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Tuesday, May 30, 2023

Thursday was the 100th trading day of 2023, and a productive 100 days for stocks it was. Through that 100th trading day on May 25, about 40% of the way through the year, the S&P 500 Index has gained a solid 8.1% (excluding...

Monday, May 22, 2023

Private Credit has become a main player in the lending market, which used to be predominantly controlled by the banks. As seen in the chart below, assets under management have grown substantially in recent years, from $500 billion in...

Monday, May 15, 2023

OVERVIEWThe Consumer Price Index (CPI) peaked almost a year ago now in June 2022.Historically, CPI peaks tend to come around the start of a recession on average. Clearly that wasn’t the case this timeStock market risks...

Monday, May 8, 2023

After spending so much of your life saving for retirement, it may be challenging to transition from depositing funds to withdrawing them. You may wonder whether there is any way to maintain your lifestyle and preserve your wealth to...

Monday, May 8, 2023

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 on...

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Monday, May 8, 2023

OverviewThe Federal Reserve (Fed) increased its policy rate for the tenth consecutive time, pushing the upper bound of the fed funds rate to 5.25%, the highest since August 2007.In the press conference, Chairman Powell was careful to...

Friday, May 5, 2023

Spring is often thought of as an uplifting time, marked by growth and renewed hope as we emerge from the long months of winter and look ahead to the rest of year. Investors saw signs of such renewed hope in recent weeks,...

Friday, April 28, 2023

Few, if any, technical analysis patterns have a more ominous name than the “death cross.” This pattern is simply when the 50-day moving average (dma) for a security or index crosses below the 200-dma. While you could look...

Tuesday, April 25, 2023

With all of the attention the life insurance industry has been receiving lately, it's easy for policyholders to overlook two important factors: 1) few investments, if any, meet the safety of life insurance and, 2) few investments offer...

Monday, April 24, 2023

Implied volatility, as measured by the Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE) Volatility Index (VIX), closed yesterday at 16.46, its lowest closing level since mid-November 2021. Today we take a look at possible reasons for the decline...

Wednesday, April 12, 2023

There deservedly was a lot of hand-wringing about the death of the 60/40 portfolio in 2022, a portfolio of 60% stocks and 40% bonds. As we stated back in June, the call for the demise of the 60/40 had likely come too late. Even at...

Friday, April 7, 2023

An eventful first quarter wrapped up. In today’s blog, we make seven market observations from first quarter performance and share our thoughts on what these performance trends could mean for our outlook.Growth Dominated...

Monday, April 3, 2023

Key Takeaways:March was a volatile month, but seasonality patterns prevailed, as stocks stuck to the script of back half outperformance.April seasonality trends suggest the melt up could continue. Since 1950, the S&P 500 has posted...

Friday, March 24, 2023

OverviewAs we expected, the Federal Reserve (Fed) raised the fed funds rate by 0.25%, pushing the upper bound to 5.00%.Financial conditions were stable enough for the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) to release updated projections,...

Friday, March 24, 2023

With April’s federal tax filing and payment deadline on the horizon, Americans are dotting their i’s and crossing their t’s as they prepare for the countdown to Tax Day. But before you rush to get that return out the...

Wednesday, March 15, 2023

Bank Failures Raise Market DistressStock and bond market activity was materially shaken last week as Silicon Valley Bank (SVB), the California bank subsidiary of SVB Financial Group (SIVB), fell into FDIC receivership. SVB is...

Monday, March 6, 2023

As a rough February for the markets draws to a close, with a 2.3% decline in the S&P 500 Index, we look at what clues seasonality data may give us for stock market performance over the coming months. Turns out that while, historically,...

Wednesday, March 1, 2023

Financial markets have experienced quite a bit of change this year in just two short months. We started the year hopeful that stocks would benefit from a better economic and monetary policy environment by the spring, but recent...

Wednesday, February 22, 2023

Preferred securities are one of the best performing asset classes this year, with the ICE Core Plus Fixed Rate Index up over 13% year to date. Moreover, index yields remain elevated so these securities could be an attractive option for...

Monday, February 13, 2023

Consensus still has a recession in the next year more likely than not, although we believe it would probably be relatively shallow if it occurred and the possibility of a soft landing is increasing. We view most of the recession risk...

Tuesday, February 7, 2023

What a Difference a Year MakesA year ago today, the federal funds rate was close to zero, consumer price inflation reached 7.9%, and yet the 10-year Treasury yield was 1.79%. What a difference a year makes. Inflation clearly had more...

Wednesday, February 1, 2023

Whether you’re one to set ambitious New Year’s resolutions or simply use the beginning of the year to reset on a few habits, there’s almost always some value in reflecting on the past year before looking ahead. The...

Tuesday, January 31, 2023

Solid Quarter to End 2022 but Tougher Sledding in Q1The U.S. economy grew at a 2.9% annualized rate in the fourth quarter, slightly better than economists’ forecasts and driven by inventories, trade, and government spending. The...

Monday, January 23, 2023

Investors often talk about how earnings drive stock prices. But that begs the question how so many strategists and pundits expect earnings to fall in 2023 and stocks to rise? That’s our view in LPL Research.Let’s look at...

Tuesday, January 17, 2023

We received our final reading on Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation for 2022 this morning, which gave us the inflation numbers for December 2022. Helped by declining energy prices, the index fell 0.1% in December, in line with...

Monday, January 9, 2023

There was good news for those saving for retirement in the recent appropriations bill passed to fund the government, signed into law by President Biden on December 29, 2022. The larger bill included a set of retirement reforms called...

Wednesday, January 4, 2023

Someone once told me that quitting smoking is easy. He had already done it a half-dozen times. The same can be said for many of the resolutions people make, whether it’s getting more exercise, eating right, or setting a...

Wednesday, January 4, 2023

We wish you a happy New Year and hope you were able to close out 2022 with friends and family.The beginning of a calendar year is often the time when the previous year’s reflections transition to a new year’s hopes. Given...

Wednesday, January 4, 2023

Financial wellness studies over the past few years indicate that investors desire financial wellness. The recent pandemic, economic and inflationary conditions, changes in work-life balance, and more responsibility for financial...

Wednesday, January 4, 2023

Many financially successful people are comparison shoppers. If you’re one, you may pore over ratings in consumer magazines, read websites for reviews and compare scores of products before you buy even everyday products like...

Monday, December 19, 2022

Slower Growth and Higher InflationAs expected, the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) increased the fed funds rate yesterday by 0.50% and made upward revisions to both inflation forecasts and interest rate forecasts in the next few...

Monday, December 12, 2022

Should We Be Nervous About Rising Credit Usage?Consumers are in a pinch: inflation is high and inflation-adjusted wage growth is weak. To support spending habits, consumers are tapping into credit and savings to bridge the gap between...

Tuesday, December 6, 2022

Through all the challenges, newfound opportunities, and every high and low we’ve experienced during the last couple of years, it’s no surprise why we might be striving for more balance. Whether it’s about the markets...

Monday, December 5, 2022

The economy added 263,000 jobs in November, a decrease from October’s upwardly revised 284,000 but a large upside surprise from the pre-release consensus estimate of 200,000, highlighting the continued resilience of labor markets...

Monday, December 5, 2022

After years of saving and planning for their golden years, many people nearing retirement fail to consider the tax burden they may face on income they receive after they stop working. While you will likely see a reduction in the amount...

Monday, December 5, 2022

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...

Monday, December 5, 2022

Setting goals for a new year can feel overwhelming.  We all know that resolutions don’t last, but we also feel the energy that comes with a new year of possibilities. Here’s a clearer path for setting and reaching your...

Tuesday, November 29, 2022

As we approach the end of the year, you may want to review areas that may impact your wealth and estate planning next year. In this year-end planning guide, we examine four critical areas to consider that may affect your finances:1....

Monday, November 28, 2022

Now that the dust has largely settled on the 2022 midterm elections, with the Democrats retaining control of the Senate and the Republicans taking a narrow majority in the House, we take a look at some of the historic market trends...

Monday, November 21, 2022

Nominal retail sales in October rose 1.3% from a month ago, strongly beating expectations. Market watchers like to transform this nominal report into an inflation-adjusted estimate, which better corresponds to other real economic...

Monday, November 14, 2022

After many months of inflation coming in above expectations, investors finally got a more favorable report with the October Consumer Price Index (CPI) data and are cheering it with a big stock market rally on the news.Both core and...

Monday, November 7, 2022

The U.S. Labor Departments nonfarm payrolls report released today showed encouraging signs for the Federal Reserve (Fed) that a “soft landing” for the economy may still be achievable. Markets responded positively to the...

Wednesday, November 2, 2022

October is now behind us and it has delivered on its track record as a historically favorable month for stocks, offering some respite for investors as major equity indices rose for the month. The downside pressure on equities had...

Tuesday, November 1, 2022

After two consecutive quarters of negative growth, the U.S. economy grew at a 2.6% annualized rate in the third quarter, driven by a resilient consumer sector. Real personal spending, roughly 70% of the economy, grew 1.4% annualized,...

Tuesday, November 1, 2022

A solid estate plan should not only provide for your assets after you pass, but also plan for your long-term care while you're alive. With the median cost of a long-term care facility approaching $8,000 per month, paying for long-term...

Tuesday, November 1, 2022

The average U.S. income tax rate stands at just over 13%—and if you're like many taxpayers, you're always looking for new tips and tricks to help reduce this percentage.1There are a number of different tax planning moves you can...

Tuesday, November 1, 2022

You might be thinking about retiring, but how do you know when you are really ready for it, mentally and financially? For decades, the normal retirement age was 65. This was when you became eligible for Social Security and Medicare....

Tuesday, November 1, 2022

A trust is a legal vehicle that protects your assets that contains instructions for your assets when you die or become incapacitated. When you set up a trust, you transfer assets from your name into your trust's name while you still...

Monday, October 24, 2022

Investors who feel like there have not been many good days to cheer so far this year are correct to think that way. As shown in the LPL Research Chart of the Day, the year-to-date percentage of days that the S&P 500 has seen a positive...

Monday, October 17, 2022

DisappointingThe core Consumer Price Index (CPI), which excludes food and energy, rose to a multi-decade high in September, disappointing both investors and policy makers. The CPI is one, but not the only metric for inflation.September...

Monday, October 10, 2022

The S&P 500 hit a fresh year-to-date closing low of 3,584 on Friday September 30 before rallying almost 6% over the next 2 trading days, leading many investors to again wonder was that the bear market low? We first asked...

Wednesday, October 5, 2022

First, we want to acknowledge the tremendous damage and displacement caused by Hurricane Ian. Our thoughts are with those impacted by this devastating storm.This has clearly been a challenging year for households. Stocks and bonds are...

Tuesday, October 4, 2022

The Inflation Reduction Act, signed into law on August 16, 2022, includes health-care and energy-related provisions, a new corporate alternative minimum tax, and an excise tax on certain corporate stock buybacks. Additional funding is...

Tuesday, October 4, 2022

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...

Tuesday, October 4, 2022

As a female entrepreneur, you may face different challenges than your male counterparts. For example, women were disproportionately affected by the COVID pandemic. 1 They also tend to earn less than their male peers—largely in...

Monday, October 3, 2022

“Everything in boxing is backwards.” -Eddie Dupris, “Million Dollar Baby”When markets are down, the natural bias is to sell. But looking at history, the more the S&P 500 is down, the better it does in the next...

Saturday, October 1, 2022

In these uncertain times, the value of objective financial guidance cannot be overestimated, and the importance of the financial profession has never been more apparent. Regulatory changes initiated well before any of us had even heard...

Tuesday, September 27, 2022

The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) increased the target rate by 75 basis points (bp) to a 3.25% upper bound and delivered a more pessimistic outlook in their published Summary of Economic Projections.The Committee hiked...

Monday, September 19, 2022

Tuesday’s Consumer Price Index (CPI) release surprised to the upside with core inflation remaining stubbornly high. (For more details on Tuesday’s release, please see our blog post here.) Moreover, the breadth of...

Monday, September 12, 2022

As widely expected, today the European Central Bank (ECB) raised its main refinancing rate by 75 basis points (0.75%) to 1.25% and signaled additional rate hikes in coming months may be warranted. Markets are currently pricing in an...

Tuesday, September 6, 2022

For investors September is often a month to remember but for the wrong reasons. In fact, as shown in the LPL Chart of the Day, September has historically been one of the weakest months of the year for stocks.View enlarged chart...

Thursday, September 1, 2022

Long-term care (LTC) keeps you functioning in the face of devastating illnesses, disabilities and prolonged disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease. LTC kicks in when you lose the ability to care for yourself and can no longer do...

Thursday, September 1, 2022

A surprising two out of every three American adults do not have any kind of written estate plan.1 For adults who also serve as family caregivers, not having a plan in place can pose major risks for them and their entire...

Thursday, September 1, 2022

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...

Thursday, September 1, 2022

September is self-improvement month and a great time to work on your financial health. When you think of self-improvement, you likely think of your health or career but may pay little attention to your finances. Getting your financial...

Monday, August 29, 2022

Real Spending Grew in JulyReal personal spending rose 0.2% in July, a positive indicator for Q3 economic growth. However, consumers need to see a higher growth rate in personal incomes for the real economy to grow in Q3. Personal...

Monday, August 22, 2022

All investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal, and there can be no assurance that any investment strategy will be successful. And asset allocation and diversification alone cannot guarantee a profit or eliminate...

Monday, August 22, 2022

Existing home sales in July fell over 20% from a year ago to an annualized rate of 4.81 million. Outside of the onset of the pandemic, the July sales rate was the lowest since late 2015 when the real estate market was recovering from...

Monday, August 15, 2022

The latest weekly data from the American Association of Individual Investors (AAII) showed a continued increase in the percentage of individual investors who are bullish about short-term market expectations (32.2%), and a continued...

Saturday, August 13, 2022

Millennials face financial challenges that are unique to their generation. One of the first steps in overcoming them is to understand some basic financial concepts.With age comes responsibility, so if you're a young adult in your 20s...

Tuesday, August 9, 2022

Friends, Last week was epic for market-watchers. A Federal Reserve (Fed) rate hike, a much-anticipated gross domestic product (GDP) report, and the busiest week of earnings season got most of the headlines. There was even a...

Monday, August 8, 2022

The most watched, and arguably the most exciting, soccer league in the world kicked off this weekend across the pond: the English Premier League (EPL). It’s set to be an enthralling season for the many EPL fans around the world...

Monday, August 1, 2022

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...

Monday, August 1, 2022

Index PerformanceView enlarged chart.U.S. and International EquitiesU.S. Markets Finish HigherThe major U.S. market indexes finished higher this week as growth and value names witnessed solid gains. The latest batch of second quarter...

Wednesday, July 27, 2022

Planning for retirement can seem premature when you have only been in the workforce for a decade or so. But as the oldest Millennials begin to hit middle age, retirement suddenly does not seem so far away. From record-busting market...

Monday, July 25, 2022

From Heavy Highway Congestion to Eerily Empty RoadwaysNot to play up too much on the data from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) but the NAHB gives insights on the traffic of prospective buyers, a leading indicator of...

Wednesday, July 20, 2022

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...

Monday, July 18, 2022

Supply-Driven Contributions to InflationYou have heard it here many times that the current inflationary environment has been irritated by supply-related problems with ports, international manufacturing shutdowns, and global shipping as...

Monday, July 11, 2022

Index PerformanceView enlarged chart.U.S. and International Equities LowerThe major market indexes finished the month in the red as sticky inflation conditions weighed on last month’s market returns as the Federal Reserve (Fed)...

Monday, July 11, 2022

Markets rarely give us clear skies, and there are always threats to watch for on the horizon, but the right preparation, context, and support can help us navigate anything that may lie ahead. So far, this year hasn’t seen a...

Wednesday, July 6, 2022

Friends,As the calendar has turned to July, investors would certainly like to forget the first six months of 2022. However, the Fourth of July Independence Day holiday does bring with it reason for celebration. Not only is it the 246th...

Tuesday, July 5, 2022

The U.S. Treasury market is arguably the most important market in the world. Not only does the market provide the financing of the federal government, it also provides a safe and liquid asset to support the flow of capital and credit...

Monday, June 27, 2022

It's a fact: People today are living longer. Although that's good news, the odds of requiring some sort of long-term care increase as you get older. And as the costs of home care, nursing homes, and assisted living escalate, you...

Monday, June 27, 2022

With the S&P 500 moving into a bear market and the first half of the year since shaping up as one of the worst ever, many investors are wondering if we have yet seen the bear market low. We first asked, “Was that the...

Thursday, June 23, 2022

A regular program of disciplined financial practices can help you in the long-run Many people realize that the best way to stay in shape is to develop an appropriate fitness regimen and then stick with it. If you start a fitness...

Tuesday, June 21, 2022

Undoubtedly the most important story of the past week is the historic move in interest rates. While this is a trend that has been firmly in place for months, it has accelerated even more following last Friday’s higher than...

Friday, June 17, 2022

For first-time homebuyers and homeowners who are considering refinancing their current mortgages, trying to decide between a fixed or an adjustable rate mortgage (ARM) can be a bit puzzling. The future is relatively unpredictable, and...

Tuesday, June 14, 2022

Friends, A bear market is officially here thanks largely to stubbornly high inflation. For many of us, it has probably felt like a bear market for a while now, but the S&P 500 Index didn’t close more than 20% below its...

Monday, June 13, 2022

Headline Inflation Jumps, Core Inflation CoolsHeadline inflation in May rose 8.6% from a year ago, accelerating from April’s 8.3% growth rate. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose to the highest year-over-year increase since...

Thursday, June 9, 2022

It’s important to be task driven at work, but your mental and physical well-being should never suffer because of your daily tasks. Here are some questions worth asking yourself during a work day.How are you fueling your body?A...

Monday, June 6, 2022

Labor Markets Are Tight With Little Signs of LooseningEmployment in May grew by 390,000, driven by strong gains in leisure and hospitality, professional and business services, and transportation and warehousing. Job growth does not...

Wednesday, June 1, 2022

Friends,The bull market that began in March of 2020 came dangerously close to an end. From March 23, 2020 through January 3, 2022, the S&P 500 Index gained 114% (excluding dividends). From that January 3 closing high through the recent...

Tuesday, May 31, 2022

After a late month rally, we can say goodbye to the month of May, which now opens the door to June. Here’s the bad news, June is historically a weak month and it is actually the worst month of the year during a midterm year, down...

Thursday, May 26, 2022

Monday, May 23, 2022

Wednesday, May 18, 2022

Monday, May 16, 2022

Thursday, May 12, 2022

Thursday, May 12, 2022

Monday, May 9, 2022

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Thursday, April 21, 2022

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Wednesday, April 13, 2022

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Monday, March 28, 2022

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Monday, January 31, 2022

Tuesday, January 25, 2022

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...

Monday, January 24, 2022

Tuesday, January 18, 2022

Tuesday, January 18, 2022

Thursday, January 13, 2022

Tuesday, January 11, 2022

Thursday, January 6, 2022

Tuesday, January 4, 2022

Tuesday, December 28, 2021

Tuesday, December 28, 2021

Tuesday, December 21, 2021

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Tuesday, December 14, 2021

Tuesday, December 14, 2021

Tuesday, December 7, 2021

Monday, December 6, 2021

Monday, November 29, 2021

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...

Tuesday, November 23, 2021

The S&P 500 Information Technology Sector has gained 27% in the past six months, outperforming the broader S&P 500 by more than 10%. But could its run of leadership just be getting started? As shown in the LPL Chart of the Day, the...

Tuesday, November 23, 2021

What typical investors need to know We all read and hear about various special deals, “doorbusters,” price cuts, and early opening hours on Black Friday. We also read and hear about the Cyber Monday deals. These sales days...

Friday, November 19, 2021

If you are part of the baby boomer generation (born between 1944 and 1964), you may already know how important it can be to save for your retirement. Little remains of the security our parents may have enjoyed through company pensions....

Tuesday, November 16, 2021

As we reach the home stretch of 2021, there is a lot to be thankful for. Stocks are having an amazing year, the economy is improving, and COVID-19 trends are going the right direction. Let’s look at some reasons to be thankful....

Tuesday, November 9, 2021

Long-term care insurance is a type of insurance that covers the costs related to long-term, chronic health concerns. It may cover things that traditional health insurance does not cover, such as personal care services. If you have a...

Monday, November 8, 2021

The October payroll report more than delivered on expectations for a bounce back from the soft September report. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics released its October employment report this morning, revealing that the domestic...

Thursday, November 4, 2021

Dear Friends, The past year and a half have tested all of us, but overall, the economy continues to strengthen, COVID-19 trends are greatly improving, and this still relatively young bull market is alive and well. As the leaves turn...

Monday, November 1, 2021

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...

Tuesday, October 26, 2021

More consumers are conducting financial transactions online and may become vulnerable to tracking, hacking, identity theft, phishing scams, and other cyberspace risks. While nothing can guarantee complete safety on the Internet,...

Monday, October 25, 2021

On Thursday, October 21, the Conference Board released its September 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...

Thursday, October 21, 2021

Whatever your age, it’s never too soon to look ahead and begin giving thought to your retirement. With proper planning, you can make the transition to retirement a smooth, comfortable and confident ride. Today, more than ever,...

Tuesday, October 19, 2021

The U.S. Census Bureau reported overall retail sales grew 0.7% month over month in September vs. forecasts for a 0.2% decline, while retail sales excluding autos and gas also saw solid gains, rising 0.7% month over month vs. estimates...

Monday, October 18, 2021

Long-term care insurance is a type of insurance that covers the costs related to long-term, chronic health concerns. It may cover things that traditional health insurance does not cover, such as personal care services. If you have a...

Friday, October 15, 2021

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...

Monday, October 11, 2021

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 huge margins. We expect solid...

Thursday, October 7, 2021

Friends, One constant in life is change. During the past year and a half, we have experienced more change than any of us bargained for. Change is disruptive—but also brings opportunities. For investors right now, there is no...

Monday, October 4, 2021

Index Performance View enlarged chart. U.S. and International Equities September has been the worst performing month over the past 10 and 20 years. Looking at the prior year, the S&P 500 pulled back over 9% from September 2nd to...

Monday, September 27, 2021

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...

Monday, September 20, 2021

Until recently, we expected the 10-year Treasury yield to end the year between 1.75% and 2.0%. Now, however, there are two key elements suggesting we are unlikely to see significantly higher interest rates by year end: The Delta...

Monday, September 13, 2021

According to LPL Research’s analysis of the Federal Reserve’s (Fed) recently released Beige Book, business sentiment on Main Street has declined in recent months as the economy navigates the latest wave of COVID-19, but...

Tuesday, September 7, 2021

The Covid-19 pandemic was an unprecedented shock to a large majority of global economies. But the economic damage was met with an extraordinary global monetary response with the Federal Reserve (Fed), European Central Bank (ECB), the...

Friday, September 3, 2021

Even if you're saving money in a 401(k), IRA, or another type of retirement account, you may not be paying much attention to the specific rules and regulations governing these accounts. After all, if you're years away from retirement,...

Friday, September 3, 2021

Fall is in full swing, and for most families, so is a return to the school year routine. But for some kids, adjusting back to this schedule can be stressful—and can take a little longer than you’d like to find balance. But...

Friday, September 3, 2021

There are many things you can do to keep your brain active: going outside more, listening to classical music, or learning a new skill. As you get older, it’s imperative to take care of your mental and physical health. Both are...

Friday, September 3, 2021

One of these questions is significantly more important to your success We’ve all been there: scratching our heads wondering what to do with all the retirement savings accounts. Too many choices can be overwhelming, until you step...

Thursday, September 2, 2021

Friends, The bull market continues, with the S&P 500 Index now up seven months in a row. Stocks have impressively gained 20% year-to-date, with the S&P 500 making 53 new all-time highs before the end of August—another new record....

Tuesday, August 31, 2021

How is the recent increase in COVID-19 cases in the United States linked to the spread of the Delta variant affecting the U.S. consumer’s behavior? We look at some consumer confidence focused high-frequency data for clues on how...

Friday, August 27, 2021

Taking money out of retirement without a plan is a recipe for trouble You‘ve saved for years. Now that you are retired, did you create an income plan from your savings? The financial industry and media constantly talk about the...

Tuesday, August 24, 2021

Since 1978, the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City has played host to central bankers, policymakers, academics and economists from around the world at its annual economic policy symposium in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, which is slated to...

Wednesday, August 18, 2021

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...

Tuesday, August 17, 2021

One of these questions is significantly more important to your success We’ve all been there: scratching our heads wondering what to do with all the retirement savings accounts. Too many choices can be overwhelming, until you step...

Thursday, August 12, 2021

Financial advisers will tell you that the most telling -- and risky -- years of your retirement are the five before you leave the 9-to-5 world, and the five after you have forsaken a steady paycheck and learn to live on Social Security...

Thursday, August 12, 2021

Remember, it is never too early to start planning for your future. The time to begin planning for your financial future is now. So, when it comes to preparing for retirement, the earlier you start, the better. Here are some steps to...

Thursday, August 12, 2021

In general, workers seem to begin preparing for retirement almost as soon as they get their first job. However, according to the 2021 Retirement Confidence Survey by the Employee Benefit Research Institute (EBRI), retirement...

Wednesday, August 11, 2021

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...

Thursday, August 5, 2021

Friends, Six months and counting. That is the current monthly winning streak for the S&P 500 Index. To take that a step further, this key equity benchmark has posted gains in 13 of the last 16 months—dating back to the March 2020...

Wednesday, August 4, 2021

Index Performance View enlarged chart. U.S. and international equities In July, the U.S. major market indexes finished higher while international equities, as represented by the developed international markets (MSCI EAFE), and the...

Wednesday, July 28, 2021

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...

Monday, July 26, 2021

Tips to avoid one of the biggest retirement worries that all of us will face Retirement is a major milestone that brings many life changes. One thing that doesn't change for most people: the fear of running out of money. In fact, one...

Monday, July 26, 2021

Consider the tangible financial and economic benefits too, not just sunshine You have no doubt seen dozens of lists of places to retire in, but they seldom focus on financial factors, which are important when you live off your savings....

Thursday, July 22, 2021

Since the first modern Olympic games in 1896, the competition has been a prestigious honor for the hosting country, but also a significant economic and structural undertaking. Billions of dollars are put toward the construction of new...

Wednesday, July 21, 2021

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%...

Wednesday, July 14, 2021

LPL Research is proud to announce the release of Midyear Outlook 2021: Picking Up Speed. While the speed can be exhilarating as economic growth accelerates, it can also be dangerous. Our updated outlook is designed to help you navigate...

Tuesday, July 13, 2021

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...

Tuesday, July 13, 2021

It is human nature to seek advice when things aren't going well or when an unforeseen event occurs. Often, people seek financial advice from a professional only when the stock market and their investments are experiencing turbulent...

Thursday, July 8, 2021

Friends, In the first half of 2021, the U.S. economy powered forward faster than nearly anyone had expected. Speed can be exhilarating, but it can also be dangerous. In our view, the overall economic picture remains sound and will...

Thursday, July 8, 2021

At a time when your career is reaching a peak and you are looking ahead to your own retirement, you may find yourself in the position of having to help your children with college expenses while at the same time looking after the needs...

Tuesday, July 6, 2021

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...

Tuesday, July 6, 2021

Members of the "Sandwich Generation"—or adults who have at least one parent over age 65 and at least one child who still requires financial support—often find themselves torn between their dual caregiving responsibilities.1...

Wednesday, June 30, 2021

While most of the focus lately has been on the volatility in the Treasury markets, the corporate credit markets continue to tell an encouraging story about the economic recovery. The traditional U.S. corporate credit bond market...

Tuesday, June 22, 2021

The “dot plots” are slowly becoming the new phrase of the year after the July 16 Federal Reserve (Fed) meeting. As a reminder, the dot plots represent the expected path of short-term interest rates by Fed members. Each dot...

Tuesday, June 15, 2021

As investors we fight against behavioral biases in every investment decision we make. Our Director of Research Marc Zabicki talked recently about some of these biases in this video. We become attached to our ideas and when we think...

Wednesday, June 9, 2021

While many of the taxable markets have generated negative returns this year, both the high quality and high yield municipal markets have generated positive returns (no guarantees that will continue, of course). State and local...

Tuesday, June 8, 2021

How long might you live in retirement? Think carefully. Your answer could influence whether you have enough money for a comfortable retirement or just scrape by. According to pension mortality tables, at least one member of a...

Tuesday, June 8, 2021

For investors approaching retirement, it is important to begin thinking about retirement income planning. This involves a mindset shift from accumulating an investment portfolio designed for growth to creating a portfolio of retirement...

Tuesday, June 8, 2021

The coronavirus pandemic has motivated financial professionals to take full advantage of technology. Many of them are pairing various tech solutions with their unique human touch to help clients work towards their financial well-being....

Thursday, June 3, 2021

Friends, As we move into June, a path to normalcy is coming quickly with stadiums allowing full capacity, restaurants filling up, and summer vacations in full swing. Meanwhile, the U.S. economy continues to recover remarkably quickly...

Wednesday, June 2, 2021

Index Performance View enlarged chart. U.S. and international equities The month of May proved to be mixed for the U.S. major market indexes. Last month’s top performer, the Nasdaq composite, was May’s laggard....

Wednesday, May 26, 2021

Mortgage rates are still around all-time lows but they may be headed higher. The 30-year national average mortgage rate hit an all-time low of 2.82% back in February, but with the U.S. economic recovery in full swing, mortgage rates...

Monday, May 24, 2021

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...

Friday, May 21, 2021

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....

Thursday, May 20, 2021

Over the next twenty years, a wealth transfer will occur that exceeds $30 trillion as the Baby Boomer generation passes the remainder of their wealth to the Millennials and subsequent generations. The Baby Boomers (born 1946-1964) are...

Wednesday, May 19, 2021

Tuesday, May 18, 2021 After the April consumer price index (CPI) release that surprised to the upside, indicating consumer prices in some areas of the economy are increasing at a faster pace than many expected, the discussion has...

Wednesday, May 12, 2021

Inflation is one of the primary risks to bondholders. Rising consumer prices erodes the “real” value of principal and interest payments making them worth less. However, the Federal Reserve’s (Fed) reaction to...

Tuesday, May 11, 2021

One of these questions is significantly more important to your success We’ve all been there: scratching our heads wondering what to do with all the retirement savings accounts. Too many choices can be overwhelming, until you step...

Thursday, May 6, 2021

For many homeowners, a home purchase could be the single biggest investment of their lifetime1 — so it is important to make sure this investment is well protected. Homeowners (HO) insurance can provide homeowners with protection...

Thursday, May 6, 2021

Friends, As the calendar has turned to May, the popular “Sell in May and Go Away” stock market cliché is getting a lot of airtime. This is the idea that the stock market tends to be weakest between May and October...

Wednesday, May 5, 2021

Index Performance View enlarged chart. U.S. and International Equities This month provided another set of positive results for the U.S. major market indexes. The top performer was the Nasdaq, rebounding from last month’s lagging...

Wednesday, April 28, 2021

You exercise to benefit from your sweat equity in the future, right? Waking up early in the dark mornings of winter to exercise comes hard. Once your workout ends, though, you often begin the day with the payoff of a tremendous energy...

Wednesday, April 28, 2021

End of recession call may come soon Incredibly, the COVID-19 recession may have ended a year ago, but we still don’t have an end-of-recession call from the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER). But we may be a step closer...

Tuesday, April 20, 2021

“Price is what you pay; value is what you get.” – Legendary value investor Ben Graham. Valuations matter—at least in the long run. We believe it to be true in the equity markets and in the fixed income markets...

Wednesday, April 14, 2021

Index Performance View enlarged chart. U.S. and International Equities This quarter provided positive results for all major market indexes. The top performer and standout was the US small cap Russell 2000, returning over 12% for the...

Tuesday, April 13, 2021

When it comes to retirement plans, there is no one-size-fits-all approach for how to invest. While there are some basic strategies everyone should follow, it’s important to keep in mind retirement plans will vary, depending on...

Wednesday, April 7, 2021

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,...

Tuesday, April 6, 2021

Coming into this year, we expected longer-maturity U.S. Treasury yields to rise, consistent with improving economic growth dynamics. That is indeed what we have seen, with the yield on the 10-year Treasury higher by 80 basis points (0...

Wednesday, March 31, 2021

“History doesn’t repeat itself, but it often rhymes.” Mark Twain What more can we say other than few months have been kinder to stocks lately than the month of April. In fact, it was last year that saw the S&P 500...

Wednesday, March 24, 2021

While most market participants have been (rightly) focusing on the sell-off in the Treasury markets this year, U.S. corporate credit markets have sold off as well. Corporate credit markets, as defined by the Bloomberg Barclays U.S....

Monday, March 22, 2021

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,...

Wednesday, March 17, 2021

“The stock market is a giant distraction to the business of investing.” Jack Bogle, founder of Vanguard First off, we hope everyone has a happy and safe Saint Patrick’s Day! We’ve had a lot of green out there...

Monday, March 15, 2021

You should pick investments (and teams) so you win most of your games Sports metaphors and investing are natural pairs. A good way to look at portfolio management is the NCAA March Madness tournament. As with basketball, you should...

Wednesday, March 10, 2021

Today is the one-year anniversary of the low in the 10-year Treasury yield. While we’ve discussed the sharp rise in U.S. Treasury yields that have occurred this year, rising rates have been a global phenomenon. Similar to the...

Monday, March 8, 2021

Tips for being proactive in safeguarding your identity and your credit score Identity theft is a serious crime, with increasingly greater numbers of consumers being affected every year. As part of a protection strategy, the Federal...

Thursday, March 4, 2021

Friends, It’s now been over a year since COVID-19 first hit American shores. While the pandemic has affected everyone to varying degrees, we can all agree that everyone’s life is different today than it was a year ago....

Wednesday, March 3, 2021

Index Performance View enlarged chart. US and International Equities This month provided positive results for the major market indexes. The top performer was the Russell 2000 small cap index, returning over 6% for the month. Small caps...

Thursday, February 25, 2021

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...

Wednesday, February 24, 2021

Treasury yields started moving sharply higher this past month (remember that as yields go up, prices go down). And while the upward march began in earnest last August when the 10-Year Treasury yield bottomed at an all-time low rate of...

Thursday, February 18, 2021

With more and more seniors aging in place, the rise in caregivers who are not health professionals has begun to increase as well. Informal caregivers may find that their work is rewarding, since they ensure that their loved one is...

Wednesday, February 17, 2021

In LPL Research’s Weekly Market Commentary this week, we looked at some stock and bond options that may be attractive income-producing ideas for suitable income-oriented investors. On the bond side, many income-oriented investors...

Tuesday, February 9, 2021

The 10-year breakeven inflation rate, a market-based measure of inflation expectations, hit its highest level last Friday, February 5, since 2014. Still, at 2.21% expected annual inflation over the next 10 years, it remains a...

Monday, February 8, 2021

Sometimes people get caught up in the numbers so much that they forget why they're saving for retirement. At the beginning of your career, you may not have known what you wanted to do. Now that you've officially joined the ranks of...

Thursday, February 4, 2021

Friends, “In the short-term, the market is a popularity contest. In the long-term, the market is a weighing machine.” Warren Buffett 2021 is under way, as our nation and the rest of the world look to begin to put the global...

Tuesday, February 2, 2021

Stocks got off to a nice start in 2021, until the late January selloff, as everyone got GameStop fever. Should bulls worry about what a down January might mean for the rest of 2021? There’s an old adage on Wall Street that...

Wednesday, January 27, 2021

In LPL Research Outlook 2021: Powering Forward, we noted that large interest rate declines historically have been followed by reversals. With the 10-year Treasury yield continuing to climb, now’s a good time for an update. As...

Monday, January 25, 2021

In an increasingly paper-free society, organizing your financial documents can still be a challenge. No matter how simple or complex your financial picture might be, it takes some thought-out organization to keep your tax documents,...

Tuesday, January 19, 2021

Investment-grade credit spreads, the extra yield you get from investment-grade corporate bonds compared to similarly dated US Treasuries, have already tightened to a level you usually only see during the middle of the economic...

Friday, January 15, 2021

Retirement is one of the biggest life transitions adults will ever deal with. After 20, 30, or 40 or more years in the workforce, new retirees can find it hard to adjust to the reduced amount of structure in their daily lives. But...

Wednesday, January 13, 2021

Economic Blog 1/12/2021 Treasury yields hit two key levels the first week of 2021. As shown in the LPL Chart of the Day, the 10-year Treasury yield moved above 1% for the first time since March 2020, and the 10-year breakeven inflation...

Tuesday, January 12, 2021

Happy New Year 2021! A new year offers a welcomed turn of the calendar and a fresh start. As it always seems to be, there are so many moving parts and perspectives on our markets and our world. Despite the ongoing threat of COVID-19,...

Monday, January 11, 2021

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...

Tuesday, January 5, 2021

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...

Wednesday, December 30, 2020

2020 was an extraordinary year for the Federal Reserve (Fed). The Fed responded swiftly and decisively to the rapidly accelerating financial and economic uncertainty brought on by efforts to contain the COVID-19 pandemic. The current...

Tuesday, December 29, 2020

Diet books. Fitness apps. Live-streamed exercise classes. They all tell you the same thing: Maintaining good physical health requires discipline and adherence to a few simple habits, such as eating wisely, getting enough sleep, and...

Wednesday, December 23, 2020

Stimulus Bridges to Recovery Recent economic data shows evidence of slowing momentum in the US economy, but the new stimulus package could keep the recovery moving forward. This week’s Market Signals podcast reviews the stimulus...

Thursday, December 17, 2020

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...

Wednesday, December 16, 2020

Back in July, we wrote in our July 23 LPL Research blog that dollar weakness may continue, highlighting a short-term bearish technical case for the US dollar. Since then, the Bloomberg US Dollar Index and the US Dollar Index (DXY) are...

Monday, December 14, 2020

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...

Tuesday, December 8, 2020

2020 has been a tumultuous year, and as we near its close, we are pleased to present Outlook 2021: Powering Forward, which outlines our views on markets, the economy, and policy into 2021 and beyond. Policy changes should be relatively...

Tuesday, December 8, 2020

2020 has been a tumultuous year, and as we near its close, we are pleased to present Outlook 2021: Powering Forward, which outlines our views on markets, the economy, and policy into 2021 and beyond. Click Here to Download the PDF

Friday, December 4, 2020

As the holidays approach, many children start to make wish lists, but unfortunately, not all children have someone to give them gifts. Luckily, there are many charities that help get holiday gifts and joy to children. If you're...

Thursday, December 3, 2020

Friends, As 2020 comes to a close, we are already looking forward to a new year—and to a world very different from the one we’re leaving behind. Areas of the economy have been damaged and may never fully recover, but other...

Wednesday, December 2, 2020

Not surprisingly, corporate credit spreads widened dramatically back in March 2020, making corporate bonds cheap relative to historical averages. (Credit spreads are the extra yield corporate bonds offer versus similarly dated...

Wednesday, November 25, 2020

It may be a year or more before the end of the recession is officially called, but gauging from the growth we’ve seen since April, it may already be over. If that’s true, it’s a good time to take a look at what US...

Tuesday, November 24, 2020

Thanksgiving is one of the most widely celebrated holidays in both the U.S. and Canada with the purpose of celebrating the blessings of the past year. It is known as one of the busiest travel holidays of the year and in the U.S is most...

Wednesday, November 18, 2020

Fixed income investors aren’t used to having to deal with the volatility of stocks, but in the year that is 2020, that is exactly what has happened thus far. Unfortunately, while we don’t see the volatility of Q1 2020...

Tuesday, November 17, 2020

As the end of the year approaches, it's time to consider strategies that could help you reduce your tax bill. But most tax tips, suggestions, and strategies are of little practical help without a good understanding of your current tax...

Thursday, November 12, 2020

Third quarter earnings season has been outstanding relative to expectations by many measures. Some of the highlights: S&P 500 Index earnings are tracking to a 7.5% year-over-year decline, as shown in the LPL Chart of the Day, more than...

Tuesday, November 10, 2020

As a military family, you often have to deal with the stress of moving relatively frequently or potentially getting deployed. Managing your finances through these situations takes some finesse. To help ensure you're moving in the right...

Wednesday, November 4, 2020

The election is over, but the questions are mounting. We don’t know who will be the next president as of Wednesday morning, but we do know that stocks tend to do well the final two months of an election year. “Once the...

Wednesday, October 28, 2020

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...

Thursday, October 22, 2020

As the end of the year draws near, the last thing anyone wants to think about is taxes. But if you are looking for ways to minimize your tax bill, there's no better time for tax planning than before year-end. That's because there are a...

Tuesday, October 20, 2020

The 10-year US Treasury yield, at 0.77% as of October 19, is still near historical lows set earlier this year. Historically, 10-year Treasury performance for the next 10 years has tended to track the Treasury yield at the start of the...

Friday, October 16, 2020

With COVID rocking the employment landscape for job-seekers, some women have taken this opportunity to reinvent themselves and take charge of their own financial futures by launching a business. Entrepreneurship is one of the most...

Wednesday, October 14, 2020

Market Blog The 10-year Treasury yield has stayed in a narrow range since April 2020, helped by a supportive Federal Reserve and ongoing concerns about the COVID-19 pandemic. As shown in LPL’s Chart of the Day, the 10-year...

Wednesday, October 7, 2020

Market Blog The third quarter was characterized by the carry-over of economic momentum from the second quarter, as states continued to lift restrictions to reopen their economies. Perhaps it was no surprise that some of the hardest hit...

Tuesday, October 6, 2020

If you've been wondering how to optimize your finances and ensure your money continues to work for you, a financial professional may be able to help. But the thought of turning over your most sensitive financial information to a...

Thursday, October 1, 2020

Dear Valued Investor: Autumn has arrived, with students back in school, baseball playoffs beginning, and football in full swing. Life is trying to get back to as normal as possible despite the ongoing impact from COVID-19. While the...

Wednesday, September 30, 2020

An old Wall Street adage says bond markets are smarter than equity markets, so when stocks encounter volatility, investors often look to the bond market for clues about the potential severity of equity market weakness. The...

Tuesday, September 29, 2020

If you've been diligently saving for your retirement, you may often find yourself wondering when you can afford to set an official retirement date. The answer to this question can often depend on how much monthly or annual income your...

Wednesday, September 23, 2020

A few weeks ago we looked at how different bond sectors performed during rising rate periods during the last economic cycle (2009–2020). Today we look at falling rate periods—not the outcome we expect, but it can still be...

Tuesday, September 22, 2020

Should you really consider getting life insurance when you are close to 60? September is National Life Insurance Awareness month. And while most of us likely recognize that life insurance provides us peace of mind and security, there...

Wednesday, September 16, 2020

The US Federal Reserve (Fed) and Bank of Japan (BoJ) both meet this week, while the European Central Bank (ECB) met last week. When central bankers talk— markets listen. “The global economy has been steadying faster than...