The Markets (as of market close January 11, 2019) For the third straight week, stocks posted positive returns by the close of last week. Each of the indexes listed here gained at least 2.40%, with the small caps of the Russell 2000 zooming up by almost 5.0%. Energy shares had a strong week as oil [...]
The Markets (as of market close September 7, 2018) Apparently a strong labor report, which included increasing wages, wasn't enough to quell investors' fears as stocks plummeted last week. President Trump's threat to raise tariffs on an additional $267 billion in Chinese imports heightened trade war rhetoric and frightened investors. Each of the benchmark indexes [...]
The Markets (as of market close August 31, 2018) Stocks enjoyed a record-setting month in August as several of the benchmark indexes reached new all-time highs during the month. Of the benchmark indexes listed here, only the Global Dow lost value. Otherwise, indexes representing large caps, small caps, and tech stocks all posted noteworthy monthly [...]
The Markets (as of market close August 3, 2018) Tech and mid-cap stocks performed best last week following strong second-quarter corporate earnings reports. Led by the Nasdaq, each of the benchmark indexes listed here posted gains last week, except for the Global Dow. The S&P 500 enjoyed solid returns and is over 6.0% ahead of [...]
The Markets (as of market close April 30, 2018) April was marked by the impending tariff war between the United States and China. Tensions between the world's two largest economies certainly affected stocks both home and abroad. Escalating strife in Syria posed an additional reason for investors to be concerned. However, surging energy stocks lifted [...]
The Markets (as of market close April 13, 2018) Surging energy stocks led a market rebound last week as each of the benchmark indexes listed here posted gains. Although stocks closed higher by week's end, volatility continued to be the benchmark during the week as investors remain uneasy amidst the turbulent political climate. The trade [...]
Key Retirement and Tax Numbers for 2018 Every year, the Internal Revenue Service announces cost-of-living adjustments that affect contribution limits for retirement plans, thresholds for deductions and credits, and standard deduction and personal exemption amounts. Here are a few of the key adjustments for 2018.* Employer retirement plans Employees who participate in 401(k), 403(b), and [...]
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 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 [...]
