Market Update: US-China Trade, Syria & Fed Outlook Impact Stocks

A conciliatory tone on trade from both China and the US as well as easing fears around a military escalation stemming from Syria’s apparent chemical attack led to rising stock prices. Tech stocks got

Q1 2018 Market Review: Volatility Resurfaces & Strategic Adjustments

After a lengthy snooze, market volatility resurfaced in Q1. The year started off hot. US stocks rose 5.2% in January and extended the S&P 500’s all-time record for consecutive positive months to 1

Cryptocurrency Investing: Avoiding the Pitfalls of FOMO and Market Volatility

Bitcoin has taken investors on quite the adventure. As its price soared to nearly $20,000 late last year, the cryptocurrency swept up new converts in its momentum — many of whom were no doubt disappoi

Energy Market Update: Bank Earnings & Stock Market Performance

Earnings season is in full swing, with numerous banks reporting a strong uptick in bottom-line growth, driven almost entirely by the new tax changes. Other results were mixed, with negative surprises

US Treasury Yields Rise Amid Inflation Concerns & Corporate Earnings Analysis

This week, the 10-year U.S. Treasury note yield passed 3% for the first time since early 2014, as concerns around the impacts of inflation heat up. Some of the particularly visible publicly traded co

ETFs vs. Index Funds: A Comprehensive Guide for Investors

Navigating Market Volatility: Strategies for Bond & Monetary Policy Uncertainty

Investors are facing uncertainty when it comes to monetary policy, changing bond yields, inflation, and more. They’re faced with a new threat: a large U.S. Treasury supply that could boost bond

Stock Market Rally: Key Takeaways from Jobs Report & M&A Activity

A balanced jobs report on Friday spurred a rally to bring stocks back to about even for the week. Official unemployment dropped to 3.9%, but soft wage gains may encourage the Fed to pursue a slower pa

Oil Prices Surge Amid Iran Nuclear Deal Uncertainty; Stock Market Gains

Equity investors overlooked President Trump’s withdrawal from the Iran nuclear accord and pushed stocks higher. Energy prices rose with increased tensions, with Brent crude oil prices hitting $77 a ba

Market Update: Tesla Lithium Deals, Oil Prices, and Global Market Trends

Global markets seesawed over the last five days as investors grappled with many of the same headlines, including North Korea, Iran, increasing bond yields and rebounding oil. Virtually all asset class

Diversified Investment Strategies: Protecting and Growing Your Wealth

Most people know the idiom, “don’t put all your eggs in one basket.” But like most things in the world of financial planning and investing, that sage adage may be easier said than done. Investing into

Socially Responsible Investing (SRI): Build a Portfolio That Aligns with Your Values

Change is in the air — you can almost feel it around you. Whether it’s the increasing awareness of the environment, disparities in the workplace, or other social issues, there seems to be a gro

First Date Etiquette: Who Pays? Insights from a New Survey

  Our recent survey on how money impacts romantic relationships explores Americans’ attitudes about the intersection of love and money, as well as how the sexes think they stack up when it

Market Update: Congress Passes Deregulation, US-China Trade Tensions Ease

This weekend we remember those who died in service of the United State’s Armed Forces. Memorial Day is Monday, the 28th. Market movement this week was relatively uneventful. China and the United State

Global Markets: Geopolitical Uncertainty & Strong US Jobs Data

Ebbs and flows in trade talks, Italian populism, and the North Korea summit paired with a strong jobs report left stocks modestly higher after a volatile week. With multiple geopolitical issues playin

Homeownership & Portfolio Growth: Understanding the Financial Impact

A primary home can be a wonderful investment, especially if you enjoy living in it. However, it’s good to keep in mind that real estate historically appreciates at about the rate of inflation. This is

Buyer's vs. Seller's Market: Current Real Estate Trends (Video)

  When it comes to home buying, is it a buyer’s or a seller’s market? We hit the streets to see what the average American thinks. Do you agree with their responses? Let us know in th

Weekly Market Update: Tech Leads Gains Amid Geopolitical Shifts

While financial media was focused on the G-7 talks and other geopolitical issues, stocks continued their march higher. Interest rates were up only modestly, but Financials (seen as benefitting from ri

Market Update: Fed Rate Hike Impact & Trading Week Review

Equities largely ignored any risk tied to President Trump’s summit in Singapore. Equities rose Monday in anticipation of the meeting and again on Tuesday. There was a brief selloff Wednesday after Fed

Rent vs. Buy: Navigating the Current Housing Market

Most people think that location plays the biggest role when considering buying a house – and they wouldn’t be wrong. After all, location impacts the area’s amenities, as well as property value. But wh