Saving money in bank accounts and certificates of deposit (CDs) is a much more attractive proposition than it was a couple of years ago, thanks to a steep increase in interest rates. As the Federal Reserve…
Buying a Home is Now Far More Expensive Than Renting
Every day, families and individuals across the country face the decision regarding whether to buy a home or to rent. While many factors contribute to that decision, one major consideration is the comparative…
Portfolio Income Strategies Back on Track
The ultra-low interest rates of the past decade produced a noticeable casualty: the 4% retirement withdrawal rule. In a nutshell, the rule says that a retiree who depends on income produced by an investment…
Earnings Season Implications for Investors
As companies report their financial results for the second calendar quarter of 2023, investors have the opportunity to see the recent impact that several macroeconomic factors and industry-specific catalysts…
Potential Regulatory Risks in International Investing
Investors often use various mutual funds and exchange-traded funds focused on international markets to achieve investment portfolio diversification across geographic regions. Such funds can offer beneficial…
The Benefits and Challenges of Diversification
There’s a saying in finance that “there’s no free lunch, aside from diversification.” The underlying meaning is that nearly everything in investing requires a trade-off. If you want to position your portfolio…
Why the Market Cares About a U.S. Default
The U.S. is getting precariously close to a technical default on its sovereign debt, potentially within the next month. The U.S. government, like most governments, runs an annual budget deficit by spending more…
Median Rent Falling in the U.S.
National rent asking prices fell year-over-year for the first time in three years, reflecting a surplus of supply and moderating new demand. Pandemic-era construction accelerated rapidly to meet the surge in demand….
What the Silicon Valley Bank Collapse Means for Investors
Last Friday saw the largest bank failure since the Great Recession, as Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) was closed by California's financial regulator. The bank was effectively caught between depositor withdrawals and assets…
The Potential Impact of India's Economic Efforts
India is making economic moves that could contribute to meaningful forward strides for the country and contribute to a positive outlook for emerging markets. India has invested a significant amount of capital recently in…
Growing Pressures in the Labor Market
Consumer spending accounts for nearly 70% of economic activity in the U.S., as measured by gross domestic product (GDP). This means that the health and strength of the economy is heavily dependent on personal finances and…
Debt Markets are Becoming More Attractive for Investors
For over a decade, investors seeking a healthy yield from bonds or short-term cash equivalents have found very little to work with. The Federal Reserve has largely held the federal funds target rate near zero since 2008. The…
Cryptocurrency Risks
The past few weeks have reminded investors of the risks involved in allocating capital to cryptocurrencies and related assets. Cryptocurrencies, in large part, are not backed in value by probabilistic cash flow generation, as…
Large Increase for IRA and 401(k) Contribution Limits
Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) and company-sponsored 401(k) accounts provide convenient options for individuals to save and invest money in a tax-advantaged manner. These benefits can have a significant positive impact…
Estate Planning Strategy Updates
Deliberate estate planning and wealth transfer strategies are useful for minimizing tax burden, streamlining legacy decisions, and protecting dependents and other beneficiaries. Rules regarding estate planning undergo frequent…
Addressing the Semiconductor Chip Shortage
Semiconductor chips are crucial components in a mind-boggling number of products for consumers, businesses, and government entities. These products include cars and trucks, computers, gaming devices, drones, data storage…
The Fed’s Updated Projections on Raising Interest Rates
Interest rates are one of the most important factors influencing economic activity, costs and prices of goods and property, and company profitability. As interest rates rise, debt becomes more expensive and carves into personal…
Investment Opportunities Differ by Policy Approach in Various Geographic Regions
As different governments and various institutions take a diverse array of approaches to the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting economic and social effects, certain geographic regions have emerged as potentially providing better…
Implications of the Biden Administration's Carbon-Neutral Initiative
The Biden Administration resolved this week to pursue complete carbon neutrality across the federal government over the next few decades. The implications for investment opportunities and risks, if the plan is brought to fruition…
SPACs Explained
A special purpose acquisition company (SPAC) is an investment vehicle that enables companies to go public without going through an initial public offering (IPO), which is a complex and costly process that can take months or even…