2023: 26% 2024: 25% 2025: 17% – these are the annual returns in the US stock market over the past three years. Historically speaking, these returns are nothing short of exceptional. And yet, if you read or watch any news story over the past few weeks, it is a drumbeat of negativity. Don’t believe me? […]

If you feel as though markets and news are moving at the speed of light lately, you are not alone. Whether it’s the influence of 24/7 financial news, accessibility to news flow at all times (on our phones, watches, computers, etc), the activity from the federal government, other factors, or some combination of the above, […]

The Federal Reserve Bank of the US held the fed funds rate steady at Wednesday’s meeting. The fed funds rate remain at 3.5-3.75%. This was the expectation in the market and as a result, the reaction to the news was relatively muted. Chairman Powell’s commentary focused on two distinct but closely intertwined topics (1) the […]

Ever since 2020, short-term rates have been rather favorable for investors in comparison to history (remember when money market funds paid over 5% – the good old days!) As the effects on the pandemic have subsided on many fronts, the fed funds rate has steadily declined and has taken the market rates on cash savings […]

It may have been a shortened trading week due to Monday’s holiday but there was no shortage of market moving news. Surge in Japanese Bond Yields – Tuesday morning brought two main events, the first of which was a surge in Japanese Bond yields. They rose across all durations, with the 10 year JGB yield […]

There are certain terms we all hear in the financial press each day that we may not fully understand. A client was wise enough to ask for clarification on one such term – index funds. Let’s take a look (one word at a time) What is an index? An index is a collection of specific […]

It’s been an eventful start to 2026! Let’s look at a few things that happened so far this year: Venezuela – In early January, US launched a military intervention in this oil-rich country and took its President into custody. The US has now taken over Venezuela’s oil industry. The oil is heavy crude which requires […]

Tax time – it comes around so quickly doesn’t it? While it may feel like you just finished 2024 taxes, it’s already time to start getting things together to finalize 2025’s edition. While the deadline isn’t until April, the earlier you get all your information together (for your own preparation or that by your tax […]

Congratulations! You made it thru another year of being an investor! 2025 was quite the ride that ended up very well for most investors. International equity markets had a stellar year, as did many commodities. US equity markets held their own and fixed income posted impressive returns as well. All in all, 2025 was a […]

What would a new year be without some resolutions? I talked with two clients this week about a common resolution – budgeting! Specifically, they were trying to get a handle on their spending so they could set a savings plan/approach for the upcoming year and beyond. Let’s be honest – tracking expenses can be a […]