The past decade has seen an unprecedented suppression of risk management in financial markets. Ultra-low and even negative interest rates from central banks like the Federal Reserve and ECB created an...
The Changing Investment Landscape: Navigating the Potential of Slower Economic Growth Over the Next 20 Years
The favorable economic trends of the past 40 years may be shifting as we look ahead. Slower growth in developed nations could change return assumptions. Investors may need to take a more global approa...
Navigating Today’s Mortgage Market: How to Choose the Right Loan in a High Rate Environment
Mortgage shopping can feel overwhelming, especially with interest rates over 6% currently. Making an informed decision about your loan type is critical to get the best rate and terms for your situatio...
Understanding the Future of Energy: The Dynamics of Oil Prices and Impacts on the Sector
After a stellar 2022, energy stocks have cooled off a bit this year as oil prices softened on economic concerns. But constrained supply, recovering demand, and a ramp-up in production investment could...
Bracing Your Finances for the New Normal of Moderately High Inflation
The latest inflation reading may be down from last year's 40-year high, but many Americans aren't feeling much relief. Recent surveys show over 60% are living paycheck to paycheck, with nearly half of...
The Tax-Slashing Allure of Municipal Bonds
With income tax rates ranging from zero to 13.3% depending on your state of residence, where you call home can significantly impact your bottom line. High earners, especially those in high-tax states ...
Deciphering Gold’s Luster: Current Trends Challenge Traditional Beliefs
Gold has long been viewed as a hedge against inflation and economic uncertainty. But the precious metal's price chart reveals a concerning downward trend that should give investors pause.
Gold peak...
Green Shoots Sprouting in the IPO Market?
The IPO market has been ice cold in 2022. Q2 2023 marked the sixth straight quarter of declining year-over-year IPO activity, the longest such streak since the 2008-2009 financial crisis. But some hig...
Much Ado About Nothing: The Truth Behind 0DTE Options and Market Impact
Trading in zero-days-to-expiry (0DTE) options has exploded in recent years, now accounting for over 50% of total volume in S&P 500 index (SPX) options. With this rapid growth has come increased sc...
Beware the Concentration Risk in Your 401(k)
While stocks are up big this year, gains are concentrated in a handful of large tech companies. This amplifies risks in broad market funds like 401(k)s.
Concentrated Gains in 2023
Over 80% of S&am...
58