Blog

The 12 Days of Year-End Planning: Things to Consider Going into “The New Year" (Year-End Planning Ch

At the end of the year, it is necessary to reflect on your financial picture, review the last 12 months, and plan for the future. With all that is involved, it can seem overwhelming. Consider breaking up the responsibilities over...

5 Do’s and Don'ts for Charitable Giving During the Holidays

The fourth quarter holidays are often seen as one of the prime times to take out your checkbook — not only do many charities put in extra efforts helping others this time of year, but donating is also a smart financial move....

Make a Positive Impact This Giving Tuesday With Impact Investing

While Black Friday and Cyber Monday center on consumer deals, Giving Tuesday—the Tuesday after Thanksgiving—has a different focus. Each year, individuals and corporations are encouraged to use the day to support charities...

High Net-Worth Individuals: Are You Missing Opportunities in Your Financial Planning?

High Net-Worth executives and those that have been self-employed, can experience common problems in their financial planning journey. Often, they have missed opportunities in their financial planning because they haven’t planned...

End of Year (EOY) Deadlines Checklist

For many of us, a new year is an opportunity for fresh starts and discovering the best versions of ourselves, but some things—like tax contributions and retirement deadlines—don't change much, if at all. And with that shiny...

Retirement’s Second Act: Setting the Stage for Encore Entrepreneurship

An encore entrepreneur is a person who starts a new business or venture after age 55. They represent more than half of all business owners in the U.S., and for a good reason.1 These entrepreneurs have decades of work and life...

Entrepreneurs aren’t Born, They’re Made

Who are entrepreneurs? Sometimes they are the people who leave the corporate world to pursue their own dreams. In many cases, they may be individuals who have found themselves dislocated or “downsized” from a previous job....

10 Easy Financial Planning Steps for Beginners

If you've never engaged in financial planning and are unsure how to get started, this article is for you. A financial plan starts by evaluating your current financial situation and future expectations and can be created independently...

An Essential Guide to Estate Planning Preparedness

A recent survey by Caring.com found that a whopping two in three American adults do not have an estate plan1—an alarming statistic, considering that an estate plan can protect your assets and ensure that they go to the right...

Ten Things You Must Know About Medicare

Heading into your retirement years brings a slew of new topics to grapple with, and one of the most maddening may be Medicare. Figuring out when to enroll, what to enroll in and what coverage will be best for you can be daunting. To...

A Fall Financial Checklist

For many, autumn is the best time of year. The return of cool breezes, comforting foods, and pumpkins can be invigorating. It’s also a bookmark of sorts, especially for your finances—a perfect time to take stock of your...

How to Protect Your Wealth as You Get Older

As you get older and closer to retirement, your financial practices need to shift slightly as you transition from working and saving to relying on your nest egg. As you approach this stage of your life, you need to take steps to...

Are You Maximizing 401(k) Contributions?

The more money that you can save when you are working, the easier it should be for you to retire and enjoy your golden years. Unfortunately, Social Security may no longer provide a sufficient income to live on during retirement. To...

Making Decisions About Medicare

This is a general overview of Medicare coverage. For more information, visit medicare.gov.You can also get free, personalized help from a trained counselor by contacting your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP). Your...

Efficiency Rules: 3 Simple Steps for Improved Planning and Productivity

Do you wish that there was more time in a day? Do you want to have time to drink a cup of coffee in the morning, or get to the gym before or after work? Well, we can’t change how much time there is each day, but we can help you...

Now Might Be a Good Time for a Roth Conversion

One silver lining in the current bear market is that this could be a good time to convert assets from a traditional IRA to a Roth IRA. Converted assets are subject to federal income tax in the year of conversion, which might be a...

The Principles of Financial Literacy

Financial literacy refers to the skills and knowledge that allow an individual to make informed and effective decisions through their understanding of finances. Financial literacy starts by building a basic understanding of 'money...

3 Golf Tips to Keep Your Retirement Plan on Course

In golf, as in finances, there are a few rules of thumb that may improve your game: keep a level head, avoid traps, practice before trying something new and stay the course. Applying lessons from the golf course to your financial life...

4 Tips and Resources to Help Seniors During Periods of High Inflation and Market Volatility

In 2022, U.S. inflation hit a 40-year high, with prices for food, housing, gasoline, and other key staples increasing by nearly 10% over the previous year.1 During these uncertain times, stocks have continued a roller-coaster ride...

Warren Buffett on How to Plan for Inflation

We’ve all heard about Warren Buffett, the 91-year-old multibillionaire known for his friendly demeanor, modest style of living in Omaha, and remarkable ability to create wealth. How does he make so much money? How does Warren and...

Fatherly Advice: 7 Timeless Financial Tips Our Fathers Taught Us

Although many things have changed in the financial world over the past 20 years, some nuggets of financial advice are timeless. Here are a few tips that have remained constant for several generations.Always Spend Less Than You...

I-Bonds and Inflation: Why These Bonds May Be Suitable for You

With a volatile stock market, the Fed Funds rate near zero, and inflation the highest since 1982, some may seek an investment that can protect their purchasing power and limit their market exposure. A-Series I Bonds are appropriately...

The Healthy, Wealthy, and Wise: How Exercising During Retirement Can Pay Off

Everything You Need to Know About Adjusting to Retirement

3 Common Social Security Scams and How to Avoid Being Fooled by Them

Continuing to Work After Drawing Social Security? What Retirees Should Know

3 Ways to Invest in Our Planet on Earth Day

Four Things to Know Before You Take Social Security

3 Reasons to Wait Until 70 to Claim Social Security Benefits

Hoping that 2022 is When You Retire Early?

What Can the Best/Worst Stocks of 2021 Tell Us?

Social Security to Run Out of Money Much Sooner

All You Wanted To Know About Stock Market Corrections

Potential Catalysts for a Turnaround

Busting Two Myths: Why Higher Yields And Rate Hikes Aren’t Always Bad

Messy Jobs Report Unlikely to Change Rate Hike Path

Charts of the Year

4 Self-Care Tips for Caregivers

3 Ways to Tackle Your Financial Goals

Retirement Plan Limits on the Rise in 2022

HOW MUCH HIGHER CAN TREASURY YIELDS GO?

Federal Reserve Meeting Recap: Powell Pivot: Confirmed

Have We Reached Peak Quit?

Outlook 2022: Passing the Baton

WILL OMICRON RUIN THE SANTA RALLY?

Tax Prep Checklist: Everything You Need to Be Ready for Tax Season

Regardless of whether you prepare your taxes yourself or use a professional's services, it's a good idea to gather the information and documentation you need well in advance of your actual tax filing date. Below, we've listed some key...

Improving Your Financial Health is Not Very Hard

“Keep it Simple, Stupid” is a great approach to organizing your finances Some folks think financial planning is very difficult. While certain aspects are hard, such as constructing the right asset allocation to meet your...

How Have Stocks Done Under Jerome Powell?

The big news this week was Jerome Powell will remain in charge of the Federal Reserve (Fed) for four more years, so we wanted to do a quick blog that looked at how stocks have done while he has been the Fed Chairman. “There are...

Leading Indicators Show Tempered Optimism For Economy

On Thursday, November 18, the Conference Board released it October 2021 report detailing the latest reading for the Leading Economic Index (LEI), a composite of ten data series that tend to lead changes in economic activity. Many...

A PEEK AT PEAK INFLATION: FIVE SIGNALS TO WATCH FOR

After an upside inflation surprise in October, it’s clear that peak inflation may still be ahead, possibly even pushing into 2022. While the Federal Reserve (Fed) maintains its position that elevated inflation will be transitory,...

DEVELOPED INTERNATIONAL: IF NOT NOW, WHEN?

Since we began our investing careers, we’ve had the concept of diversification drilled into our heads. Some refer to it as the only free lunch in investing. Well, when it comes to geography, that advice hasn’t been helpful...

October Market Insights – The October Rebound

Index Performance View enlarged chart. U.S. and International Equities Stocks erased September losses with solid gains in October for the broad market averages. The S&P 500 returned almost 7% for the month, while the Dow Industrials...

8 Tips to Stay on Track with Your Holiday Budgeting

It’s hard to believe we are already approaching the end of another year, and holiday season will soon be here. Since holiday spending doesn’t include just gifting, it’s essential to set your budget now. You may likely...

A Season of Giving: 5 Different Ways To Give During the Holidays

With the holidays here, now is the time to get into the giving spirit and help to change others' lives for the better. Whether you are looking to make a difference in a specific person's life or the life of many, there are many ways to...

3 Financial Moves to Consider Before Ringing in the New Year

Although you don't have to wait until January to begin working on your financial goals, a new year may bring a much-needed fresh start on your spending and saving goals. Read on for three financial moves you may want to consider before...

BULLISH SETUP INTO YEAR-END

The S&P 500 Index has gained more than 20% so far this year, making more than 50 record highs along the way. Certainly nobody should be upset with that return if that was all 2021 brought us. However, we see signs that there could be...

Social Security Gets Massive 5.9% Raise in 2022

The largest cost-of-living-adjustment since 1982 impacts 90% of seniors On October 13th, the Social Security Administration announced that Social Security and Supplemental Security Income benefits for tens of millions of Americans will...

Q3 EARNINGS PREVIEW: LESS UPSIDE

We have used most of the superlatives we know to describe corporate America’s stunning performances over the past two earnings seasons. Despite lofty expectations, results exceeded estimates by the biggest margins we’ve...

Weekly Market Performance – Markets Rebound From Last Week’s Decline

Index Performance View enlarged chart. U.S. and International Equities Major U.S. and International Markets Finished Higher The major equity markets reversed course from last week to finish higher. The international markets results...

EARLY THOUGHTS ON 2022

With the fourth quarter underway—historically the best quarter for stocks, by the way—2022 is fast approaching. While a lot can still happen between now and the end of 2021, we don’t think it’s too early to...

Leading Indicators Show Optimism For Domestic Economy

On Thursday, September 23, the Conference Board released its August 2021 report detailing the latest reading for the Leading Economic Index (LEI), a composite of ten data series that tend to lead changes in economic activity. Many...

Navigating Long-Term Care

As Americans age, many of us are coming face-to-face with friends and family members who need long-term care (LTC). And, as we watch others grapple with the emotional and financial consequences of a long-term care event, we can’t...

Your 2021 Year-End Planning Checklist

It may be easy to forget we're nearing the end of the year. Even during the busy end of year rush, it's a good time to reevaluate your 2021 finances and turn an eye toward 2022. What can you do now to potentially improve and streamline...

Why Evergrande Isn’t The Next Lehman

Chinese property developer Evergrande’s liquidity crisis has sparked fear and massive selling in Chinese property stocks over the past several weeks. The big question is could this be the first domino to fall, sparking a systemic...

Markets Rebound Amid Fed Comments

Index Performance View enlarged chart. U.S. and International Equities Major Markets Rebound The major markets finished higher after last week’s selloff, as an already strong week was capped off with a broad-based rally on Friday...

The ABC’s of Estate Planning

There is a common misconception that estate planning is something only the affluent need to do before they die. However, estate planning is important for everyone, regardless of income level or net worth. Planning for the disposition...

Put Yourself in Front of the Savings Game

Like dieting, budgeting your expenses can benefit from long-term commitment. However, human nature leads many of us to become frustrated when we can’t immediately have the things we need or want. As a result, the best-laid...

What You Need to Know About Medicare Advantage Plans

If your 65th birthday is coming up—or if you're receiving Social Security Disability payments and are about to qualify for Medicare before age 65—you may be wondering exactly what comes next.1 Below, we discuss some...

Long-Term Care: Exploring Your Options

Have you ever thought about what would happen if you or a family member were no longer able to live independently? What if your elderly parents were no longer able to drive or perform basic activities of daily living, such as bathing...

Weekly Market Performance – Markets Lower as Delta Variant Cases Increase

Index Performance View enlarged chart. U.S. and International Equities Major Markets Pullback The major markets this week finished lower as value sectors reversed course from last week’s gains. The strength in cyclicals the prior...

A Closer Look At The High Yield Muni Market

As mentioned in the most recent Muni Market Monitor, high yield muni funds have accumulated $24 million of net inflows year to date, representing ~20% of total inflows to the total municipal category. With the prospects of higher...

Leadership Changes Coming to the Federal Reserve?

The Chairperson of the Federal Reserve (Fed) is appointed by the President of the United States and serves a four-year term. The current Chairperson, Jerome Powell, has held that position since 2018 so his initial term is ending early...

Did You Know Stocks Historically Peak in Early August?

Hard to believe, but we are in August already! The good news is stocks are still firmly in a bull market, but the bad news is the calendar is a potential worry now. As shown in the LPL Chart of the Day, August and September have been...

3 Healthy Habits That Improve Longevity

Healthy habits help people to stave off illness, have more energy, feel better emotionally, and perform better. What some people may not realize is that leading a healthy lifestyle may also significantly improve your longevity. Healthy...

Federal Reserve Meeting Preview

The Federal Reserve (Fed) meets this week to discuss its ongoing support for the U.S. economy. During its regularly scheduled two-day meeting, the nineteen-member committee is expected to discuss if and when the Fed should start to...

Four Financial Planning Essentials to Ease Your Retirement Fears

When it comes to planning for retirement, it's easy to get overwhelmed. Putting together a financial strategy can be complicated at any time of life, what with changing regulations, ups and downs in the market, and disagreements...

Earnings Season Off to a Great Start

Top Story Earnings season off to a great start Beat rates have been outstanding so far with 85% and 90% of S&P 500 companies beating earnings and revenue targets. Second quarter earnings growth is tracking to a nearly 70%...

Midyear Outlook 2021: Picking Up Speed

LPL Research Midyear Outlook 2021: Picking Up Speed is designed to help you navigate the risks and opportunities over the rest of 2021 and beyond. While the speed can be exhilarating as economic growth accelerates, it can also be...

Should You Be Concerned About Inflation?

If you pay attention to financial news, you are probably seeing a lot of discussion about inflation, which has reared its head in the U.S. economy after being mostly dormant for the last decade. In May 2021, the Consumer Price Index...

S&P 500 Index Streaking

Top Story Streaking. Stocks have been extremely strong recently. Here are some eye-opening stats. The S&P 500 Index is up seven days in a row for the first time since August 2020. It hasn’t been up eight in a row since April 2019...

Three Things That Worry Us

Top Story Three Things That Worry Us Markets are off to a strong start this year, with the S&P 500 Index up about 14% so far. However, most of those gains came early in the year, and many stocks have stagnated over recent months. While...

Do You Need Financial Wellness?

Financial wellness is the ability to have a healthy financial life and feel good about your financial situation. Financial wellness doesn't have just one meaning because it can mean something different to each person. Financial...

3 Types of Funds for Socially Responsible Investing

While making money off investments is often a major goal, the new generation of investors is also focusing on where they put their money in the hopes that their investments will do more for the greater good.[1] The move toward socially...

Reaction to Fed Meeting May be Muted

Top Story Inflation And What the Fed Is Saying A complete picture of the reaction to the July 16 Federal Reserve (Fed) meeting is yet to come and may be more muted. Both stocks and bonds reacted strongly to the outcome of the...

Sustainable Investing Becoming Mainstream in Fixed Income

Top Story Sustainable Investing Becoming Mainstream in Fixed Income Sustainable investing is becoming more mainstream in fixed income—and companies that fail to acknowledge changing dynamics may potentially face financially...

S&P 500 Index Within a Tiny Fraction of a New All-Time High

Top Story Policy tailwinds may turn into headwinds in 2022, but economic fundamentals likely to dominate The U.S. stock market was supported by tremendous fiscal stimulus in 2020 and into 2021 and may face some challenges as support...

Stock Market Gains Likely to Slow

Top Story Stock Market Gains Likely To Slow LPL Research explores how, as this bull market gets a little older, the pace of stock market gains will likely slow but does not expect pullbacks to last very long. Learn more in this...

Economy Picking Up Speed

Daily Insights U.S. markets point to a lower open Market participants continue to consider inflation’s impact on interest rates and Federal Reserve policy. The S&P 500 Index, the Nasdaq Composite, and the Dow Jones Industrial...

3 Estate Planning Strategies You Should Consider Now

Today's low interest rates are a far cry from the double-digit rates seen in the 1970s and 1980s when even a certificate of deposit (CD) could yield up to 20 percent per year.1 But there are some distinct advantages to a...

Do You Need Financial Wellness?

Financial wellness is the ability to have a healthy financial life and feel good about your financial situation. Financial wellness doesn't have just one meaning because it can mean something different to each person. Financial...

Annuities and Market Risk: What You Need to Know

Market risk is something all investors may worry about, but those close to retirement have limited time to recover from market loss. If you are within ten years of retirement, now is a critical time for your portfolio to continue to...

COVID-19 and Retirement

More and more Americans are contemplating their decision to retire this year. Others are tapping their retirement savings, while others continue to save more due to the economic fallout and impacts of COVID-19. The TD Ameritrade...

Blowout Earnings

Top Story Blowout earnings With nearly 90% of S&P 500 companies having reported, first quarter earnings are tracking to a remarkable 49% year-over-year increase, more than double the increase as of March 31. S&P 500 revenue is on track...

Off The Charts Earnings

Earnings are off the charts Perhaps the best thing we can say about the earnings upside generated by corporate America during Q1 2021—currently more than 22%—is that growth pierced the upper end of our earnings dashboard...

Corporate America Keeps Adding To Earnings Upside

Corporate America Keeps Adding To Earnings Upside With about 25% of S&P 500 Index companies having reported, first quarter earnings are tracking to a 34% year-over-year increase, an impressive 10 percentage points above March 31...

Peak optimism?

Peak optimism? Stocks are continuing their momentum from last year, with major indexes around the world making new highs and the S&P 500 Index already up more than 12% year to date. While optimism surrounding the reopening is certainly...

529 Savings Plans: For Education Expenses and Estate Planning?

A 529 plan is a state-sponsored tax-advantaged plan designed for saving for future education expenses authorized by Section 529 of the Internal Revenue Code. If used for education, the assets grow tax-free. According to the College...

Donor-Advised Funds: A Solution to Gifting with Tax Benefits

Gifting, for many investors, is about the philanthropic support they want to give charities. Gifting to help make the world better by benefitting society is one reason many families choose to donate. The charitable giving tax deduction...

Umbrella Policies: Extra Coverage and Peace

Additional insurance to protect your assets and future Why doesn’t anyone ever tell you not to buy an umbrella liability policy? It seems like additional overall security for pennies. Sure, you can spend pennies paying for...

Is there Seasonality in the Bond Market?

Growth and inflation expectations are widely known fundamental variables used in determining fair value for fixed income securities, but are there seasonal patterns that exist in the bond market that can help investors determine when...

Raising Forecasts Again: Learn Why

LPL Research revises previous forecasts to better reflect the growing optimism of an economy on the rebound in this week’s Weekly Market Commentary, available at 1 p.m. ET. Daily Insights U.S. stocks point higher after employers...

Inflation Upticks Likely Transitory

Are We on the Brink of an Inflation Crisis? LPL Research explains why any upticks in inflation will ultimately prove transitory in this week’s Weekly Market Commentary, available at 1 p.m. ET. Daily Insights U.S. stocks open...

Tax Day for Individuals is Extended to May 17th

The U.S. Department of the Treasury is delaying the April 15th deadline to file and pay taxes until May 17th, giving individuals and businesses another month to file and then pay the government what they owe. The IRS will be providing...

4 Reasons to Consider a Life Insurance Policy

Buying a life insurance policy is something that many people push off, sometimes until it is too late. For many people, the thought of buying life insurance means thinking about their death, which is something that most people wish to...

How to Stay Committed to Your Financial Goals

Setting healthy financial goals is critical. Even more important is staying committed to those financial goals. Keeping yourself committed to your goals may be difficult, especially when times may be financially tough. But by staying...

Finding the Right Accountant

Whether you're searching for an accounting professional to help you with your business needs or just want your taxes prepared by a CPA, forming a relationship with an accountant can require a lot of trust — and due diligence....

March Madness—Stock Market Edition

March Madness: Stock Market Edition LPL Research share their “Final Four Factors” for the stock market in 2021 in this week’s Weekly Market Commentary, available at 1 p.m. ET. Daily Insights U.S. stocks open little...

Nasdaq In Correction Mode

Top Story Why Higher Rates Aren’t Bad For Stocks In this week’s new Market Signals podcast and video, Chief Market Strategist Ryan Detrick and Equity Strategist Jeffrey Buchbinder discuss why higher rates historically...

Fourth Quarter Earnings Boom

Here Comes The Earnings Boom LPL Research reviews an incredible earnings season and speculates on a potentially strong earnings rebound for 2021 and beyond. Find out more in today’s Weekly Market Commentary, available at 1 p.m....

Why Sustainable Investing

New Market Signals Podcast Chief Strategist Ryan Detrick, Equity Strategist Jeffrey Buchbinder, and guest speaker Jason Hoody, Head of Investment Manager Research discuss why sustainable investing is a major trend that isn’t...

Key Considerations as You Start Receiving Social Security Benefits

As your retirement draws closer, you will probably start to have lots of questions such as: How much Social Security will I receive? When should I retire? How will I know when to retire? Do I have enough saved? What will I need to do...

How to Increase Your Financial Literacy

Unlike verbal literacy, financial literacy isn't often taught in schools—which means that many people may enter adulthood without having all the tools they need to make informed and effective financial decisions.[1] Fortunately,...

Retirement Planning: To Roth or Not to Roth?

When saving for retirement, it often makes sense to contribute to employer-sponsored retirement plans to take advantage of any available employer match opportunities. However, not everyone has access to an employer-sponsored plan. Even...

The Search For Income

Global markets avoid chill of cold and ice across the United States Weather-related power outages temporarily limited US oil output, helping to push the US oil benchmark to over $60/barrel for the first time in over a year....

Forecast For Growth

US stocks open modestly higher after last week’s strong rally European markets firmly higher in midday trading with the United Kingdom outperforming after lagging last week. Asian stocks mostly higher as Japan’s Nikkei 225...

Markets Shrug Off Debt Levels

The S&P 500 Index opens firmly higher to begin a busy week of earnings; over 100 S&P 500 companies set to report: European markets stronger in midday trading Asian markets surge overnight with Korea, Hong Kong and Taiwan each up over...

Small Caps Still Solid

Small Caps Still Strong Small cap stocks have outperformed large cap stocks and breadth continues to improve. Earnings are expected to surge this year. LPL Research continues to maintain a neutral small caps view—but with a...

Re-thinking Your Bucket List

When approaching the latter part of life, it is easy to get caught up in achieving every goal on your bucket list. Individual lists vary widely, but often are filled with wild adventures like skydiving and scuba diving in the Great...

Common Mistakes That Can Hurt Your Credit

Having a good credit score doesn't just get you the best interest rates. It can also reduce your auto insurance premiums, allow you to avoid security deposits, and in some cases, even help you get hired.1 But what goes into your credit...

How Financial Asset Management May Help Investors Stay the Course

Most people who decide to purchase stocks, bonds, mutual funds, or other investment vehicles do so understanding that there are risks associated with investing, but believing that the potential growth they may realize over time...

Stocks Open Higher

Stocks open higher following the long weekend US stocks rise as investors await US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen’s stimulus pitch to Congress. Bond yields are higher. European markets are mixed in early trading. Asian stocks...

Treasury Yields Rising

2021 Policies Update and the Markets In this week’s Market Signals podcast and video, LPL Research talks about 2021 policy updates and the possibilities of higher taxes and more regulation, more stimulus, higher Treasury yields,...

December Market Insights

Market Blog View enlarged table. US and International Equities The S&P 500 Index, Dow Jones Industrial, and Nasdaq Composite indexes, continued their November run in December. As noted last month, November was a record-breaking month...

When to Begin Collecting Social Security

Deciding when to retire and begin collecting Social Security is an important life decision. For some, savings losses may dictate that you delay your retirement plans and continue working, which means postponing when you begin...

Key Tax Deadlines for 2021

While the 2020 tax year saw some significant changes to filing deadlines due to the effects of the global pandemic, the 2021 tax season seems to be set to be on track with normal filing deadlines. With the pandemic still in sight, it...

Common Retirement Investment Mistakes

Only one-in-four Americans (27%) feel very confident that they will have enough money to live comfortably when they retire, according to the 2020 Retirement Confidence Survey Summary Report.⁠11 While the number is up slightly from the...

COVID-19 Stimulus, Round Two: What Should You Know?

After months of intense debate, the House and Senate voted to pass a second COVID-19 economic stimulus bill and the President has signed it into law.1 At a total cost of $900 billion, this 5,600-page bill[1] contains everything from...

Solid Holiday Shopping Season

Solid holiday shopping season. Holiday sales grew 3%, beating forecasts for a 2.4% increase according to MasterCard’s SpendingPulse. Online sales rose 49% year over year. These results were impressive for a recessionary...

Stocks Up on Fiscal and Vaccine Hope | Daily Market Update

Stocks open firmly higher. US markets opened higher following the emergency-use approval of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. Fiscal stimulus discussions are ongoing, but there have been no major developments. European markets are...

2021 LPL OUTLOOK

More than most years, it’s hard to look ahead to the next year, to 2021, without looking back at 2020. A global pandemic, a massive economic collapse, a bear market, a surprisingly sharp reversal, a hotly contested election where...

Market Update: Tues, Dec 1 2020 | LPL Financial Research

COVID-19 May Threaten the Recovery The stock market doesn’t appear fazed by the recent increase in COVID-19 outbreaks, but underlying economic data is beginning to reflect the latest government and consumer shutdowns. LPL...

New Year's Resolutions to Get Your Finances in Order

New Year's is traditionally the time to review your life and make resolutions for change. In addition to thinking about working out, eating healthy, and meeting personal and professional goals, you should also think about your...

Ways to Cut Costs Around Your Home

If you’re looking for way to save money as you head into 2021, there are a few ways that can potentially cut costs around your household, without having a major impact on your lifestyle. Read on for three ways you can trim some...

The Importance of Financial Wellness

Financial wellness, like physical wellness, isn’t something you should ignore. Instead, it's a critical concept for anyone who wants to be knowledgeable and confident about their finances, and in fact, financial wellness is so...

Tax Identity Theft Awareness - Protecting Yourself from Tax Identity Theft

Tax identity theft is when someone steals your Social Security Number, files a tax return with your number, and directs a refund to their own bank account. In other cases, this type of identity theft may involve a scam artist calling...

Rising COVID-19 Cases Could Pressure the Recovery

COVID-19 cases have been rising in several regions around the world, prompting many countries to implement new restrictions to curb the spread of the virus. Governments in a few European countries have rolled out what has been dubbed...

Small Caps Join The New-Highs Party

It took more than two years, but small caps finally broke out to new highs, as the Russell 2000 Index on Friday closed at its first new high since August 31, 2018. This capped off one of the longest stretches ever without a new high....

Election Clarity for the Markets

Dear Valued Investor: Former Vice President Joe Biden has been elected the 46th President of the United States, defeating President Donald Trump in a tight race and bringing an end to the highly contested 2020 election. The new...

Election 2020 Is Undecided

November 4, 2020 Dear Valued Investor: The American people have voted, casting a record number of ballots under extraordinary circumstances, which is a testament to the enduring resilience of our democracy. Determining the outcome of...

What does Medicare cover?

Medicare is a federal program that provides health insurance to retired individuals, regardless of their medical condition, and some younger people with disabilities or certain health conditions. You can receive Medicare coverage...

End of Year (EOY) Deadlines Checklist

2020 has been one of the most unprecedented years in recent history, but some things—like tax contributions and retirement deadlines—don't change much, if at all. And with the uncertainty surrounding just about everything,...

One Tax Shift Most People Miss in Retirement

See if you can spot the flaw in this couple's plan: A husband and wife are retiring next month at age 62, with an equal amount saved in retirement and non-retirement accounts (let's call it $500,000 each). Like most, over their...

How the Winter Solstice Can Impact Your Budget

Last year, the average American spent nearly $1,000 per person on holiday gifts, up from about $885 per person in 2018.1 Though the COVID-19 pandemic continues to weigh on the retail sector (and many Americans' bank accounts), some...

The Best Day Of The Year Is This Week

Market Blog With the election only eight days away and earnings season in full swing, stocks have bucked the usual October weakness during election years so far in 2020 (Monday’s losses notwithstanding). The good news is this...

Market Update: Tue, Oct 20, 2020 | LPL Financial Research

US equities look to rebound from Monday’s selloff. The S&P 500 Index opened higher this morning after lack of progress on stimulus talks contributed to broad-based losses Monday. Investors may start looking ahead to a...

Investing in an Election Year

The world's events always affect the markets, and making smart investment choices requires you to look at what's happening around the world. But what about during an election year? How should you invest while the country is deciding...

Market Update: Tue, Oct 13, 2020 | LPL Financial Research

Daily Insights Stocks open slightly lower as earnings season begins. Once launched by Alcoa, the unofficial start to earnings season now begins with several financial firms reporting. The S&P 500 Index opened slightly weaker Tuesday...

September Market Insights

Index Performance View expanded table. View expanded table. View expanded table. US and International Equities The S&P 500 Index gave back some gains in September after a strong five-month run, with most sectors finishing in the red....

Revisit Your Investment Strategy at Each Age Milestone

As the saying goes, "50 is the new 40"—and with Americans living longer than ever before, it's not unusual for those in their 50s, 60s, or even 70s to be in their peak earning years.1 But for those who would prefer the option of...

How to Protect Your Wealth as You Get Older

As you get older and closer to retirement, your financial practices need to shift slightly as you transition from working and saving to relying on your nest egg. As you approach this stage of your life, you need to take steps to...

End of Year Planning: Set Goals and Reduce Taxes

By the last third of the calendar year, you're likely to have a pretty good idea of what your annual income will be and whether any major expenses or big life changes await you. This can allow you to engage in more robust tax planning...

Benefits of HSA and FSA Accounts

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) and Health Savings Accounts (HSA) are designed to help you save money on medical costs by giving you access to a special savings account with tax benefits. Although these plans are very similar, they...

Coping With Caregiving in the Time of COVID

Nearly one in three U.S. adults serves as the primary caregiver to a relative or other close loved one.1 With respite facilities throughout the country closed or operating on restricted hours as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, many...

How Stocks Do Around The First Debate

The first presidential debate is tonight, September 29, with millions of people expected to tune in to see how each candidate handles the pressure. With tensions heightened amid an election that may be much closer than the polls...

5 Real-Time Data Charts To Track the Recovery

We check in again today on some of the real-time economic data that LPL Research is monitoring to provide timely and valuable insights into the state of the US economy. Traditional economic data is often reported too slowly to pick up...

Market Update: Tue, Sept 15, 2020 | LPL Financial Research

Global stocks look to rally. Most major Asian indexes were higher overnight following strong data on Chinese industrial activity and retail sales, although Japan’s Nikkei lagged. The Euro Stoxx 600 is higher at midday. The S&P...

LPL Street View: The Recession Is Likely Over

Economic Blog In the recent LPL Market Street View video, LPL Financial’s Chief Market Strategist Ryan Detrick discusses why the recession is likely over, making it one of the shortest recessions ever. Some reasons discussed...

3 Steps to a High-Net Worth Retirement

Saving for a high-net-worth retirement is not always an easy process, but necessary if an investor with a high-net-worth wishes to enjoy the same lifestyle they were accustomed to while they were working. So how does one maintain their...

12 Estate Planning Must-Dos

Many of you already have estate documents, probably executed many years ago. You need an estate attorney to look over your documents every 10 years or so. Here are a dozen points to review. Do you have a will and powers of attorney for...

Top 10 Places for Millennials to Buy a House

COVID-19 is likely altering what locations are more desirable for all of us In most areas around the country, spring is usually the most active time for homebuyers. But this year, COVID-19 made much of the country hit the pause button...

Using SRI and ESG to Balance Investment and Ideals

When you invest funds, you are preparing for your retirement and your future. But at the same time, you may also want to consider the impact your money has on the world. Ethical investment strategies seek to balance these two concepts....

Happy Birthday, Warren Buffett!

This Sunday, Warren Buffett turns 90 years young. “What can we say about one of the greatest investment minds that hasn’t already been said?” asked LPL Financial Chief Market Strategist Ryan Detrick. “We...

Three Tips to Help You Save for Your First Home

Although the COVID-19 pandemic has put somewhat of a damper on the Spring 2020 homebuying season, many prospective buyers can take advantage of a slower market and lower interest rates to snap up the perfect property. But before you...

Low Treasury Yields Present a Challenge as Inflation Expectations Rise

As the COVID-related economic weakness that characterized the first half of the year subsides, growth has begun to return as trillions in fiscal stimulus have helped to stabilize consumer spending. Against a backdrop of improving labor...

Bond Returns and Congress

As election season heats up, we are often presented with questions regarding market returns based on the political party composition of the White House and Congress. In our Election Preview Weekly Market Commentary, we took a closer...

The Worst Years for Treasuries Don’t Look Like This…Except One

Economic Blog The 10-year Treasury yield is historically low, so low that it could climb a full 1% before the end of the year and still be the lowest year-end yield on record, with room to spare. Historically low rates come with a...

High-Frequency Data Reflects Pause in Recovery

Economic Blog After carving out the first part of a “V-shaped” recovery, the US economy has leveled off somewhat in response to the latest wave of COVID-19 infections. In this week’s Weekly Market Commentary: Stalling...

Let’s Get Real About Yields

While the 10-year Treasury yield has traded in a narrow range since early April, the equivalent real yield, represented by the yield on 10-year Treasury inflation-protected securities (TIPS), has continued to fall and could go lower....

LPL MidYear Outlook-2020

AT THE MIDPOINT of 2020, we’re mindful that it’s been an extremely challenging year so far in the United States and around the globe. We’re in the midst of a pandemic that continues to impact all of us, our...

Financial Planning Strategies

Financial Planning Update Subtract Inflation and It All Adds UpSome of us may remember the “good old days,” when gasoline prices were as low as 25¢ per gallon. Others may recall when a can of soda cost 15¢. But...

Economically Sensitive Fixed Income Sectors Lead in Second Quarter

The Bloomberg Barclays US Aggregate Bond Index posted a solid total return of 2.9% in the second quarter of 2020, its eighth consecutive quarterly gain, and a relatively strong quarter for the broad investment-grade bond index...

The Best Quarter Since 1998

Market Blog What a quarter the second quarter was, with the S&P 500 Index adding 20.0%, for the best quarter since 1998 and the best second quarter since 1938. Of course, stocks fell 20% in the first quarter, so what we really have is...

Moving to the Next Phase on the Road to Recovery

Market Blog The US economy has made impressive progress in recent weeks. As the economy re-opens, the way we assess the recovery has changed. In March and April, we were looking for evidence that growth in COVID-19 cases was...

What Happens After Historic Rate Declines?

The yield on the 10-year Treasury yield has been broadly declining since the early 1980s, when it peaked over 15%, but even over that long decline there have been intermittent periods of rising rates. In fact, after periods of...

It’s Official, We’re In A Recession

Market Blog In probably one of the least surprising economic calls of all time, the Nation Bureau of Economic Research (NBER) officially declared an end to the longest expansion ever and the start of a new recession. As shown in the...

2020 In Charts

Market Blog 2020 is only five months old, but in many ways it is one of the most historic years we’ve ever seen. “2020 went from moving along nicely, to seeing the worst recession in a generation and the fastest bear market...

Maintaining Cybersecurity While Working from Home

With businesses around the country reducing their in-office staff to essential personnel only—in some cases, literally overnight—many remote workers found themselves setting up a full home office on short to no notice. But...

Five workplace trends will shape life after lockdown

We are experiencing the biggest remote work experiment in history – but many are beginning to imagine life after lockdown. Amid unprecedented global job losses, concerns about transport infrastructure and the continuing need for...

Facing Possible Unemployment? Take These Steps to Prepare

If you’re facing unemployment or concerned about the possibility of upcoming layoffs, there are some small, proactive steps you can take now to help make this difficult time more manageable. Build Your Network. It’s...

How We Respond Matters

Dear Valued Investor: “Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you respond to it.” — Lou Holtz, Hall of Fame football coach As the battle against the COVID-19 pandemic continues, how we respond to it will...

RETIREMENT ASSISTANCE WITHIN THE CARES ACT

In late March 2020, as the number of novel coronavirus cases in the U.S. surged past 100,000, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act was passed into law.1 The CARES Act provides around $2.2 trillion in aid to...

What Is in the $2 Trillion Relief Package?

The United States has more cases of the coronavirus than any other country, and in an attempt to stop the spread of this disease, states have closed schools and businesses throughout the country. These unprecedented shutdowns have...

How Quickly Can Stocks Recover From COVID-19?

Market Blog The market volatility continues, as the S&P 500 Index has closed either up or down 4% or more for a record 7 consecutive days. With the S&P 500 Index down 30% from the highs, it has officially moved into a bear market....

Client Letter: March 13, 2020

March 13, 2020 Dear Valued Investor: Fears over the spread of COVID-19 (coronavirus) have gripped the country and sent stocks in the US and around the world into bear markets. Thursday’s nearly 10% decline in the S&P 500 Index...

Our Response to COVID-19

We want to share information about the steps we’ve taken to minimize any potential impact to our clients as a result of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) situation and maximize our efforts to keep our team and clients safe. This event,...

Payroll Tax Reduction Q&A

Economic Blog The Trump administration has recently signaled that it’s looking at temporary reduction in payroll taxes as one way it can help support the economy through any COVID-19-releated economic slowdown. Today we take a...

Spring Clean Your Finances

As temperatures warm up, trees begin budding, and the days get longer, you probably throw open your windows and think about spring cleaning your home. As you tackle washing windows, cleaning carpets, and sorting out the garage,...

First Emergency Rate Cut By the Fed Since 2008

Market Blog In a move in which the timing was more compelling than the decision itself, the Federal Reserve (Fed) announced this morning that it unanimously decided to cut its policy rate by 50 basis points (0.5%) from the 1.5-1.75%...

Market Volatility and the Importance of Staying the Course at Different Ages

When you invest in the stock market, you want to see growth, but unfortunately, in most cases, investments do not grow all the time. Inevitably, the market goes up and down, and to safeguard your potential for long-term growth, you...

What's Next for U.S. Treasury Yields?

It’s no surprise that uncertainty around the impact of coronavirus (or Covid-19) has led to increased buying pressure in longer-maturity U.S. Treasuries, pushing yields lower, but the strength of the move has been unusual. While...

DAILY INSIGHTS

Stock markets modestly lower after renewed coronavirus concern. Apple’s announcement that the coronavirus would impact sales had international markets striking a cautious tone overnight, with the technology sector getting much...

February 2020 Client Letter

Dear Valued Investor: The start of 2020 has brought increased stock market volatility. The uncharacteristically calm market environment we experienced for much of the past four months was bound to end, but identifying the catalyst for...

Yield Curve Back in the News

The financial media returned to a favorite topic in the last week, yield curve inversion, but we caution against getting caught up in the building frenzy. The Treasury yield curve inverts when short-term interest rates move above...

Are Yields Near a Bottom?

Economic Blog The 10-year U.S. Treasury yield moved to within .05% of its recent low on Friday, January 31, approaching the 1.47% mark set back in August 2019. Prospects of stabilizing global growth and progress on trade encouraged...

Viral Outbreak Ends Period of Market Calm

Market Blog Fears that the deadly coronavirus would spread further around the globe intensified Monday and led to the biggest one-day drop in the S&P 500 Index since October 8, 2019. In fact, it was the first time the index moved 1%...

Are You Physically and Financially Inactive?

Ideas to kick-start your journey toward healthy body and finances According to a study released in January of 2020 by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, all 50 states and territories had more than 15% of adults who were...

Top 10 Tips for Fiscal Fitness

As days turn into weeks and weeks turn into months, it may feel like there is little time to catch up on all of your financial responsibilities. Sometimes it may be easier to simply toss ATM receipts, credit card bills, and bank...

How to Balance Fun with Savings

As you start your career and work toward advancement, you are likely to hear all kinds of advice about the importance of saving and investing for the future. A healthy savings account and the right investments can help you get through...

Recession Watch Update

ECONOMIC BLOG As the economic expansion caps its first decade, we thought it’d be a good time to check on LPL Research’s leading indicators in our Recession Watch Dashboard. As you can see in our latest update and in the...

January 2020 Client Letter

Happy New Year! What a difference a year makes. One year ago the stock market was plunging and came perilously close to ending what has become the longest bull market ever recorded. In December 2018, dropping stocks were suggesting an...

Healthy But Manageable Consumer Inflation

Consumer inflationary pressures grew at a healthy, but manageable rate in December 2019. The core Consumer Price Index (CPI), which excludes food and energy, rose 2.3% year over year last month, around the fastest pace of the economic...

What Mideast Escalation Means for Markets

The U.S. airstrike that killed the top Iranian military commander last week was a major escalation in Mideast tensions. In fact, it would be difficult to overstate the geopolitical significance of this action. Iran likely will...

The Role of Insurance in Your Financial Plan

Insurance is an important element of any sound financial plan. Different types of insurance protect you and your loved ones in different ways against the cost of accidents, illness, disability, and death. What Are Your Insurance Needs?...

Put Savings (and Yourself) First with a Budget

Americans, it seems, are spenders. Personal savings rates are low and many people spend beyond their means. If you're among those Americans who can't seem to save, it might be time to create a budget. A budget allows you to understand...

Is There a Secret Formula for Financial Wellness?

There are many prescriptions to get to financial health. Here are four proven strategies to help you get there. Setting and sticking to a budget In 2017, 78% of Americans said they were living paycheck to paycheck, up from 75% three...

It's Never Too Early -- Or Too Late -- To Start Investing for Retirement

"Time is money." -- Benjamin Franklin Benjamin Franklin may not have been referring to the effect of time on money accumulating in an employer-sponsored retirement plan, but his words certainly ring true to today's investor. That's...

What You Need to Know About the Secure Act

The largest overhaul to retirement plans since 2006 is complicated The Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement Act of 2019 – the SECURE Act – passed the House of Representatives earlier this year and was...

Is It Time For Santa?

Economic Blog December 17, 2019 December has been widely viewed as a strong month for stocks, with this year following suit so far. What many probably don’t realize, however, is the majority of the gains have taken place late in...

Four Fed Hikes, One Year Later

The Federal Reserve’s (Fed) final policy meeting of 2019 starts today and will conclude tomorrow with the release of the Fed’s policy statement, updated economic projections, and a press conference by Fed Chair Jerome...

Why more companies are going dog friendly

Bringing pet dogs into the workplace is becoming increasingly common. Large companies like Google, Ticketmaster and challenger bank Monzo are just a few that have joined companies in the pet sector (like Pets at Home) that allow...

Outlook 2020

Hindsight is 20/20, but finding clarity in future uncertainty can be fuzzy. AT LPL RESEARCH, as we look forward to the year 2020 and a new decade, some key trends and market signals will be important to watch, including progress on U.S...

Small Caps Join the Party

It took nearly 15 months, but the Russell 2000 Index finally broke out to a new 52-week high. On November 25, the Russell 2000 gained an impressive 2.1% to close at its highest level since October 2018. Small caps have lagged their...

Too Young to Think About Investing? Think Again!

"How did it get so late so soon?" -- Dr. Seuss Dr. Seuss's whimsical take on life has been delighting children of all ages for generations. His simple but powerful words continue to resonate today, even in the context of planning for a...

Putting The Bull In Perspective

The S&P 500 Index has closed higher five consecutive weeks, making six new all-time highs along the way. There now have been 19 new highs in 2019, tying the number we saw last year. There’s no doubt that this bull market has been...

Surviving the Holiday Spending Season ... Debt Free

As the traditional giving season approaches, there is one important item to add to your to do list: Create a holiday budget. Before the gift shopping and wrapping begins, take control of your wallet through financial preparation....

How Charitable Giving Can Benefit Donors

Kelly and Bob regularly set aside a small portion of their budget for charitable donations. In addition to feeling good about supporting a number of worthy causes, they’ve been able to deduct the value of their charitable gifts...

Bulls Stay in Motion

“An object in motion tends to remain in motion along a straight line unless acted upon by an outside force.” Sir Isaac Newton What a year it has been for the bulls. The S&P 500 Index recently made four more new highs, and...

Helpful Tax Tips Before Year End

Tax planning can be more advantageous when done during the year and well in advance of year’s end. Opportunities may exist for you to minimize tax liability, which could leave more income for you and/or your family. Generally,...

Will The Fed Go Three For Three?

The Federal Reserve Bank (Fed) is widely expected to cut interest rates on Wednesday, October 30, which would be the third cut this year after nine consecutive hikes. The current fed funds rate target is 1.75–2%, with a 25 basis...

Another Brexit Delay Likely

The United Kingdom’s (U.K.) withdrawal from the European Union (E.U.), or Brexit, is stumbling along, and another delay looks increasingly likely. The U.K. Parliament’s “Super Saturday” voting session last...

Light at the End of the Brexit Tunnel

The debate over the United Kingdom’s (U.K.) withdrawal from the European Union (EU), or Brexit, is reaching another milepost in what could be an action-packed week. Talks between the U.K. government and the EU have entered...

Can The Economy Predict The Next President?

“The economy, stupid” — Phrase campaign strategist James Carville used to help Bill Clinton get elected in 1992. As Carville noted ahead of the 1992 election, the recession in 1990 and 1991 was top of mind for many...

U.S. Manufacturing Drops to 10-Year Low

U.S. manufacturing activity fell to a 10-year low, dragged down by a weakening global economy. The Institute for Supply Management’s (ISM) Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) fell to 47.6 in September, the lowest level since...

A Two-Week Rollercoaster in Yields

As shown in the LPL Chart of the Day, the 10-year Treasury yield jumped 34 basis points (0.34%) in the week ending September 13, then gave back half that gain in a 17 basis point (0.17%) slide last week. The benchmark yield...

The Fed Hits It Down The Middle

“History does not repeat itself, but it rhymes.” Mark Twain As expected, the Federal Reserve’s (Fed) policy committee cut its policy rate by 25 basis points (.25%) to a target range of 1.75%–2%. This comes on...

A New High in CPI Growth

Consumer inflation has accelerated recently, bucking disinflation and deflation concerns that had permeated financial markets earlier this year. In August, the core Consumer Price Index (CPI) increased at least 0.3% for a third...

Do Major Hurricanes Impact Stocks?

First and foremost, our thoughts are with all of those that were impacted by Hurricane Dorian over the Labor Day holiday and all those that are still in its path. Many have asked us what stocks tend to do after a major hurricane hits...

11 WAYS TO HELP YOURSELF STAY SANE IN A CRAZY MARKET

Keeping your cool can be hard to do when the market goes on one of its periodic roller-coaster rides. It's useful to have strategies in place that prepare you both financially and psychologically to handle market volatility. Here are...

Women: What You Should Know When Starting a Business

According to the National Association of Women Business Owners, there are 11.6 million women-owned businesses, employing nearly 9 million people and generating $1.7 trillion in sales in 2017.1 Many of these businesses started small,...

Trade Uncertainty Still Weighing on Capital Investment

Business investment remains a critical component for this economic expansion. Capital expenditures (capex) drive productivity gains (more output per hour worked), which enables economic growth while keeping inflation contained. That...

Consumer Inflation Picks Up

Consumer inflation has surged back after a strong quarter of U.S. consumer demand. As shown in the LPL Chart of the Day, Consumer Inflation Picks Up in July, the core Consumer Price Index (CPI), which excludes food and energy prices,...

Another Summer Storm

U.S. stocks have hit another trade-induced summer storm. The S&P 500 Index fell 3% on Monday, its worst day since December 2018. The index is now about 6% from record highs in U.S. stocks’ worst bout of volatility since May. As...

Make the Most of Your 401(k)

As more Americans shoulder the responsibility of funding their own retirement, many rely increasingly on their 401(k) retirement plans to provide the means to pursue their investment goals. That's because 401(k) plans offer a variety...

U.S. Yields and a Rate Cut

It could be a momentous week for U.S. monetary policy and the Treasury yield curve. The Federal Reserve (Fed) is expected to cut its policy interest rate for the first time in 10 years July 31. As shown in the LPL Chart of the Day,...

A Case for Stocks from Bond Valuations

U.S. stocks have powered back to record highs, and they could benefit more from a relatively expensive fixed income market. As shown in the LPL Chart of the Day, Stocks Appear Historically Cheap Relative to Bonds, S&P 500 Index stocks...

Naming Beneficiaries: What You Need to Know

A major issue in estate planning is who to name as beneficiaries on life insurance policies, pension plan accounts, IRAs, and annuities. This important decision often doesn't take into account the substantial estate and income tax...

What's the Best Way to Give Money to Children and Grandchildren?

There are several ways you might consider gifting money to your loved ones. In 2017, the IRS allows you to give up to $14,000 annually (or $28,000 if you give jointly with your spouse) in cash, investments, and/or property to each of...

Planning the Withdrawal of Your Retirement Assets

You've worked long and hard to accumulate the assets that you are using to help finance your retirement. Now, it's time to start drawing down those assets. Exactly how you liquidate your assets will affect your tax and impact how long...

9 Ways To Earn Retirement Income

Retirement income is different than what you're used during a full-time career. You'll have a new set of concerns, but you'll also have a decent amount of freedom to make your money behave the way you want. Here are nine of the most...

Estate Management Checklist

Part 1 -- Communicating Your Wishes Do you have a will? Are you comfortable with the executor(s) and trustee(s) you have selected? Have you executed a living will or health care proxy in the event of catastrophic illness or...

Central Banks and the Search for Yield

Central banks are back in easing mode, to the dismay of coupon-clipping fixed income investors. As shown in the LPL Chart of the Day, Global Central Banks Back in Easing Mode, central banks around the world are embarking on a marked...

Strong Jobs Rattle Bond Investors

The June jobs report was solid. Nonfarm payrolls rose 224,000, according to data released July 5. As shown in the LPL Chart of the Day, Strong June Payrolls Gain Surprises Investors, the rise in jobs last month handily beat estimates...

10-Year Treasury Yields Look Up

The 10-year Treasury yield has been flirting with dipping below 2% throughout the later half of June and into the start of July. As our LPL Chart of the Day, Will Trade Truce Help 2% 10-Year Treasury Yield Hold?, shows, the yield has...

Can The Fed Cut With Stocks Up Big?

The Federal Reserve (Fed) will likely cut rates at its next meeting in late July. This begs the question: Will the Fed really cut rates with stocks up so much year to date and near all-time highs? “It might sound strange for the...

Midyear Outlook 2019

We are pleased to announce the release of the LPL Research Midyear Outlook 2019: FUNDAMENTAL: How to Focus on What Really Matters in the Markets, with investment insights and market guidance through the end of 2019. LPL Research...

Can Stocks Really Gain 20% This Year?

U.S. stocks could have a big year if LPL Research’s forecasts prove correct. All year, we’ve maintain our fair value target on the S&P 500 Index of 3,000, implying that we expect this bull market and economic expansion to...

Course Correction

Bonds have increasingly signaled that Federal Reserve (Fed) policy may be too tight for an economy tied up in a drawn-out trade dispute. As shown in the LPL Chart of the Day, “Bond Market Increasingly Pricing in Rate Cuts...

Have You Checked Your Retirement Plan Lately?

It's generally a good idea to review your employer-sponsored retirement savings plan at least once each year and when major life changes occur. If you haven't given your plan a thorough review within the last 12 months, now may be a...

The Basics of Long-Term Care Insurance

Thinking about the need and the costs of long-term care is enough to make anyone uncomfortable. But while it's a difficult subject to talk about, it's also a topic that often generates lots of questions and misunderstanding. Consider...

Staying on Track with Your Retirement Investments

Investing for your retirement isn't about getting rich quick. More often, it's about having a game plan that you can live with over a long time. You wouldn't expect to be able to play the piano without learning the basics and...

Smart Financial Moves in 40s and 50s

These crucial years call for action. Today, retirement may seem nearer to you than it once did. The following moves might be worth making—and soon. Catch-up contributions to your retirement accounts. Starting in the year you...

Five Keys to Investing For Retirement

Making decisions about your retirement account can seem overwhelming, especially if you feel unsure about your knowledge of investments. However, the following basic rules can help you make smarter choices regardless of whether you...

Retiring? Take Control of Your Assets

After years of saving and investing, you can finally see the big day -- retirement. But before kicking back, you still need to address a few matters. Decisions made now could make the difference between your money outlasting you or...

Keeping Summer Safe: Pool and Spa Safety Tips

The backyard pool can be great summer fun, but it can also be a source of danger for children. Every year hundreds of children fatally drown. In fact, drowning is the leading cause of preventable death among children ages 1-4.¹,...

Plan Ahead for the Holiday Budget Crunch

Every year, millions of Americans celebrate the holidays with traditions such as throwing parties and buying gifts for family and friends. Unfortunately, many also participate in a tradition that lands them in debt -- spending more...

Yields’ Rapid Decline

Long-term Treasury yields’ rapid decline has been one of the most baffling market developments of 2019. As shown in the LPL Chart of the Day, the 10-year Treasury yield fell 38 basis points (0.38%) in May, its biggest monthly...

Checking In On The Five Forecasters

With the bull market 10 years old and the economic cycle about to reach 10 years, the big question is how much longer can it go? To answer this question we will take a closer look at our Five Forecasters for late-cycle warnings....

Another Reason for Bulls to Shine

The S&P 500 Index has officially gained each of the first four months of the year for the first time since 2013. This comes on the heels of the best first quarter since 1998. Six straight months in green has been the best monthly win...

Pullbacks Happen

As we noted yesterday, the recent bout of volatility has caught many investors off guard. However, we’ve been saying since late March that some type of normal correction could happen, and we’ve taken a more cautious stance...

Rising Tide for Diversified Portfolios

Diversified investors were the big winners in the first four months of this year. As shown in the LPL Chart of the Day, both stocks and bonds have posted strong rallies through the first four months of this year, thanks to increased...

Investing in Your Vacation

Why do most avoid this important investment? Why do so many of us not use our vacation days? Salespeople talk about “leaving money on the table.” Well, employees leave vacation on the table. And the cost to us is...

Six Ways a Budget Can Help Boost Savings

At some point in your life, you probably have heard about the importance of developing a budget. But, why is a budget so important? Perhaps you simply spend what you must and save whatever’s left over. Or, perhaps you spend all...

Budget Basics for College Students

One extracurricular activity that every student can master while in college is personal money management. Typically, a student’s daily spending is done on an improvised basis, meaning that overspending is often the norm rather...

Investing for Major Life Milestones

Go out into your yard and dig a big hole. Every month, throw $50 into it, but don't take any money out until you're ready to buy a house, send your child to college, or retire. It sounds a little crazy, doesn't it? But that's what...

3 Better Investments than Powerball

The odds of winning the lottery are astronomically long. Yet, the allure of pocketing hundreds of millions of dollars can tempt even the staunchest penny pincher. While there's no harm in playing your lucky numbers every now and again,...

Time to Sell in May?

One of the most popular investment axioms is about to take over the airwaves: “Sell in May and Go Away.” That’s because the upcoming six months(from May until the end of October) have historically been the weakest...

The Investment Risk No One’s Ever Heard Of

Knowledgeable investors are aware that investing in the capital markets presents any number of risks—interest-rate risk, company risk, and market risk. Risk is an inseparable companion to the potential for long-term growth. Some...

The Waiting Game for Record Highs

After more than seven months, the S&P 500 Index notched a fresh all-time closing high of 2,933.68 on April 23. To get here, investors have weathered back-and-forth in trade negotiations, a historic government shutdown, unrelenting...

5 Big Problems to Solve Before You Retire

It seems, sometimes, as though financial professionals come in only two flavors. There are those who promise everything is going to be fine; you don't have to fret about retirement, they say, because they'll help you make more than...

What's Priced In?

After such a strong rally this year, you may be wondering what could drive stocks higher from here. With the S&P 500 Index near its all-time high, a lot of good news could be priced in to stocks. At the same time, disappointments could...

The December Low Indicator Has Bulls Smiling

After the best first quarter for the S&P 500 Index since 1998, the big question is: What happens next? We’ve already discussed why a good start to a year could lead to more gains (here and here), but today we will take a look at...

Plan Ahead to Ease Travel Headaches

Waiting in a winding airport security checkpoint line is just one of many potential headaches today's travelers experience. Worrying about what to pack, what kind of identification is required, and how much cash to bring are yet...

What Happens When January, February, and March Are All Higher?

What a start to 2019! The S&P 500 Index had its best first quarter since 1998—gaining 13.1%. Taking a deeper look at the data reveals another rare occurrence: The S&P 500 was higher each of the first three months of the year for...

What is the Value of your Business?

In the third quarter of 2017, more than 2,500 small businesses were sold. The median sale price was $225,000, up from $200,000 the year before.¹ As a business owner, ascertaining the value of your business is important for a...

10 Smart Uses for Your Tax Refund

If you have a refund check coming your way, consider using it to bolster your personal balance sheet. The average refund is usually around $3,000, and most people receive the money within three weeks of filing their returns. That's a...

Time For New Highs?

After dropping nearly 20% late last year, the S&P 500 Index has officially bounced up more than 20% from the December 24 lows. As we noted at the time, most bear markets that take place in a non-recessionary environment tend to bottom...

Socially Responsible Investing

Investing with an eye toward promoting social, political, or environmental concerns (or at least not supporting activities you feel are harmful) doesn't mean you have to forgo pursuing a return on your money. Socially responsible...

Tax Return Filing Tips

In case you haven't noticed, it's tax time again. You have your 1040 package, your W-2, and various 1099 forms. And, with April 15th fast approaching, it is time to get down to business. A glance at the following questions and answers...

Why A Green January and February Have Bulls Smiling

After gaining 7.8% in January, the S&P 500 Index has added another 3.3% so far in February for a grand total year-to-date return of 11.4%. With two days to go, currently this is the best first two months of the year since 1987. As we...

TRIMMING OUR 2019 GDP FORECAST

Economic data have consistently missed expectations recently as investors and Wall Street have struggled to quantify the impact of global trade and political risks. As shown in the LPL Chart of the Day, the Bloomberg U.S. Economic...

The Year of the Pig Could Have Bulls Smiling

“Bulls make money, bears make money, and pigs get slaughtered.” Old Wall Street saying. The Chinese New Year (often called the Lunar New Year) kicked off Tuesday, February 5, and with it came the Year of the Pig. Although...

Five Keys to Investing For Retirement

Making decisions about your retirement account can seem overwhelming, especially if you feel unsure about your knowledge of investments. However, the following basic rules can help you make smarter choices regardless of whether you...

A Retirement Income Road Map for Women

More women are working and taking charge of their own retirement planning than ever before. What does retirement mean to you? Do you dream of traveling? Pursuing a hobby? Volunteering your time, or starting a new career or business?...

The Diversified Investor’s Big January

Diversified investors just capped one of their best months of the current economic cycle. In January, the S&P 500 Index posted its biggest monthly gain since October 2015. At the same time, the Bloomberg Barclays Aggregate Bond Index...

Fed Preview

All eyes are on the Federal Reserve’s (Fed) interest rate announcement and press conference today for signals on future policy after a volatile December. Markets have increasingly positioned for a pause in the Fed’s gradual...

Why Tom Terrific Might Not Be So Terrific For Stocks

The Super Bowl indicator suggests that stocks rise for the full year when the Super Bowl winner comes from the original National Football League (now the NFC), but when an original American Football League (now the AFC) team wins,...

Insuring Your Business Against Cyber Liability

One study found that 43% of cyber attacks target small business, and 60% of small companies go out of business within six months of a cyber attack.¹ Business owners are also required to protect their customers’ personal...

A Bucket Plan to Go with Your Bucket List

The baby boomers have re-defined everything they’ve touched, from music to marriage to parenting and, more lately, to what “old” means—60 is the new 50! Longer, healthier living, however, can put greater stress...

Main Street's Uncertainty Climbs

Recent U.S. economic data have been sending a lot of conflicting signals, and Wall Street’s economic outlook is more clouded than at any point of the cycle. Because of this, we thought we’d provide some direction from Main...

Outlook 2019

We are pleased to announce the release of the LPL Research Outlook 2019: FUNDAMENTAL: How to Focus on What Really Matters in the Markets, filled with investment insights and market guidance for the year ahead. After nearly 10 years of...

Brexit Hits Another Bump

Yesterday’s U.K. Parliament vote was another bump in the road for Brexit. As shown in the LPL Chart of the Day, the British pound and the euro have steadily declined over the past few months, weighed down in large part by...

Changing Unhealthy Behaviors

Most Americans know the fundamentals of good health: exercise, proper diet, sufficient sleep, regular check-ups, and no smoking or excessive alcohol. Yet, despite this knowledge, changing existing behaviors can be difficult. Look no...

A Penny Saved is Two Pennies Earned

This modern twist on the Ben Franklin maxim reflects the multiplicity of taxes to which earnings are subject in today’s world.¹ Finding ways to manage expenses is one of the cornerstones of a sound financial strategy. Here...

Lower Valuations May Signal Solid Gains For Stocks

Stocks have rebounded strongly off the December lows, with the S&P 500 Index adding 2% in January to its 7% gain over the last week of 2018. We see potential for further gains ahead given the fundamentals supporting economic growth and...

Five Money Rules to Live By

It’s not simply a matter of working harder; it’s much more about using your non-financial skills and talents in new ways to bring you prosperity and a greater sense of personal satisfaction. Here are five tips to follow...

Market Fears and Economic Realities

Recent Federal Reserve (Fed) rhetoric has spooked financial markets, especially as uncertainty has clouded investors’ horizons. But we still believe the fundamental U.S. economic landscape is compelling, and despite market...

PUTTING AN EXTREMELY VOLATILE MARKET IN PERSPECTIVE

On Monday, the S&P 500 Index came about as close as possible to the technical definition of a bear market without officially registering one (defined as a 20% or larger decline based on closing prices). Enduring these sharp declines...

HOW TO INVEST FOR MAJOR FINANCIAL GOALS

Go out into your yard and dig a big hole. Every month, throw $50 into it, but don't take any money out until you're ready to buy a house, send your child to college, or retire. It sounds a little crazy, doesn't it? But that's what...

TOP 10 TIPS FOR FISCAL FITNESS

As days turn into weeks and weeks turn into months, it may feel like there is little time to catch up on all of your financial responsibilities. Sometimes it may be easier to simply toss ATM receipts, credit card bills, and bank...

Market Update: 12/26/18

S&P 500 Index Reaches Bear Market on an Intra-Day Basis. While the S&P 500 Index is technically not in a bear market by the most widely used definition (20% or more decline based on closing prices), it is important to recognize that...

Estate Management Checklist

Tip: One key difference between a will and a living trust is when they take effect. A will takes effect when you die; a living trust takes effect when you execute it and begins to operate when you transfer assets to it. DO YOU HAVE A...

8 Mistakes that can Upend your Retirement

Pursuing your retirement dreams is challenging enough without making some common, and very avoidable, mistakes. Here are eight big mistakes to steer clear of, if possible. 1. No Strategy:Yes, the biggest mistake is having no strategy...

How to Work with a Financial Advisor

A flurry of new investment products, the emergence of global investing, the shift from company-funded pension plans to employee-driven retirement plans (like 401(k) plans), and uncertainty about Social Security have all contributed to...

SOCIAL SECURITY: MAXIMIZING BENEFITS

Most understand that waiting to claim Social Security benefits can result in higher monthly payments. However, many don’t know that there are other ways to maximize their benefits, some of which depend on their marital status....