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Commentary | 8.2.23 | Fitch Downgrades U.S. Debt
On August 2, Fitch Ratings downgraded U.S. debt, sending bond yields higher and equities lower. Though timing is a bit strange, this downgrade now adds another concern for investors, adding to elevated valuations, economic...
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Wasn't There Supposed to be a Recession?
In advance of 2023, the recession drum beats were so loud it was deafening. Market pundits warned that as the Fed raised interest rates, it was just a matter of time before the economy entered a recession.But it’s July now, and...
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Fed Hits Pause Button on Rate Hikes
Jerome Powell skipped an interest rate hike at the Fed’s June meeting, but the market isn’t buying what the Fed Chair is selling about what’s next with short-term rates.Powell signaled that two more rate increases may...
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From Opening Bell to Opening Day
There is a new season of baseball on deck and a fresh commentary from Cetera Investment Management. “From Opening Bell to Opening Day” examines America’s national pastime and its similarities with investing and...
Read MoreQ2 Market Outlook Summary | Preparing to Land
Cetera Investment Management has released its 2023 Second Quarter Outlook titled, “Preparing to Land.” In this outlook, they discuss the impact of the Fed’s rate hikes which are showing up in the banking sector and...
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Words of Wisdom from Warren Buffett
The stock market can provide some head-scratching moments, which is why I like Warren Buffet’s quote, “...don’t watch the market closely.”Stocks have been strong this year, and they rallied sharply before...
Read MoreSECURE Act 2.0 Passed in Final Days of 2022
Congress spent the final days of 2022 on new reforms designed to help Americans save more for retirement.You may hear the changes called SECURE Act 2.0, which is a follow-up to the Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement...
Read More2022 Midterm Election Results Point to Gridlock
In their latest commentary, the Cetera Investment Management Team discusses the 2022 midterm election results and possible investment implications.Highlights from the article...Democrats appear to beat expectations but likely lose...
Read MoreAlert - Changes to Retirement Plan Limits
Alert - IRS Announces Record Increases to Plan Limits for 2023On October 21, 2022, the Internal Revenue Service in Notice 2022-55 announced record-setting cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) for the retirement plan limits effective on...
Read MoreThe Upside Down World - When Good News is Bad News
In their latest commentary, the Cetera Investment Management Team discusses the factors causing market volatility and recession fears. Like an episode of Stranger Things, stock markets appear to be in the upside down world. A world...
Read MoreQ4 Market Outlook | Is the Fed Fighting the Ghost of Inflation?
Cetera Investment Management has released its 2022 Fourth Quarter Outlook. In this outlook, they discuss how the Fed’s commitment to fight inflation at the cost of economic growth and the labor market. The risk of recession...
Read MoreSchool's Back. Who is Paying for It?
Schools across the nation are getting back to business. For students, it’s a return to education after vacations, summer jobs, and other activities.For parents, grandparents, and guardians, “back to school” often...
Read MoreThe Fed's Inflation Nowcasting Tool
Does waiting 30 days for a government report seem a bit unreasonable? After all, we live in a world of instant messages and real-time quotes. Why should we wait a whole month between updates on the Consumer Price Index to see what's...
Read MoreCoble Cravens Take on the Market
Inflation, interest rates and market declines have many investors wondering if they should adjust their investment strategy. While it can be tempting to worry and want to rush and make changes, the current environment is cause for...
Read MoreQ3 Market Outlook Summary | Fed Uncertainty Grows
Cetera Investment Management has released its 2022 Third Quarter Outlook. In this outlook, they discuss how the Fed has pivoted, raising rates more aggressively and increasing its focus on inflation and what this means for the...
Read MoreService Industry Eagerly Awaits Summer Vacations
In their latest commentary, the Cetera Investment Management Team discusses how the primary services and travel-related industries may benefit from Americans ready to summer vacation. CLICK TO READ As always, please reach out to the...
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This Market Volatility Isn’t Going Anywhere
In their latest commentary, the Cetera Investment Management Team discusses today’s equity market sell-off and why they believe that despite the news on the consumer, the economy will be resilient enough to withstand less...
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New COVID-19 Variant, Omicron, Rattles Markets
New coronavirus variant discovered and considered to be a “variant of concern.” This variant potentially has ramifications to both the supply and demand sides of the global economy. While more data around this variant will...
Read MoreIRS Announces Retirement Plan Limits for 2022
On November 4, 2021, the IRS published the cost-of-living adjustments that apply to dollar limits for retirement plans beginning on January 1, 2022. As anticipated, due to a significant rise in the cost of living for the period...
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Weekly Market Insights: Debt Ceiling Raised
The overhang of bumping against the federal debt ceiling was lifted last week with an agreement to extend the debt ceiling through early December, helping propel stocks to a weekly gain. The Dow Jones Industrial Average increased by 1...
Read MoreSeptember Is National Life Insurance Awareness Month
It’s time for your life insurance checkup.September is National Life Insurance Awareness Month, so it’s a great time to review your coverage.1If you don’t have any life insurance, you’re not alone. Life...
Read MoreEntering the Twilight Zone: Eerie Parallels Between the 1950s and Today
You may feel like you are traveling through another dimension, a dimension not only of sight and sound but of mind. But our next stop is not the Twilight Zone, or so we hope. It’s a journey to a wondrous land whose boundaries...
Read MoreGrowing Concerns Around Delta Variant Rattle Markets
Growing Concerns Around Delta Variant Rattle Markets Equities sell off on Delta variant concerns. Though the Delta variant is a risk, it is a low risk to the economy and markets. Instead, we see greater risks around the economy...
Read MoreTaper Talk Rattles Stocks
Taper Talk Rattles Stocks U.S. equities log their worst week since February on Fed policy concerns. The Fed seems to have pivoted from its stance that inflation will be transitory. In uncertain times, diversification remains the best...
Read MoreGoing the Distance: What Running Can Teach Us About Investing
Time to lace up! Celebrate Global Running Day on June 2 as we look at different ways running can teach us about investing. (You won’t even break a sweat—unless you’re reading on the treadmill). The latest commentary...
Read MoreNational 529 Day is May 29 (5/29)!
Let's take this moment to highlight the importance of 529 savings plans to help you plan and pay for college or training expenses. 529 Plan Many parents today suffer from sticker shock when they learn what it costs to send their...
Read MoreInflation Fears Fuel Rotation Out of Growth Stocks
Inflation Fears Fuel Rotation Out of Growth Stocks Equity markets are selling off, led by high-growth technology stocks. Inflation concerns are rising, putting pressure on stock valuations and bond prices. Inflation and valuation...
Read MoreBoth the Economy and Biden Administration Face Tougher Challenges Ahead
In their latest commentary, the Cetera Investment Management team discusses the economic recovery and the Biden administration’s first 100 days. Both have been successful but will likely face tougher challenges ahead. CLICK TO...
Read MoreInflationary Pressures Build
In their latest commentary, the Cetera Investment Management team discusses the most recent report on inflation and the prospects for future inflation. Investors and consumers are worried that inflation will cause a devaluation of...
Read MoreFinancial Literacy Month - Financial Literacy for Children
Many young adults are not only wayward financially, but also pessimistic about ever becoming wealthy. Could it be that our children just aren't getting the financial education they need?April is Financial Literacy Month. This is...
Read MoreQ2 Market Outlook | Consumers Are Ready for Reopening
Cetera Investment Management has released its 2021 Second Quarter Outlook. In this outlook, they discuss local economies reopening and investors’ optimism. Potential consumers are getting another check from the...
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You’re Invited: An Exclusive Conversation with Dr. Ben S. Bernanke
You’re invited to an exclusive conversation with former Federal Reserve Chair Dr. Ben S. Bernanke, who helped guide the U.S. economy out of its worst recession of the century. His insights on how the economy can emerge and grow...
Read MoreA Shot in the Arm: Getting to the Other Side with a Post-Vaccine Economic Recovery
The 2020s haven’t got off to the roaring start we all had hoped for. We’re a year into the worst pandemic in a century, and it’s brought along with it the deepest economic contraction since the Great Depression....
Read MoreSpeculative Trading is Only One Reason Why Market Volatility is High
U.S. equities continue to experience a roller-coaster ride on concerns of speculative trading by retail investors. Cetera Investment Management believes this concern, which could trigger de-risking by hedge funds as they are forced to...
Read MoreMarket Correction Coming? Plan Ahead.
Equity markets have had a huge run since their March 2020 lows. Despite rising headwinds, investor optimism remains elevated and a market correction is possible. Market corrections are a normal part of investing and can be used as an...
Read MoreYear-End Financial Checklist
2020 has been a tumultuous year, to say the least. But this year is the perfect representation of why we work together: we plan ahead, taking into account different scenarios and emergencies, to devise a solid strategy that helps you...
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Speed Bumps & Headlines
As an investor, it can be tempting to get caught up in daily news headlines. Consider how news about the election and COVID-19 vaccines have moved the markets over the past several weeks. But having a financial strategy can help you...
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Coronavirus Vaccines and the Economy
As the United States sees a rise in cases of COVID-19 across the nation, news of two promising vaccines out of hundreds being tested has offered a ray of hope for a fatigued world.1A positive reaction to these vaccines affects every...
Read MoreThe Thanksgiving Economy
It’s been 399 years since the first Thanksgiving feast in Plymouth, Massachusetts, and the holiday has since become a beloved hallmark of autumn joy, a celebration of gratitude and reflection in the company of those dearest to...
Read MoreGridlock Expected as Joe Biden Declared President
Over the weekend, Joe Biden was declared the next President. With Republicans likely to hold the Senate, expect a divided government. Markets like gridlock as it limits legislative policies and uncertainty. Over the weekend,...
Read MoreElection Uncertainty Remains, But Potential Outcomes Shrink
Election Day is finally behind us, and we sincerely hope you voted. Since the turnout was high and over half the ballots cast were mail-in ballots, it will take longer to count them all. While we wait for the votes to be tallied, we...
Read MoreIncreasing Concerns Rattle Financial Markets
U.S. equities posted their worst loss in over a month on the combination of rising virus cases, lack of progress on a stimulus plan, and growing election uncertainty. Our latest commentary discusses this topic in more detail. We are...
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Election 2020: A Dose of Patience
The upcoming election is prompting some people to reconsider their investment strategy.In fact, 45% of consumers with $100,000 or more investable assets expect to make changes to their portfolio due to the upcoming 2020 presidential...
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Trump vs. Biden: Do Markets Care Who Wins?
This in depth report covers the path to electoral victory for both candidates, the chances of a delayed result, and examines historical stock market returns during post-WWII 4-year presidential cycles. They also provide an election...
Read MoreQ4 Outlook | Fall Brings Cooler Perspectives
Cetera Investment Management has released its Fourth Quarter 2020 Outlook. In this outlook, they discuss the sharp recovery in the economy, equities and bonds. However, the economy has a long way to go to get to pandemic levels...
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Election 2020: Economic Issues in the Crosshairs
It should come as no surprise to hear the economy is the top issue for voters in the 2020 election. Nearly 8 in ten voters say that the economy will be very important to them when they cast their votes.1But when voters say...
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Will Political Changes Affect the Economy?
With all of the storm and stress of the year 2020, you’d be forgiven if you momentarily forgot that we’re due for another national election in November. Many states will be selecting governors, representatives, and...
Read MoreInvestors Finally Reassess the Speed of the Recovery
U.S. equities have been weak over the past three trading sessions. The latest commentary from Cetera Investment Management discusses this topic in more detail. They are not surprised as investors needed to reassess their optimism...
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What's driving current market behavior?
In the era of COVID-19, and the financial woes it has created, I often get asked, “Why is the stock market holding up so well when the economy appears to be struggling?”To understand why the markets react — or...
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Weekly Market Insights: Stocks Have Mixed Reaction
Stocks were mixed last week amid a busy week of earnings, some troubling economic data, and seemingly little progress on a new fiscal stimulus package.The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 0.16%, while the Standard &...
Read MoreEconomic Output Plummets, But What Does the Future Hold?
United States’ output, as measured by GDP, told us what we already knew. The economy suffered its worst contraction on record in the second quarter. Other data released today gives a better picture what the future might hold....
Read MoreThe Consumer Will Decide the Shape of the Economic Recovery
We are already witnessing a V-shared recovery in equity markets, but economic data is just starting to rebound. The U.S. consumer will ultimately decide the shape of the economic recovery. While consumer spending is increasing, the...
Read MoreIt's Tax Day - In July?!
In another strange twist to 2020, tax day falls in the middle of July this year. The latest commentary from Cetera Investment Management, It’s Tax Day—In July?!, discusses the impact of taxes on investing, municipal...
Read More2020 Third Quarter Market Outlook
Cetera Investment Management has released its Third Quarter 2020 Outlook titled, Longest Expansion, Followed by the Shortest Recession?In this outlook, they discuss the economic recovery as the economic data is starting to rebound...
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Weekly Recap | June 15, 2020
Weekly Recap June 8-12, 2020 RecapWorst Week in Nearly Three MonthsFederal Reserve Provides a Dosage of Reality The three major U.S. equity indices finished higher on Friday in a broad but overall modest recovery from a steep 7...
Read MoreThree Predictions for 2020 Remain Intact
A month ago, we shared three primary economic and market predictions for the balance of 2020. They were a U-shaped economic recovery, elevated market volatility without retesting lows, and a rotation into different types of companies...
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Weekly Recap | June 1, 2020
Weekly Recap May 25-29, 2020 Recap Reopening Optimism Holds China Tensions Trim Gains Equities rallied into the close Friday for a second straight week as optimism over restarting American businesses overshadowed a flurry of market...
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Weekly Recap | May 26, 2020
Weekly Recap May 18 - 22, 2020 Recap Best Week in a Month Small Caps OutperformEquities rallied into the close Friday to cap a volatile but positive week as investors weighed business reopening news and plans against a backdrop of...
Read MoreStaying Rational About Your Investments, Even Through Volatility
Right now, it’s easy to look at the ups and downs of the markets and want to get out altogether. Emotional investing—or having a knee-jerk reaction to a single market event—can quickly derail progress toward your financial goals...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights - May 12, 2020
Despite a historic downturn in employment, stocks managed to climb higher last week as investors were emboldened by the pace of economic re-openings, both here and abroad. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 2.56%, while the...
Read MoreOur Three Predictions for the Rest of 2020
Our Three Predictions for the Rest of 2020 The economy will likely experience a U-shaped recover Market volatility will remain elevated, but we do not expect a retest of March lows Widening market breadth could lead to a shift in...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights - May 5, 2020
Stock prices ended the week slightly lower, despite news of positive results from a test trial of a COVID-19 drug treatment and several states easing their economic lockdowns. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 0.22%, while the...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights - April 28, 2020
Stock prices bounced around last week as investors reacted to wild swings in the price of oil and reports that called into question the efficacy of two potential virus treatments. The Dow Jones Industrial Average retreated 1.93%,...
Read MoreWith Nowhere to Store Oil, Prices Plunge
With Nowhere to Store Oil, Prices Plunge Contracts to buy oil are expiring and there is a shortage of oil storage tanks. We expect oil prices to be subdued for a while as demand isn’t expected to pick up. We recommend...
Read MoreStock Markets Rebound, But Questions Linger
Stock Markets Rebound, But Questions Linger U.S. equities are rallying today on overnight news. Lingering uncertainties may drive market volatility in the coming weeks. We expect some near-term weakness but not to market-lows seen in...
Read MoreWhat a market correction means for you
Here’s a quick refresher: a correction is defined as a decline of 10% or greater from a recent high in the financial markets. Corrections can last anywhere from days to months, but few have lasted longer. Recently, we’ve...
Read MoreSetting Expectations for the Second Quarter
Cetera Investment Management Commentary 04/02/2020 Setting Expectations for the Second Quarter After the massive stimulus package, stocks remain volatile. Volatility will remain until there is more clarity around the virus itself. We...
Read MoreA Letter to our Clients
Dear Clients, We know when there is global panic, it spills into our community, affecting our families and day-to-day routines, and can cause great concern. Understandably, we expect that many of you are nervous about these current...
Read MoreGrappling with the Coronavirus
In your investing lifetime, you may only see a situation like the recent novel coronavirus (COVID-19) a few times. This is a circumstance where complete candor is necessary. The truth is that we can’t yet gauge the full economic...
Read MoreOutlook 2020: It's Always a Matter of Perspective
A 2020 forecast, recently published by Cetera® Investment Management titled, It’s Always a Matter of Perspective, takes a multi-perspective look at the economy and the markets to help give a better understanding of how things...
Read MoreWomen and Investing
Coble Cravens recently hosted an informative event for women, geared toward how to be informed and active in their family's financial life. Here are some of the highlights and take-aways from that event. Click to learn more Women and...
Read MoreCan Your Financial Plan Weather a Natural Disaster?
Can Your Financial Plan Weather a Natural Disaster? On the heels of recent weather events in the news, it’s relevant that September is National Preparedness Month, an important reminder for Americans to be prepared for disasters...
Read MoreBACK TO THE 90S: 10 WAYS TODAY IS LIKE THE 1990S AND WHY IT’S NOT
Feeling a little déjà vu? You’re not alone. Cetera Investment Management's latest commentary takes a neon-colored look at 10 ways today’s markets resemble the 1990s, including long-running bull markets, a...
Read MoreTALKING FINANCES WITH YOUR ADULT CHILDREN
Many of our clients ask for helpful tips they can share with their children on managing finances, estate planning, and particularly, what they need to know as beneficiaries. We know these conversations can be difficult to initiate,...
Read MoreMARKET VOLATILITY: THREE STEPS TO KEEPING CALM
It is well known that the stock market goes up, and the stock market goes down, but investors are supposed to keep their wits about them and focus on their long-term goals and hold steady. But it can be hard to sit idly by and watch...
Read MoreYour Security Online - Time to Check Your Privacy Settings
How do you connect online with your loved ones, your friends, your co-workers? Facebook, Facebook Messenger, Twitter, LinkedIn, Snapchat, Instagram, YouTube, WhatsApp? Do you shop on Amazon.com, eBay or other sites? Do you use a...
Read MoreYOUR 2019 BUDGET: WHAT WILL COST MORE (OR LESS) IN THE MONTHS AHEAD?
What will cost more (or less) in the months ahead? Rising interest rates, falling oil prices, increasing healthcare costs and a softening housing market are among many economic factors that may trickle down to your wallet in 2019....
Read More4 REASONS FOR AN ERA OF MARKET VOLATILITY
Just why are the markets so volatile lately? Until early 2018, stocks were enjoying their longest period without a 5% pullback in nearly 90 years.1,2 But in early February 2018, that calm came to a sudden and decisive end, as the...
Read More2019 Annual Outlook Report is Now Available
Cetera Investment Management has released its 2019 Annual Outlook Summary titled, The Marathon Economic Expansion is Slowing. In this outlook summary, they discuss the second longest economic expansion in U.S. history and its...
Read MoreWorries Plague Markets: Focus on These Positives
Cetera Investment Management has just released a new market commentary titled, Worries Plague Markets: Focus on These Positives. This commentary discusses the continued market selloff and the reasons behind current investor pessimism....
Read MoreA Financial Checklist for the Holidays
A Financial Checklist for the Holidays As the year draws to a close, most of us look to holiday planning, getting our house ready for guests and finding the perfect gifts. We might forget the importance of another type of planning for...
Read MoreBack to the 90s: 10 Ways Today is Like the '90s and How It's Not
Cetera Investment Management has released a new market commentary titled Back to the 90s: 10 Ways Today is Like the 1990s and Why It’s Not. This commentary discusses 10 similarities that the current market environment shares...
Read MoreBest Two-Week Gain Since February
Best Two-Week Gain Since February November 5 - 9, 2018 Recap • Stocks Trim Weeky Gains. U.S. stocks finished lower on Friday, trimming weekly gains as a two-week plunge in oil prices and an earnings-driven resumption in tech...
Read MoreBest Week in Over Six Months
Best Week in Over Six Months October 29 - November 2, 2018 Recap • Stocks Rebound After October Rout. U.S. stocks closed lower on Friday, ending its first three-day rally since September 20, but the S&P 500 still recorded its...
Read MoreStocks Slump Amid Challenging Earnings
Stocks Slump Amid Challenging Earnings October 22-26, 2018 Recap • Most Volatile Week Since February. U.S. stocks slumped last week, with the S&P 500 finishing a volatile week just shy of a 10% correction from its September 20...
Read MoreStocks End Narrowly Mixed
WEEKLY VANTAGE POINT Stocks End Narrowly MixedOctober 15-19, 2018 Recap Tariff Concerns Appear in Earnings Guidance. U.S. stocks gave back strong intra-day gains on Friday to finish mixed as investors assessed generally positive...
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