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Fed Cuts Interest Rate By Half-Point

2024-09-23T10:31:26-05:00September 23, 2024|Categories: Weekly Update|Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , |

The Weekly Update

Week of September 23rd, 2024
By Christopher T. Much, CFP®, AIF®

Stocks moved higher last week after the Federal Reserve’s half-point rate cut, bolstered by multiple data points supporting a cooling but still strong economy and decelerating inflation.

The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index gained 1.36 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite rose 1.49 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial Average moved ahead by 1.62 percent. The MSCI EAFE Index, which tracks developed overseas stock markets, inched up 0.42 percent.

Fed Cuts Rate 0.5 Percent
Stocks traded in a narrow range for the first half of the week as anxious investors awaited the outcome of the Federal Open Market Committee’s (FOMC) September meeting.

Shortly after 2 pm ET Wednesday, the Fed announced it was cutting rates by a half percentage point—a more significant cut than some investors anticipated. Stocks initially rose in response and then fell. Some market watchers attributed the decline to concern …

Stocks Rally Ahead of Fed Meeting

2024-09-16T09:22:07-05:00September 16, 2024|Categories: Weekly Update|Tags: , , , , , , , , , , |

The Weekly Update

Week of September 16th, 2024
By Christopher T. Much, CFP®, AIF®

Stocks rallied last week as investors received better-than-expected consumer and producer inflation data.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 2.60 percent, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index gained 4.02 percent. The Nasdaq Composite led, picking up 5.95 percent as tech stocks rebounded. The MSCI EAFE Index, which tracks developed overseas stock markets, rose 1.01 percent.

A Wednesday to Remember
Stocks bounced out of the gate at the start of the week as “risk on” investors made moves before the pending release of the twin inflation reports–the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and Producer Price Index (PPI). The three major averages added slightly more than 1 percent in Monday trading.

On Wednesday, stocks initially dipped following the release of the CPI as traders appeared disappointed by the report. By midday, sentiment changed. The S&P 500, down as much as 1.6 percent in …

Markets Rise Thanks to Upbeat Indicators

2024-08-19T09:12:53-05:00August 19, 2024|Categories: Weekly Update|Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , |

The Weekly Update

Week of August 19th, 2024
By Christopher T. Much, CFP®, AIF®

Stocks posted solid gains last week, buoyed by robust economic data and constructive comments from Fed officials.

The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index rose 3.93 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite gained 5.29 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial Average lagged a bit, picking up 2.94 percent. The MSCI EAFE Index, which tracks developed overseas stock markets, powered ahead by 4.31 percent.

Upbeat Economic News
Three critical economic data points gave investors what they were looking for: wholesale inflation, consumer prices, and retail sales.

Both the Producer Price Index and the Consumer Price Index rose less than expected in July, reinforcing a picture of cooling inflation. The July retail sales report on Thursday was stronger than expected, which added more fuel to the week-long rally.

Market action slowed down on the week’s final trading day, with positive consumer sentiment gains countered only by a …

Stocks Stage Comeback After Heavy Monday

2024-08-12T10:23:05-05:00August 12, 2024|Categories: Weekly Update|Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , |

The Weekly Update

Week of August 12th, 2024
By Christopher T. Much, CFP®, AIF®

Stocks ended last week with modest losses, masking a volatile five-day trading period that saw investors embrace recession concerns and then dismiss the slow-down talk as speculation as the week progressed.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 0.60 percent, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index ended flat (-0.04 percent). The Nasdaq Composite dipped 0.18 percent. The MSCI EAFE Index, which tracks developed overseas stock markets, fell 1.21 percent.

Stocks Stage Comeback
Monday was the worst day for the S&P 500 and the Dow in nearly two years. As recession talk grew louder, investors took a “risk off” position.

On Monday, the Japanese market had its worst drop since 1987 as market participants unwound positions from a popular trading strategy called a “carry trade” amid a global sell-off in stock prices.

But on Thursday, initial jobless claims fell less than expected—a positive …

  • Woman Working On Taxes

Tax Planning: Year End Preparations

2019-10-25T10:13:51-05:00October 25, 2019|Categories: Resource Center|Tags: , |

Tax Planning: Year End Preparations

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 continues to provide Americans with opportunities and challenges as they prepare to file their taxes. As we prepare to head into tax season once again, we feel that a review of deductions, tax brackets and exemptions may be in order. Grab a copy of our updated 2020 Tax Planning piece here. http://bit.ly/2p025CF

  • FSA vs HSA

FSA vs. HSA

2025-03-26T08:48:26-05:00February 14, 2019|Categories: Resource Center|Tags: , |

FSA vs. HSA: Health Savings Account vs. Flexible Spending Account

FSA vs. HSA

A Health Savings Account (HSA) or a Flexible Spending Account (FSA). Which one should you choose? With several key differences between them, it literally pays to get this decision right.

When choosing between a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and a Health Savings Account (HSA), it’s important to understand their differences. Both accounts help you save money for medical expenses, but they serve different purposes. Your decision depends on your healthcare needs and financial goals.

An FSA is set up by your employer, allowing you to save money through pre-tax payroll deductions. You can use these funds for deductibles, copays, and other out-of-pocket healthcare costs. However, the “use it or lose it” rule means that any unused funds at the end of the year are forfeited. Some employers may offer a grace period or let you carry over a small …

  • Key Takeaways of the SEP IRA

Key Takeaways of the SEP IRA

2025-03-26T08:52:31-05:00January 17, 2019|Categories: Resource Center|Tags: , |

Key Takeaways of the SEP IRA

Key Takeaways of the SEP IRA

April 15th will be here in a blink of an eye. Are you self-employed or a small business owner?

A SEP IRA (Simplified Employee Pension IRA) is a retirement account for self-employed individuals or small business owners. Business owners, whether they have employees or work independently, can use a SEP IRA to save for retirement. This account stands out because it offers higher contribution limits than traditional and Roth IRAs, making it a popular choice for those who want to save more for retirement.

The SEP IRA’s main advantage is its high contribution limit. For 2018, the maximum contribution was $55,000, and business owners can contribute up to 25% of each employee’s pay. Self-employed individuals face a more complicated calculation, as their contributions are based on net profit, using a rate of approximately 18.6%. These …

  • See What's Cooking with Max Lukawski

See What’s Cooking with Max Lukawski

2025-03-26T08:55:40-05:00November 16, 2018|Categories: Resource Center|Tags: , |

See What’s Cooking with Max Lukawski

See What’s Cooking with Max Lukawski

See what’s cooking with Max Lukawski, CTS Financial Group’s Director of Tax Services. Max took a crack at the Proust Questionnaire, revealing what he likes to do when he’s not crunching numbers.

When asked about his idea of perfect happiness, Maxim shares that it’s simply spending a quiet night at home with his wife and a glass of wine. He confesses that his greatest fear is spiders, admitting it’s an irrational fear. Maxim also speaks candidly about his anxiety, acknowledging that he often struggles to balance being a good husband, dog dad, and excelling in his job. On the other hand, he dislikes dishonesty in others, as he prides himself on always being truthful.

Maxim greatly admires Sal Khan, the founder of Khan Academy, for his mission to educate the world, believing it will shape a better future. His greatest extravagance …

  • CollegeWise, CollegeWise Webinar – Harvard, Stanford or Bust

CollegeWise Webinar – Harvard, Stanford or Bust

2025-03-26T10:35:45-05:00October 10, 2018|Categories: Resource Center|Tags: , |

CollegeWise: Harvard, Stanford or Bust – a Webinar

CollegeWise Webinar – Harvard, Stanford or Bust

Just what does it take to get into the top colleges and universities in the country? How do you identify the school that’s the best fit for your student?

On October 24th, join us for a webinar with CollegeWise, the nation’s largest college counseling organization. We’ll debunk college admission myths and show you what the college admissions process looks like from the inside.

We’ll also give you an overview of college savings options and how you can begin to financially prepare for your student’s amazing college adventure. Register here: http://bit.ly/2zU5AgA

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