Last week the Dow came close to hitting a new high threshold. What happens next depends on a host of factors. In this January 9, 2017 Market Week Recap that closed as of Friday, January 6, we look at what shaped the week and what to expect in the near term. The Market Week Recap (as of market close January 6, 2017) The markets regained their swag as each of the indexes listed here posted ... Read More
stock market
Reacting to a Market Meltdown
How should you be reacting to a market meltdown? Markets go up. Markets go down. Sometimes suddenly and deeply. Before you jump off a cliff take a deep breath and remember that how you decide on reacting to a market meltdown will make a big difference to your bottom line now and later. Rarely is it a good idea to panic. Investing is a lot about two emotions: fear and greed. Those who end up ... Read More
Weekly Economic Update from Steve Stanganelli
Here is your new weekly economic update from Steve Stanganelli, CFP®, fee-only financial advisor serving Greater Boston to the Merrimack Valley. Inflation remains tame and there's little I see ahead that could change that view. The economy continues to expand though consumer spending is weak. Home sales have dropped slightly though interest rates are still near historic lows. The big news and ... Read More
Debt Ceiling Crisis: What Investors Should Do
Investment Forecast: Cloudy with chance of default and variable recession. Trying to read the tea leaves and make prudent investment decisions for clients - or yourself - has been complicated by the headwinds out of Washington lately. The debt ceiling crisis exposes investors to a real risk of loss. Crystal Ball Predictions Depending on how you read your crystal ball, any and all of the ... Read More
Low ETF Fees Attract Investors
Can you keep a secret? Affluent investors are becoming big fans of Exchange Traded Funds (ETF). While Wall Street may want to continue to pick your pocket through higher-cost mutual funds, you can lower your costs and need to get to know about ETFs. Wall Street doesn't want you to know that you may not be getting the best deal when it comes to your investments. Most people invest through ... Read More
Low Cost ETF Investing: Join the Investing Wave
Looking for an investing edge? Try lowering your costs. Beat the stock market professionals at their own game through low cost ETF investing. Despite the cold weather and frigid water temperatures, jump in and join the investing wave. Adopt a low cost ETF investing approach and you may improve your returns and your personal bottom line. For more on Investing on a Shoe String with Low Cost ... Read More
Protecting Your Overseas Investments with Currency ETFs
Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) have been growing in popularity with investors and their advisers. They offer low costs and opportunities to more precisely create an asset allocation or take advantage of trading and hedging ideas. Currency Exchange Traded Funds have grown popular over the course of 2011 to investors who are attempting to gain exposure to foreign currency while avoiding the cost ... Read More
Should Investors Worry? Low Stock Dividend Yields and The Future of Stock Prices
A key component of a diversified income-oriented portfolio is dividends. This is what I have noted in the past during my presentations, blogs and online musings. They are a key part of a solid retirement income strategy. The total return from stocks is derived from two key components: price appreciation and the cash flow from dividends. Most investors are certainly familiar with the concept of ... Read More
Ask the Adviser – Should I Rollover a 401(k) from My Old Job?
This is a common question from many folks. There are many valid reasons to consider a 401k rollover. While changing jobs can be stressful and life can otherwise get in the way, you really should not neglect this. Oftentimes, out of sight is out of mind and you could be losing money and not even know it. Costs While it may not seem like it, you are paying for your funds to stay with your old ... Read More
Ask the Adviser: What’s a Market Linked CD and Are There Risks?
It's natural for investors who are still skittish after a decade-long roller coaster ride with the stock market and plummeting real estate values to be risk averse and seek out investment alternatives for protecting their nest eggs for retirement, college funding or simply their emergency cash. And where there is demand, there will be supply. So naturally, financial firms will design products ... Read More
