By Bruce Buerkle, CFA, Senior Vice President, Manager Securities Research Support
The popular averages rebounded strongly this year from the significant pullbacks that occurred during December 2018. This contributed in part to the markets posting negative returns last year. Multiple closing high records have been achieved during 2019 by the DJIA, S&P 500 and NASDAQ Composite. A few of the variables that may have impacted your investments this year are highlighted here.
By Theresa Fry, Senior Vice President and Manager, IRAs, Retirement and Education Planning, Jeffrey R. Wolfe, Senior Vice President, Manager of Wealth Planning Strategies and Bruce Buerkle, CFA, Senior Vice President, Manager Securities Research Support
If you are like most investors, you likely own some mutual funds. They are common in IRAs, 401(k)s, taxable accounts, etc. However, when you own mutual funds in a taxable account,
By Bruce Buerkle, CFA, Senior Vice President, Manager Securities Research Support
Have you reviewed how much you are saving annually and considered whether there are opportunities to increase your savings rate? Developing a “pay yourself first” plan can reap large rewards over the long term. Look for ways to automate your savings such as establishing a direct deposit into an investment account. Dollar-Cost Averaging, an investment strategy wherein you buy the same dollar amount of an investment at regular intervals,
By Bruce Buerkle, CFA, Senior Vice President, Manager Securities Research Support
The popular averages have pulled back substantially from the all-time records reached in August and September 2018. Jobs growth remains favorable as the October 2018 U.S. Unemployment Rate was constant at 3.7%, non-farm payrolls grew at a much faster clip than expected and unfilled positions hit fresh highs. While third-quarter corporate earnings were strong, up about 26% on close to 9% revenue growth for companies in the Standard &
By Bruce Buerkle, CFA, Senior Vice President, Manager Securities Research Support
By combining multiple types of investments—like large, small, growth, value and international companies— as well as having representation in different asset classes and business sectors, you may be able to not only keep up with inflation, but also get a suitable rate of return for a manageable level of risk. Having too much in one stock is called a concentrated equity.
By Bruce Buerkle, CFA, Senior Vice President, Manager Securities Research Support
Have you reviewed how much you are saving annually and considered whether there are opportunities to increase your savings rate? Look for ways to automate your savings such as establishing a direct deposit into an investment account.
If you received an unexpected bonus or a salary increase, consider adding funds to your savings. To see how an increase in your savings may grow,
By Bruce Buerkle, CFA, Senior Vice President, Manager Securities Research Support
The financial markets closed at new record highs numerous times during 2017. Earnings reports continue to be strong, particularly for multi-national companies, due to a pick-up in global economic growth, a weaker dollar, and a continued economic rebound here at home. While interest rates have increased this year, they remain low historically. Inflation has been below the Federal Reserve’s target,
By Bruce Buerkle, CFA, Vice President, Manager Securities Research Support
Financial markets achieved new all-time highs recently. Bond yields have risen and the weightings of the equity sectors within the S&P 500 are markedly different now than they were at the start of the year. Your investment mix may have shifted away from your target portfolio as a result, and this presents a great opportunity to review your investment assets to be sure you continue to be allocated appropriately to meet your long-term goals.
By Bruce Buerkle, CFA, Vice President and Manager, Securities Research Support
Have you reviewed how much you are saving annually and considered whether there are opportunities to increase your savings rate? Look for ways to automate your savings such as establishing a direct deposit into an investment account.
If you received an unexpected bonus or a salary increase, consider increasing your savings. As markets move around,
By Bruce Buerkle, CFA, Vice President and Manager, Securities Research Support
With the considerable market swings that have occurred during 2015, a year-end review of your portfolio is even more essential to make sure you are on track to meet your long-term investment objectives. There are a number of key points to take into consideration and your Benjamin F. Edwards & Co. financial consultant has the tools to provide the information needed to help you work through these questions.
