Already in 2020, we have seen market rallies, crashes, and rallies once again. We have seen very low unemployment, historic spikes, then drops. The economy has gone, and continues to go, through its own set of gyrations. It is hard to figure out how one is supposed to feel and then be able to react appropriately. However, if there ever were a time when staying the course and taking a longer-term perspective was appropriate, this is it.
Topics: Financial Planning, Stock Market, Economic Outlook, Economy
The coronavirus has radically affected the lives of everyone in this country – and, indeed, the world – in an unprecedentedly short amount of time. News of it on the radio, TV, and internet seems all-consuming. This piece is not intended as an update on the virus, because by the time it’s published any news contained herein will be outdated. Instead, the purpose here is to discuss the investing environment, both during this crisis and beyond.
Topics: Trust, Wealth Management, Stock Market, Economic Outlook, Retirement Planning, Saving
In light of recent volatility attributable to the spread of the coronavirus – technically, COVID-19 – it's appropriate to provide some insight into what is happening in the equity markets, and how State Bank of Cross Plains' wealth managers are responding. The drama that has played out over the past couple of weeks has resulted in a correction (a 10% drop from a recent peak) in the stock market in an extremely short period of time. In fact, right before the outbreak, markets had hit an all-time high. The perceived severity of the downturn (due to its rapidity) has stoked fears of a 2008 market sell-off and, perhaps, a recession.
Topics: Stock Market, Economic Outlook, Economy
It's only a slight exaggeration to say that 2019 was a year that rose out of the ashes of the fourth quarter of 2018. People’s memories seem to be getting shorter, so it can be easy to forget how bad that quarter was. Technically, the economy entered a bear market in December, though many may not have realized it at the time. The reason being, most people measure such things at the close of trading each day, and while the market did hit a point where it was down 20% from its peak, it didn’t close that way. If it had, economists would be either talking about a new bull market or looking for a catalyst to set the stage for one. Given the speed of the market’s recovery, benefited by several record-setting highs, it is safe to assume that the longest-running bull market in history continues unabated, likely with more to come. The past year returned exceptional results in virtually every category, including fixed income.
Topics: Wealth Management, Stock Market, Economic Outlook, Economy
No getting around it: August was a rollercoaster. Market volatility increased, understandably impacting investor confidence. So what do we have to look forward to in the near future – an upswing, a downswing, more of the same?
Topics: Financial Planning, Trust, Wealth Management, Stock Market, Economic Outlook, Economy
According to a recent article in the Washington Post, economists are warning that specific economic signs are pointing to a recession. As a result, experts believe the Federal Reserve will begin to lower interest rates in an effort to reinvigorate the economy.
If your business is prepared for a market correction, it can be an advantageous environment for borrowing money.
Topics: Business Banking, Stock Market, Economic Outlook
Summer has arrived, and with it, the return of long, hazy days, filled with lazing by the pool, or on the beach, or at the lake. A sense of peace and calm, that things are just right in the world.
Topics: Financial Planning, Wealth Management, Stock Market, Economic Outlook, DJIA, Economy
Steven Wright’s quintessential, dry-witted line about excess probably doesn’t do much for most of us, other than cause a chuckle. We probably aren’t looking for a deeper meaning or applying it to our everyday life. However, I thought it might be interesting to examine a few well-known idioms/quotes/sayings and explore how we might use them to make practical applications to our personal finances.
Topics: Financial Planning, Wealth Management, Retirement, Stock Market, Economic Outlook, Retirement Planning, Saving, Budget
The following article – republished here courtesy of Broadridge Investor Communication Solutions, Inc. – contains sound advice for investors of any age and level of expertise. Regardless of one's market savviness, employing a back-to-basics approach can help keep things simple and provide perspective on one's goals and how best to achieve them.
Topics: Financial Planning, Wealth Management, Retirement, Stock Market, Retirement Planning, Saving
If you are a fan of the mundane things in life, then 2018 was not your kind of investment year. On the other hand, if you thrive on the wild side, then the markets did their best to take you along on an adventure. A challenging year to say the least. The same might be said about 2019 once it is in the books.
Topics: Wealth Management, Stock Market, Economic Outlook, DJIA, Economy