Articles

The Sun Shines Through the Shadows of August

August and September have historically been the worst months for investors, specifically as measured by S&P 500 data compiled by the St. Louis Federal Reserve. Since 1970, August has averaged an advance of just 0.13% (through 2024), the second-worst month, while September has recorded a loss of 0.91%. A review of the historical market data […]

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Big Changes to 529 College Savings Plans Courtesy of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act

Last month, we provided an overview of the key provisions in the just-signed One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA). As we kick off the new school year, we believe this is a good time to address some of the important changes that were included in the OBBBA for 529 college savings plans—changes that could significantly

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The U.S. Now Exports 30% of the Energy It Produces

ChartTalk: The U.S. leads the world in production of oil and natural gas. And now, fully 30% of U.S. production is exported to other parts of the globe. See the infographic for details. The U.S. reached new records in terms of primary energy production and exports in 2024, according to new figures released by the U.S. Energy

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The Opportunity Cost of a Daily Starbucks Latte

ChartTalk: It’s Econ 101. When you buy one thing, you’re giving up the opportunity to buy something else. Here we look at the opportunity cost of buying a daily cup of coffee—instead of investing that pocket change into high-flying stocks. How much would a daily latte take out of your wallet? What else are you giving

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Tariff news is ‘less bad’

Less bad—that’s a simplified though admittedly rough way to describe the trade and tariff landscape and its broader impact on stocks. This sharp rise in tariffs reflects a major shift in U.S. trade policy that’s aimed at addressing trade imbalances and encouraging domestic production. It may also have significant implications for inflation, supply chains, and

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Decoding the One Big Beautiful Bill Act: 13 Key Provisions

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) was signed into law on July 4 and encompasses hundreds of provisions, including permanent tax cuts, increased defense spending, Medicaid reforms, energy policy shifts, an increase in the debt ceiling, and enhanced immigration enforcement. Given the scope and complexity of the new law, our review will not be

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What Are Trump Accounts and How Do They Work?

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act creates a new savings vehicle for families with children born before 2028. The new ‘Trump Accounts’ offer an opportunity for many families to save money for some of their children’s future expenses. But they also carry complications and should be considered carefully. The 2025 One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBA) introduced

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Vermont Saves; a New Small Business Retirement Plan Mandate

Did you know? Under Vermont’s new law, employers with five or more employees will soon be required by the state to facilitate retirement savings – even if they don’t offer a plan. It’s called Vermont Saves, and while it checks the compliance box, it comes with government-mandated limitations and zero flexibility. About the Rollout The Vermont

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