After a year of living with the fear of COVID-19, many investors are hoping 2021 will bring a return to ‘normal,’ even if the new normal may not be exactly like the old one. Optimism about the future has many investors feeling bullish, according to most of the sentiment surveys listed in Barron’s last week. […]
The Markets U.S. stock markets remained calm as a fresh chapter opened in the coronavirus stimulus saga last week. Congress managed to cobble together a new stimulus package that was acceptable to both sides and pass it. The proposed package included money to help states distribute vaccines, an unemployment benefits extension, $600 checks for eligible
Market Commentary – Dec 28, 2020 Read More »
The Markets Last week, vaccine optimism immunized investors against signs of economic weakness. In previous commentaries we’ve written about narrative economics, which holds that popular stories may affect individual and collective economic behavior. Last week, diverse narratives had the potential to influence consumer and investor behavior, but not all did. You may have read that:
Market Commentary – Week of Nov 30, 2020 Read More »
The Markets The U.S. economy is like a semi-trailer truck. No one likes being stuck behind a semi at a stoplight because big trucks don’t go from zero to 60 in 2.5 seconds. Neither does the U.S. economy. When the pandemic brought our economy to a near virtual standstill early in 2020, the U.S. government
Market Commentary – Week of Nov 23, 2020 Read More »
Tis the season of gratitude. Thanksgiving is perhaps one of the most underappreciated holidays, but most needed. Given the year we have endured it may be difficult to be naturally thankful. This year may require us to purposefully and intentionally seek to be grateful. There are so many things beyond our individual control – the
Intentional Gratitude Read More »
The premiums and coverages vary, and you must realize the differences. Medicare takes a little time to understand. As you approach age 65, familiarize yourself with its coverage options, costs, and limitations. Certain features of Medicare can affect health care costs and coverage. Some retirees may do okay with original Medicare (Parts A and B),
Why Medicare Should be Part of Your Retirement Strategy Read More »
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, productivity losses linked to employees not showing up for work cost employers approximately $225 billion annually, or over $1,600 per worker. Business owners and managers understand very well the rising cost of health care and the loss of productivity associated with absenteeism and employee disengagement. Which is why
Good Health is Good Business Read More »
It has been estimated that less than 50% of adults have a will or other estate documents in place, which may not be entirely surprising. No one wants to be reminded of their own mortality or spend too much time thinking about what might happen once they’re gone. But a will is an instrument of power.
Apprehension about the election has many people worrying about how financial markets may be affected by the outcome. Here are some thoughts to ponder: “Election years are not often the best times for stock market investors. Over the past 90 years shares included in the S&P 500, an index of America’s biggest firms, have returned
The Election is Almost Here Read More »