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In May of 2015, the US stock market reached record highs. Then, for the first time since 2011, a sharp correction began in August and continued in September. From there, the stock market never fully recovered. By the end of 2015, the Dow Jones Industrial Average was

A recent spike in volatility with a sharp downside bias has resulted in a long overdue stock market correction. China has been in the news as its large economy slows. Efforts by the centralized government there to contain stock market losses and reverse the economic decline have

Greece is among the many factors influencing the markets as we enter the second half of 2015. Powerful lessons about indebtedness, labor, pensions, and politics are available to anyone willing to have a close look. As politicians struggle to negotiate a deal that will avert a missed

The Individual Retirement Account (IRA) was first introduced in 1974 with the enactment of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA). As the 2014 tax year filing deadline approaches, IRA investing strategy is front and center in the minds of Americans willing to create their own financial

As the year winds down, Americans have unwrapped an early Christmas present in the form of lower energy costs. Oil is abundant supply, thanks in no small part to robust exploration and production right here at home. At the same time, global demand is slowing. The subsequent

As autumn arrives, the Federal Reserve will end its stimulus program with a final $15 billion purchase of US treasury and mortgage-backed securities. From there, monetary policy is expected to normalize gradually with a rise in short-term interest rates forecast for the middle of 2015. Following the

As our great country gets ready to celebrate Independence Day, we face a series of difficult problems at home. Among them is the persistent issue of retirement readiness. Although paycheck-to-paycheck life is the order of the day for many Americans, it doesn’t have to be. The timeless

Recent stock market volatility serves as a timely reminder of the risks that investors must face head on. The Bear Market bottom reached a 5 year anniversary in March. With the cyclical nature of capital markets in mind, we continue to favor a balanced approach to investing

As we approach 2014, we are impressed with the stock market performance of the last 12 months. The bull market that began in March of 2009 has overcome many obstacles, including the recent threat of US military involvement in Syria and a government shutdown in October. Even

What with Labor Day behind us, it is time to welcome fall. August was a challenging month for investors and challenges lie ahead for both stock and bond markets. Unemployment remains elevated and GDP is weak. The economy may be closer to stall speed than escape velocity.