, working toward financial independence is more difficult. Obstacles women face include having a longer life expectancy than men which will require more savings for retirement, spending fewer years in the workforce than...

4 Retirement Planning Tips for Millennials and Gen X

In 2014, almost one-third of baby boomers had nothing saved for retirement. For those who did save, the median was around $200,000. This is a far cry less than the $1 million experts recommend for a 30-year retirement plan. Luckily,...

Real-Time Data Recovery Stalled Amid COVID-19 Resurgence

We check in again today on some of the real-time economic data that LPL Research is monitoring to provide insight into how the latest increase in COVID-19 cases and the rollback of certain reopening measures are affecting the state of...

Economically Sensitive Fixed Income Sectors Lead in Second Quarter

The Bloomberg Barclays US Aggregate Bond Index posted a solid total return of 2.9% in the second quarter of 2020, its eighth consecutive quarterly gain, and a relatively strong quarter for the broad investment-grade bond index...

Paying for College and the Impact of COVID-19

With the coronavirus shutting done educational institutions and moving classes online, the face of education across the country has changed. While the focus has been primarily on completing the educational requirements to get K through...

Mortgage Rates Fall to Record Low

Economic Blog Nearly four months ago, in late February, the 10-year Treasury yield broke to its lowest level ever, undercutting the record lows from 2016 of 1.32%. Over the following two weeks, as fears surrounding the COVID-19...

“Tough Times Don’t Last, Tough People Do.” Dr. Robert H. Schuller

As with many things in 2020, the July Fourth holiday will be very different this year. Although it’s a time to enjoy family and friends, and maybe even watch some fireworks retrospectives; social distancing amid a new surge of...

Proper Financial Planning: Critical for Women

A key goal of investing for retirement is making sure you save enough to make your money last throughout your lifetime. On this score, women may need to save more than men. The current life expectancy of a female at birth is roughly 81...

Moving to the Next Phase on the Road to Recovery

Market Blog The US economy has made impressive progress in recent weeks. As the economy re-opens, the way we assess the recovery has changed. In March and April, we were looking for evidence that growth in COVID-19 cases was...

Congratulations to the High School Class of 2020

COVID-19 reminds us that our high school seniors need a few legal docs COVID-19 has crushed the spring ritual of high school graduations. But it can also encourage graduates and their parents to prepare to meet the practicalities of...

What Happens After Historic Rate Declines?

The yield on the 10-year Treasury yield has been broadly declining since the early 1980s, when it peaked over 15%, but even over that long decline there have been intermittent periods of rising rates. In fact, after periods of...

It’s Official, We’re In A Recession

In probably one of the least surprising economic calls of all time, the Nation Bureau of Economic Research (NBER) officially declared an end to the longest expansion ever and the start of a new recession. As shown in the LPL Chart of...

Financial Insights for the LGBTQ+ Community

Retirement isn’t easy for most couples, and it’s even harder for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people. A modest amount of planning can go a long way to providing the financial support you need. Many LGBTQ seniors...

Retirement Planning for Teachers and Public School Workers

The ability to enjoy a secure retirement is an objective that many teachers and their colleagues pursue years before they leave their jobs. Many public school workers, in different positions, devote their lives to furthering the...

2020 In Charts

2020 is only five months old, but in many ways it is one of the most historic years we’ve ever seen. “2020 went from moving along nicely, to seeing the worst recession in a generation and the fastest bear market ever...

COVID-19 In Charts

The S&P 500 Index flirted with closing above 3,000 yesterday, even as much of the economic data is some of the worst we’ve ever seen in our lifetimes. We are often asked how this is possible. The reality is the double backstop of...

How a Financial Professional Can Guide You Through Choppy Seas

In these trying times, even those with veins of steel can find themselves nervous about the market's direction and what it could mean for one's financial future. And the unprecedented nature of the novel coronavirus—and its...

What Do You Really Know About Bear Markets?

The Coronavirus Bear kicked the 11-year bull off of Wall Street very fast A “bear market” occurs when stock prices in general are falling, and then widespread pessimism sustains the continued drop in prices. The stock...

What Happens When The Bear Ends?

The incredible rally off the March 23 lows continues for equities, with the S&P 500 Index now up more than 32% in 40 trading days. As impressive as the rally has been, we do have some near-term concerns, as we discussed in Downside...

COVID-19 & The Idea of Sell in May and Go Away

The most dangerous phrase in all of investing is “this time it’s different” One of the oldest stock market strategies is to “Sell in May and Go Away.” If you factor in this seasonal “strategy,”...

Why Gold Will Continue To Shine

Gold has done quite well so far in 2020, up more than 12% year to date versus the S&P 500 Index which is down about 10%. We started to warm to the yellow metal late last year and continue to think it can serve as a potential hedge in a...

Remembering the Flash Crash

One of the most historic market crashes ever took place 10 years ago today, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average Index plunging more than 1,000 points, or 9%, within minutes, only to regain most of the losses by the end of the day....

Happy Teacher's Appreciation Day to Teachers Navigating Their Calling Outside the Classroom

This year, Teacher's Appreciation Week runs from May 4 to May 8, but rather than being in the classroom, most teachers will be at home, navigating their calling outside the classroom. When the coronavirus hit the United States,...

Maintaining Cybersecurity While Working from Home

With businesses around the country reducing their in-office staff to essential personnel only—in some cases, literally overnight—many remote workers found themselves setting up a full home office on short to no notice. But...

Silver Lining in Consumer Confidence Data

The Conference Board’s Consumer Confidence Index (CCI) for April came in 86.9, falling more than 30 points from the prior month. The monthly drop was the biggest for the index since 1973, reflecting the severity of the economic...

FROM MERLE: Small steps in moving forward

“Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you respond to it.” — Lou Holtz, Hall of Fame football coach As the battle against the COVID-19 pandemic continues, how we respond to it will determine how we beat it....

When Will The Recession Officially Start?

With 22 million jobs lost in the past four weeks, a record drop in retail sales, and huge drops in industrial production and housing starts, it is safe to say we are likely in a recession. Even the Federal Reserve (Fed) in the recent...

What to Know About the Individual Relief Provided by the CARES Act

As the coronavirus crisis hit a fever pitch in late March 2020, Congress passed an unprecedented $2.2 trillion relief package known as the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. While much of the CARES Act focuses...

Can Stocks Close Higher In 2020?

What a ride 2020 has been for investors. The fastest bear market ever, now one of the steepest recoveries ever. After being down more than 30% for the year on March 23, this recovery is extremely impressive. In fact, before yesterday,...

Big Annual Declines are Rare

Stocks have rallied nicely off the March 23 lows on the back of a bold policy response from the Federal Reserve (Fed) and lawmakers in Washington, DC, which was followed by signs that a peak in growth of COVID-19 cases may come soon....

7 Tips to Help You Stay Productive at Home

With the rapid spreading of COVID-19, and more and more people either on self-quarantine or practicing social distancing, many of us are working from home. While working from home definitely has its perks – no commute! –...

Market Volatility Stresses Liquidity

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused unprecedented volatility in recent weeks that has investors and traders scrambling to assess the economic and market impact of the aggressive containment measures. This past week the CBOE Volatility...

How Quickly Can Stocks Recover From COVID-19?

The market volatility continues, as the S&P 500 Index has closed either up or down 4% or more for a record 7 consecutive days. With the S&P 500 Index down 30% from the highs, it has officially moved into a bear market. Yesterday, we...

Low Valuations Imply Better Long-Term Performance

The dizzying volatility over the past few weeks has left all of our heads spinning as we wait for containment efforts in the United States and elsewhere to help slow new cases of COVID-19 (coronavirus). Public health is of course our...

Women, Money, and Today's Retirement

Despite all of the other advances made in our society in recent generations, women continue to face unique challenges when it comes to preparing for their financial futures. Recognizing the Shortfalls For starters, women on average...

March Madness, Cinderella & Your Portfolio

You should pick investments (and teams) so you win most of your games Sports metaphors and investing are natural pairs. A good way to look at portfolio management is the NCAA March Madness tournament. As with basketball, you should...

First Emergency Rate Cut By the Fed Since 2008

In a move in which the timing was more compelling than the decision itself, the Federal Reserve (Fed) announced this morning that it unanimously decided to cut its policy rate by 50 basis points (0.5%) from the 1.5-1.75% range to the...

Beware of Scams at Tax Time

Identity theft runs rampant during tax season Here’s what to know and how to protect yourself. Identity thieves often swipe your bank or credit card account numbers, birth date information or Social Security Number (SSN) to steal...

5 Big Problems to Solve Before you Retire

It seems, sometimes, as though financial professionals come in only two flavors. There are those who promise everything is going to be fine; you don't have to fret about retirement, they say, because they'll help you make more than...

Debt Should Retire When You Do

These days, having a credit card is practically a necessity, even when you are retired. It's hard to do things like buy airline tickets, rent a car, or place an order online without one. And, while monitoring your credit card use is...

Coronavirus Pullback Continues

The global equity weakness continued yesterday, with consecutive 3% drops for the S&P 500 Index for the first time since August 2015. It might be hard to believe, but exactly one week ago today the S&P 500 was making a new all-time...

DAILY INSIGHTS

Stock markets modestly lower after renewed coronavirus concern. Apple’s announcement that the coronavirus would impact sales had international markets striking a cautious tone overnight, with the technology sector getting much...

When Should You Collect Social Security?

A growing number of Americans have been forced to delay their planned retirement date due to job and savings losses suffered during the past recession. Postponing retirement not only means working longer but also delaying when you...

Understanding Medicare: Parts A, B, C, and D

Medicare contains many rules that beneficiaries and their caregivers are required to learn. Perhaps the best way to grasp the program's details is to review the major components of the Medicare program: Parts A, B, C, and D. Medicare...

Yield Curve Back in the News

The financial media returned to a favorite topic in the last week, yield curve inversion, but we caution against getting caught up in the building frenzy. The Treasury yield curve inverts when short-term interest rates move above...

Alternative Energy: A Perfect Way to Be Socially Responsible With Your Investments

Socially responsible investing (SRI) is a strategy to make your investments more impactful by supporting ecological and social causes. SRI investors invest their money to support companies that value transparency in their business...

Are Yields Near a Bottom?

Economic Blog The 10-year U.S. Treasury yield moved to within .05% of its recent low on Friday, January 31, approaching the 1.47% mark set back in August 2019. Prospects of stabilizing global growth and progress on trade encouraged...

Viral Outbreak Ends Period of Market Calm

Market Blog Fears that the deadly coronavirus would spread further around the globe intensified Monday and led to the biggest one-day drop in the S&P 500 Index since October 8, 2019. In fact, it was the first time the index moved 1%...

Why financial planning retirement is for everyone

When it comes to retirement plans, there is no one-size-fits-all approach for how to invest. While there are some basic strategies everyone should follow, it’s important to keep in mind retirement plans will vary, depending on...

Protect Your Assets With a Trust

Contrary to what many people think, trusts are not reserved only for the wealthy. The truth is, people from all walks of life may benefit from a trust. What Is a Trust? Generally speaking, a trust is a legal entity that allows someone...

Recession Watch Update

ECONOMIC BLOG As the economic expansion caps its first decade, we thought it’d be a good time to check on LPL Research’s leading indicators in our Recession Watch Dashboard. As you can see in our latest update and in the...

An Intriguing Exit Strategy for Today's Business Owners

One of the more difficult challenges facing a business owner is the formulation of a viable and economically beneficial exit strategy at retirement. Typically, the main goals of such an exit strategy are: 1) to identify a qualified...

Healthy But Manageable Consumer Inflation

Consumer inflationary pressures grew at a healthy, but manageable rate in December 2019. The core Consumer Price Index (CPI), which excludes food and energy, rose 2.3% year over year last month, around the fastest pace of the economic...

Retirement Planning for Teachers and Public School Workers

The ability to enjoy a secure retirement is an objective that many teachers and their colleagues pursue years before they leave their jobs. Many public school workers, in different positions, devote their lives to furthering the...

Financial Considerations for Americans Retiring Abroad

Retiring in a foreign country is a dream shared by thousands of Americans. Yet the number who actually pack their bags and cross the border to enjoy a life of leisure in a foreign country is difficult to gauge -- neither the U.S....

What Mideast Escalation Means for Markets

The U.S. airstrike that killed the top Iranian military commander last week was a major escalation in Mideast tensions. In fact, it would be difficult to overstate the geopolitical significance of this action. Iran likely will...

Six Ways a Budget Can Help Boost Savings

At some point in your life, you probably have heard about the importance of developing a budget. But, why is a budget so important? Perhaps you simply spend what you must and save whatever’s left over. Or, perhaps you spend all...

Yield Curve’s the Biggest Fixed Income Story of 2019

The inverted yield curve was the biggest story of 2019 in the bond market. Historically, when long-term bond yields fall below short-term yields, as the 2- and 10-year Treasury yields did in August, recessions have tended to follow,...

Life Insurance and Charitable Giving

Life insurance can be an excellent tool for charitable giving. Not only does life insurance allow you to make a substantial gift to charity at relatively little cost to you, but you may also benefit from tax rules that apply to gifts...

Is It Time For Santa?

Economic Blog December 17, 2019 December has been widely viewed as a strong month for stocks, with this year following suit so far. What many probably don’t realize, however, is the majority of the gains have taken place late in...

Four Fed Hikes, One Year Later

The Federal Reserve’s (Fed) final policy meeting of 2019 starts today and will conclude tomorrow with the release of the Fed’s policy statement, updated economic projections, and a press conference by Fed Chair Jerome...

Outlook 2020: Bringing Markets Into Focus

Hindsight is 20/20, but finding clarity in future uncertainty can be fuzzy. AT LPL RESEARCH, as we look forward to the year 2020 and a new decade, some key trends and market signals will be important to watch, including progress on U.S...

Life Insurance and Charitable Giving

Life insurance can be an excellent tool for charitable giving. Not only does life insurance allow you to make a substantial gift tocharity at relatively little cost to you, but you may also benefit from tax rules that apply to gifts...

Helpful Tax Tips before Year End

Tax planning can be more advantageous when done during the year and well in advance of year’s end.Opportunities may exist for you to minimize tax liability, which could leave more income for you and/or your family.Generally,...

Donating a Car to Charity

Donating a Car to Charity If you donate your car to charity, you may claim a tax deduction for the donation if you itemize your deductions on your federal income tax return. To get started, you'll need to pick a qualified charitable...

Charitable Giving: Good for Your Heart and Your 1040!

It may be better to give than to receive, but it may be even better to give and see your generosity rewarded. Charitable giving can play a valuable role in your financial and tax strategies. A well-planned gift to charity could provide...

Small Caps Join the Party

It took nearly 15 months, but the Russell 2000 Index finally broke out to a new 52-week high. On November 25, the Russell 2000 gained an impressive 2.1% to close at its highest level since October 2018. Small caps have lagged their...

Three Amazing Streaks

“We’re going streaking!” Frank The Tank in Old School As the bull market continues to make new highs, the past few weeks have seen some amazing market streaks. Here are three that have caught our attention. The S&P...

Putting The Bull In Perspective

The S&P 500 Index has closed higher five consecutive weeks, making six new all-time highs along the way. There now have been 19 new highs in 2019, tying the number we saw last year. There’s no doubt that this bull market has been...

Bulls Stay in Motion

“An object in motion tends to remain in motion along a straight line unless acted upon by an outside force.” Sir Isaac Newton What a year it has been for the bulls. The S&P 500 Index recently made four more new highs, and...

An Active Life is a Healthy Life

A healthy lifestyle fosters human excellence. It is an integration of the mind, body, and spirit that enables us to continually uncover our potential and strive to achieve all of which we are capable. Healthfulness is a state of...

Why More Companies are Going Dog Friendly

Bringing pet dogs into the workplace is becoming increasingly common. Large companies like Google, Ticketmaster and challenger bank Monzo are just a few that have joined companies in the pet sector (like Pets at Home) that allow...

Socially Responsible Investing

Eco-consciousness is an important consideration today and that trend has made its way into investor choices, as well. Even robo-advisors have responded to consumer demand for socially responsible investing (SRI). What exactly does that...

Most Donors Make Small Charitable Gifts

The average donor household in the United States gives around $2,000 a year, with small donations making up the bulk of charitable gifts, according to a report prepared by the Center on Philanthropy for Indiana University. The study...

Will The Fed Go Three For Three?

The Federal Reserve Bank (Fed) is widely expected to cut interest rates on Wednesday, October 30, which would be the third cut this year after nine consecutive hikes. The current fed funds rate target is 1.75–2%, with a 25 basis...

How Charitable Giving Can Benefit Donors

Kelly and Bob regularly set aside a small portion of their budget for charitable donations. In addition to feeling good about supporting a number of worthy causes, they’ve been able to deduct the value of their charitable gifts...

Another Brexit Delay Likely

The United Kingdom’s (U.K.) withdrawal from the European Union (E.U.), or Brexit, is stumbling along, and another delay looks increasingly likely. The U.K. Parliament’s “Super Saturday” voting session last...

9 Ways To Earn Retirement Income

Retirement income is different than what you're used during a full-time career. You'll have a new set of concerns, but you'll also have a decent amount of freedom to make your money behave the way you want. Here are nine of the most...

Light at the End of the Brexit Tunnel

The debate over the United Kingdom’s (U.K.) withdrawal from the European Union (EU), or Brexit, is reaching another milepost in what could be an action-packed week. Talks between the U.K. government and the EU have entered...

Four Reasons Millennials Need an Estate Strategy

You’re young, have little in savings and likely have no one yet relying on you financially. So why do you need to think about estate management?¹ Here are four great reasons: Estate Strategies: They're Not Just for the...

Plan Ahead to Ease Travel Headaches

Waiting in a winding airport security checkpoint line is just one of many potential headaches today's travelers experience. Worrying about what to pack, what kind of identification is required, and how much cash to bring are yet others...

Can The Economy Predict The Next President?

“The economy, stupid” — Phrase campaign strategist James Carville used to help Bill Clinton get elected in 1992. As Carville noted ahead of the 1992 election, the recession in 1990 and 1991 was top of mind for many...

U.S. Manufacturing Drops to 10-Year Low

U.S. manufacturing activity fell to a 10-year low, dragged down by a weakening global economy. The Institute for Supply Management’s (ISM) Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) fell to 47.6 in September, the lowest level since...

Retirement Planning—Options for Women Business Owners

You’re an entrepreneur and you’re not looking back. You’ve opened your own business, whether alone or with other partners, and you’ve found some success. You’ve hired employees, or not, depending on your...

A Two-Week Rollercoaster in Yields

As shown in the LPL Chart of the Day, the 10-year Treasury yield jumped 34 basis points (0.34%) in the week ending September 13, then gave back half that gain in a 17 basis point (0.17%) slide last week. The benchmark yield...

Budget Basics for College Students

One extracurricular activity that every student can master while in college is personal money management. Typically, a student’s daily spending is done on an improvised basis, meaning that overspending is often the norm rather...

A New High in CPI Growth

Consumer inflation has accelerated recently, bucking disinflation and deflation concerns that had permeated financial markets earlier this year. In August, the core Consumer Price Index (CPI) increased at least 0.3% for a third...

Life Insurance and Charitable Giving

Life insurance can be an excellent tool for charitable giving. Not only does life insurance allow you to make a substantial gift to charity at relatively little cost to you, but you may also benefit from tax rules that apply to gifts...

Helping to Care for Aging Parents

Many adults are finding that their aging parents are in need of health care assistance. Luckily, there are many options available today to help your parents grow old gracefully, either in their own home or in a facility, and several...

ABC's of Investing for College

Invest early. Invest often. Invest for growth. These are the basic principles of saving for your child’s college education. The earlier you begin a savings program, the more time you have to benefit from the power of compound...

Do Major Hurricanes Impact Stocks?

First and foremost, our thoughts are with all of those that were impacted by Hurricane Dorian over the Labor Day holiday and all those that are still in its path. Many have asked us what stocks tend to do after a major hurricane hits...

Trade Uncertainty Still Weighing on Capital Investment

Business investment remains a critical component for this economic expansion. Capital expenditures (capex) drive productivity gains (more output per hour worked), which enables economic growth while keeping inflation contained. That...

ABC's of Investing for College

Invest early. Invest often. Invest for growth. These are the basic principles of saving for your child’s college education. The earlier you begin a savings program, the more time you have to benefit from the power of compound...

Plan Ahead to Ease Travel Headaches

Waiting in a winding airport security checkpoint line is just one of many potential headaches today's travelers experience. Worrying about what to pack, what kind of identification is required, and how much cash to bring are yet others...

Consumer Inflation Picks Up

Consumer inflation has surged back after a strong quarter of U.S. consumer demand. As shown in the LPL Chart of the Day, Consumer Inflation Picks Up in July, the core Consumer Price Index (CPI), which excludes food and energy prices,...

Teaching Your College-Age Child about Money

When your child first started school, you doled out the change for milk and a snack on a daily basis. But now that your kindergartner has grown up, it's time for you to make sure that your child has enough financial knowledge to manage...

Is a Trade Deal Still Possible?

We’re a week into August, and trade tensions have been the biggest driver of U.S. stocks, as we predicted in our latest Weekly Market Commentary. Markets don’t like uncertainty, and we are getting a heavy dose of it now. On...

529 Plans vs. Other College Savings Options

529 plans can be a great way to save for college, but they're not the only way. When you're investing for a major goal like education, it makes sense to be familiar with all of your options. Mutual funds Mutual funds are an option to...

Children and Wealth: Important Lessons Start Early in Life

Wealth can be a mixed blessing -- one that creates great opportunity as well as weighty responsibility -- especially for children. As a parent, grandparent, or concerned relative, you hope to pass on what you have learned about...

Here Comes August, Time to Buckle Up?

It has been a great year for stocks. As of July 30, 2019, the S&P 500 Index is up more than 20% so far in 2019. To put that in perspective, since WWII only seven years have been up more than 20% by the end of July, with 1997 being the...

Checking On The Calendar

“I’ve been on a calendar, but I’ve never been on time.” Marilyn Monroe We’ve pondered where the S&P 500 Index could go now that it’s near our fair-value target of 3,000. As we discussed in the latest...

The Dow’s Hot July

Blue chip stocks have been on a tear this month. The Dow Jones Industrial Average (Dow) has risen 2.8% in July, the best performer of the four benchmark stock indexes we track. As shown in the LPL Chart of the Day, The Dow’s Hot...

Let’s Talk About Pullbacks And Corrections

Let’s get one thing straight: Market pullbacks, corrections, and bear markets happen. Last year was a perfect example of this: The S&P 500 Index endured five separate 5% pullbacks throughout the year, and a nearly 20% bear market...

Your Vacation: An Invitation to Burglars

Returning to a burglarized home can be a horrible jolt after a relaxing vacation. Unfortunately, the truth is that an empty home is an easy target for burglars, and peak vacation times show the highest number of break-ins. However,...

10-Year Treasury Yields Look Up

The 10-year Treasury yield has been flirting with dipping below 2% throughout the later half of June and into the start of July. As our LPL Chart of the Day, Will Trade Truce Help 2% 10-Year Treasury Yield Hold?, shows, the yield has...

Plan Ahead to Ease Travel Headaches

Waiting in a winding airport security checkpoint line is just one of many potential headaches today's travelers experience. In order to help ease the stress of traveling, review guidance from the officials who oversee our nation's...

Midyear Outlook 2019

We are pleased to announce the release of the LPL Research Midyear Outlook 2019: FUNDAMENTAL: How to Focus on What Really Matters in the Markets, with investment insights and market guidance through the end of 2019. LPL Research...

Health Insurance for Travelers

You were having a great time on your vacation--until your toddler woke up from her nap with a fever. If you were at home, you'd take her to the pediatrician right away and rely on your health insurance to pay for her care. But what do...

Financial Considerations for Single Women

If you’re divorced or separated, money management will become an important part of your life. While it may be true that money can’t buy or ensure happiness, your ability to manage your finances can play a large role in your...

Can Stocks Really Gain 20% This Year?

U.S. stocks could have a big year if LPL Research’s forecasts prove correct. All year, we’ve maintained our fair value target on the S&P 500 Index of 3,000, implying that we expect this bull market and economic expansion to...

Sentiment Stands Strong

Business confidence surged in May despite renewed uncertainty in the U.S.-China trade dispute. As shown in the LPL Chart of the Day, “Business Optimism Surges Despite Trade Uncertainty,” the National Federation of...

Congratulations, Graduates! What are your next steps, financially?

What recent graduates (and their parents) need to think about Spring is here, summer weather has begun (in many places), and graduation time has arrived. Across the country, students are finishing their high school, college, and even...

Stocks’ Losing Streak In Perspective

The S&P 500 Index has closed lower four consecutive weeks, its longest weekly losing streak since October 2014. The S&P 500 has closed down five weeks in a row only once since the bull market started in March 2009—a six-week...

Beyond Retirement: What About Your Other Goals?

Let's say that at the age of 25, you earned $35,000. If your salary increased at the average historical rate, you'd have earned nearly $2 million in total by the time you were 65.1,2 That might sound like a lot -- until you begin...

Checking In On The Five Forecasters

With the bull market 10 years old and the economic cycle about to reach 10 years, the big question is how much longer can it go? To answer this question we will take a closer look at our Five Forecasters for late-cycle warnings....

Another Reason For Bulls To Smile

The S&P 500 Index has officially gained each of the first four months of the year for the first time since 2013. This comes on the heels of the best first quarter since 1998. Six straight months in green has been the best monthly win...

Pay Yourself First

Each month you settle down to pay bills. You pay your mortgage lender. You pay the electric company. You pay the trash collector. But do you pay yourself? One of the most basic tenets of sound investing involves the simple habit of...

Is Long-Term Care Insurance a Good Idea?

There is a good possibility that you or your spouse will eventually require some form of long-term care (LTC). According to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, at least 70% of people aged 65 or older will require some form of...

A Deeper Pullback

U.S. stocks’ slide deepened May 13 with the worst one-day sell-off this year since January 3. On Monday, the S&P 500 Index dropped 2.4% amid threats of higher tariffs on all Chinese imports and retaliatory measures from China....

Women: Make a Financial Plan -- the Secret of Your Success

Financial planning is more than just a good idea. Research has consistently shown that people who have financial plans -- and who work with financial advisors -- save and invest far more and are nearly twice as likely to feel on track...

Women, Wealth, and Legacy Planning

Women play a central role in establishing and preserving family wealth -- whether nurturing the values of children, fulfilling charitable goals, or making investment decisions that affect the financial security of themselves or their...

Congratulations, Graduates! What are your next steps, financially?

Spring is here, summer weather has begun (in many places), and graduation time has arrived. Across the country, students are finishing their high school, college, and even graduate school lives, after years of hard work, stress,...

Five Things to Do Before Meeting With an Advisor

Americans' financial lives are increasingly complex. It's not unusual to have checking and savings accounts, a 401(k), IRAs, and other personal investments. Keeping track of all your savings and investments has prompted many...

High School Graduation is a Time to Celebrate

But it’s also a time to do some life-planning The spring ritual of high school graduations is here. But graduates and their parents often are poorly prepared to meet the practicalities of the youngsters’ sudden entry into...

Rising Tide for Diversified Portfolios

Diversified investors were the big winners in the first four months of this year. As shown in the LPL Chart of the Day, both stocks and bonds have posted strong rallies through the first four months of this year, thanks to increased...

Time to Sell in May?

One of the most popular investment axioms is about to take over the airwaves: “Sell in May and Go Away.” That’s because the upcoming six months(from May until the end of October) have historically been the weakest...

Recognizing and Avoiding Online Scams

According to the Identity Theft Resource Center, the number of U.S. data breaches hit a new high in 2017. Nearly 20% of breaches included credit and debit card information, a nearly 6% increase from the prior year. The actual number of...

The Waiting Game for Record Highs

The wait is over. After more than seven months, the S&P 500 Index notched a fresh all-time closing high of 2,933.68 on April 23. To get here, investors have weathered back-and-forth in trade negotiations, a historic government shutdown...

Volunteering in Retirement

“This generation got no destination to hold...We are volunteers of America”“Volunteers” by Jefferson Airplane¹ Those of a certain age will recall these Jefferson Airplane lyrics as a call to action, though...

UNDERSTANDING LONG-TERM CARE

Tip: Won’t Medicare Pay for It? After a three–day hospital stay, Medicare will cover the first 20 days in a skilled nursing care facility completely. For the next 80 days, it will cover all but $157.50 per day. And after...

What’s Priced In?

After such a strong rally this year, you may be wondering what could drive stocks higher from here. With the S&P 500 Index near its all-time high, a lot of good news could be priced in to stocks. At the same time, disappointments could...

The December Low Indicator Has Bulls Smiling

After the best first quarter for the S&P 500 Index since 1998, the big question is: What happens next? We’ve already discussed why a good start to a year could lead to more gains (here and here), but today we will take a look at...

Children and Wealth: Important Lessons Start Early in Life

Wealth can be a mixed blessing -- one that creates great opportunity as well as weighty responsibility -- especially for children. As a parent, grandparent, or concerned relative, you hope to pass on what you have learned about...

Keeping Good Records is Keeping Good Business

Maintaining good records is important to help meet your tax and legal obligations. The right record keeping system not only helps satisfy these obligations, but it may save you money and time. Here’s what to consider for your...

What Type of Pullback Could We See?

The S&P 500 Index corrected nearly 20% from the September peak until December 24 before staging a furious rally of 19%. What could happen next? A well-deserved pullback would be perfectly normal, and in fact, is probably needed before...

Good Credit: Teach Your Children Well

Many parents teach their children the ABCs at a very young age, but do they teach them the ABCs of good credit? At certain points in life, everyone must deal with banks, loans, credit, and finances. You may have learned your lessons...

True or False: You Are a Retirement Savings Plan Expert

How much do you really know about your employer-sponsored retirement savings plan? If you're like many people, you have many ideas about how your plan works, which may or may not be entirely accurate. To gauge your knowledge, take...

Why A Green January and February Have Bulls Smiling

After gaining 7.8% in January, the S&P 500 Index has added another 3.3% so far in February for a grand total year-to-date return of 11.4%. With two days to go, currently this is the best first two months of the year since 1987. As we...

Putting a Price Tag on Your Health

We hear over and over again how important it is to maintain a healthy lifestyle. But being healthy for its own sake isn’t easy — especially when you’re facing down temptation or battling procrastination. For some, the...

Changing Our 10-Year Yield Forecast

Economic growth could be lower than we initially expected this year, which could weigh on long-term rates. We’ve seen enough evidence recently to think 2019 gross domestic product (GDP) growth is likely to be closer to 2.5%, the...

Five Questions About Long-Term Care

1. What is long-term care? Long-term care refers to the ongoing services and support needed by people who have chronic health conditions or disabilities. There are three levels of long-term care: Skilled care: Generally...

The Year of the Pig Could Have Bulls Smiling

“Bulls make money, bears make money, and pigs get slaughtered.” Old Wall Street saying. The Chinese New Year (often called the Lunar New Year) kicked off Tuesday, February 5, and with it came the Year of the Pig. Although...

The Diversified Investor’s Big January

Diversified investors just capped one of their best months of the current economic cycle. In January, the S&P 500 Index posted its biggest monthly gain since October 2015. At the same time, the Bloomberg Barclays Aggregate Bond Index...

How to Protect Your Small Business from Cyber Threats

Risk management is a key component in any successful business plan. In today's world — where data breaches are common occurrences — it's especially important for business owners to understand the digital risks they face....

True or False: You Are a Retirement Savings Plan Expert

How much do you really know about your employer-sponsored retirement savings plan? If you're like many people, you have many ideas about how your plan works, which may or may not be entirely accurate. To gauge your knowledge, take...

Why Tom Terrific Might Not Be So Terrific For Stocks

The Super Bowl indicator suggests that stocks rise for the full year when the Super Bowl winner comes from the original National Football League (now the NFC), but when an original American Football League (now the AFC) team wins,...

A Bucket Plan to go with Your Bucket List

The baby boomers have re-defined everything they’ve touched, from music to marriage to parenting and, more lately, to what “old” means—60 is the new 50! Longer, healthier living, however, can put greater stress...

Stocks Bounced, Now What?

The big bounce off the December 24 lows continued last week, as the S&P 500 Index added 2.9% for the week. In fact, it has gained 2.9%, 1.9%, 2.5%, and 2.9% over the past four weeks for a total gain of 10.5%. Of course, the S&P 500 did...

Brexit Hits Another Bump

Yesterday’s U.K. Parliament vote was another bump in the road for Brexit. As shown in the LPL Chart of the Day, the British pound and the euro have steadily declined over the past few months, weighed down in large part by...

Financial Planning: Who Needs It?

No matter how much money you make, completely mastering money early on in life can help you potentially achieve what everyone wants: a financially comfortable today and a financially secure tomorrow. Mastering money in our society can...

Lower Valuations May Signal Solid Gains For Stocks

Stocks have rebounded strongly off the December lows, with the S&P 500 Index adding 2% in January to its 7% gain over the last week of 2018. We see potential for further gains ahead given the fundamentals supporting economic growth and...

Top New Digital Tools for Small Businesses

Technology has not only shrunk the tools we use, but it has also given small businesses the power to operate like big businesses. Technological tools can help small businesses get better organized, efficiently manage their finances, or...

Changing Unhealthy Behaviors

Most Americans know the fundamentals of good health: exercise, proper diet, sufficient sleep, regular check-ups, and no smoking or excessive alcohol. Yet, despite this knowledge, changing existing behaviors can be difficult. Look no...

Market Fears and Economic Realities

Recent Federal Reserve (Fed) rhetoric has spooked financial markets, especially as uncertainty has clouded investors’ horizons. But we still believe the fundamental U.S. economic landscape is compelling, and despite market...

How to Invest for Major Financial Goals

Go out into your yard and dig a big hole. Every month, throw $50 into it, but don't take any money out until you're ready to buy a house, send your child to college, or retire. It sounds a little crazy, doesn't it? But that's what...

Putting an Extremely Volatile Market in Perspective

On Monday, the S&P 500 Index came about as close as possible to the technical definition of a bear market without officially registering one (defined as a 20% or larger decline based on closing prices). Enduring these sharp declines...

Market Update 12/26/18

S&P 500 Index Reaches Bear Market on an Intra-Day Basis. While the S&P 500 Index is technically not in a bear market by the most widely used definition (20% or more decline based on closing prices), it is important to recognize that...

Keep Your Umbrella Handy

In 2017, the U.S. had a record 11.5 million millionaires, up from 10.8 million in the previous year. An increase in personal wealth may bring greater financial flexibility; it may also bring greater liability. Individuals with high net...

Fed Delivers Dovish Hike; Markets Wanted More

The Federal Reserve (Fed) announced its fourth rate hike of the year, boosting the fed funds rate to a range of 2.25% to 2.5%. More importantly, policymakers lowered their expectations for future interest rate hikes in the new...

Is It Time For Santa?

So far it’s been rough for stocks in December, a month that has historically been bullish. How bad has it been? After 10 trading days, we’re off to the worst start to December since 1980! In fact, the S&P 500 Index is...

Outlook 2019

We are pleased to announce the release of the LPL Research Outlook 2019: FUNDAMENTAL: How to Focus on What Really Matters in the Markets, filled with investment insights and market guidance for the year ahead. After nearly 10 years of...

What Makes for a Great Family Vacation

What makes for a great family vacation? Should it include learning as well as leisure? Thinking about that next family trip? If you are mulling over how to make your next one great, consider these questions and factors. Should...

Apps That Help Achieve Goals

The gap between setting goals and achieving them can be difficult to bridge. To enhance the chances of achieving personal goals, reminders and motivation are essential; making a New Year’s resolution is simply not enough. A...

Thoughts on Today's Sell-Off

As of this writing, the S&P 500 Index is down another 2% on top of the over 3% drop on Tuesday (markets were closed Wednesday to celebrate the life of former President George H. W. Bush 41). Here are our thoughts on the latest...

5 Money Rules to Live By

Evergreen principles for finding financial balance It’s not simply a matter of working harder; it’s much more about using your non-financial skills and talents in new ways to bring you prosperity and a greater sense of...

China Trade Tensions Ease

Since trade tensions between the United States and China escalated earlier this year, uncertainty relative to supply chains, input costs, global economic growth, and corporate profits has weighed on the financial markets. Indeed,...

Trends in Charitable Giving

According to Giving USA 2017, Americans gave an estimated $390.05 billion to charity in 2016. That’s the highest total in more than 60 years since the report was first published.1 Americans give to charity for two main reasons:...

Planning for the Expected

Perhaps Bette Davis said it best when she observed, “Old age is no place for sissies.”¹ The challenges seniors have met throughout their lives have made them wiser and stronger, preparing them for the unique challenges...

4 Really Good Reasons to Invest

Forty-six percent of Americans do not own any stocks or stock-related investments, such as mutual funds, according to a recent Gallup poll.¹ Individuals may cite different reasons for not investing, but with important long-term...