The Markets (as of market close December 8, 2017) Last week proved to be a mixed bag of market returns as the large caps of the Dow and S&P 500 posted moderate gains, while the tech-heavy Nasdaq and small caps of the Russell 2000 closed the week down. A stronger than expected jobs report may [...]
The Markets (as of market close November 24, 2017) Stocks rebounded last week in spite of the market shutting down for the Thanksgiving holiday. Each of the benchmark indexes listed here posted weekly gains, led by the Russell 2000, which posted one of its largest weekly advances this year. The tech-heavy Nasdaq was next, followed [...]
The Markets (as of market close November 17, 2017) Last week saw a mixed bag of returns as the large caps of the Dow and S&P 500 lost value for the second consecutive week, while the tech-heavy Nasdaq and small caps of the Russell 2000 posted gains. Major gains from consumer companies such as Wal-Mart [...]
The Markets (as of market close November 10, 2017) Trepidation over proposed tax reform took a toll on large caps last week, ending what had been a run of consecutive weekly positive returns. The small caps of the Russell 2000 were particularly hit, sending that index down over 1.30%. Rising oil prices pushed energy stocks [...]
The Markets (as of market close October 31, 2017) Despite continuing drama in the White House and the fury of Mother Nature, stock growth remained steady for much of October. Favorable corporate earnings reports, a strong jobs sector, and growing consumer income overcame any trepidations investors may have had. Each of the benchmark indexes listed [...]
The Markets (as of market close November 3, 2017) The benchmark indexes were mixed last week as large caps and tech stocks performed well, while small caps took quite a hit. The S&P 500 closed the week posting gains for the eighth straight week. The small caps of the Russell 2000 lost almost 1.0%. Technology [...]
Trimming college costs up front can help families avoid excessive college borrowing and the burdensome student loan payments that come with it. Here are some ideas. 1. Pick a college with a lower net price. You can use a college's net price calculator (available on every college's website) to estimate what your net price (out-of-pocket cost) [...]
During the Medicare Open Enrollment Period that runs from October 15 through December 7, you can make changes to your Medicare coverage that will be effective on January 1, 2018. If you're satisfied with your current coverage, you don't need to make changes, but it's a good idea to review your options. During Open Enrollment, [...]
Here are 10 things to consider as you weigh potential tax moves between now and the end of the year. 1. Set aside time to plan Effective planning requires that you have a good understanding of your current tax situation, as well as a reasonable estimate of how your circumstances might change next year. There's [...]
The Markets (as of market close October 27, 2017) Strong third-quarter corporate earnings and an expanding gross domestic product helped push the S&P 500 and Nasdaq to new record highs last week. The Dow also gained close to 0.50%. While technology stocks led the way, health-care shares didn't fare as well, pushing the small-cap Russell [...]
