January 2025 – By Dan Zalipski CFA^®

They say the market climbs a wall of worry, and 2024 was quite the climb. The S&P 500 returned +20% for a second consecutive year, a feat last seen in the late 90’s.  As we entered 2024, the list of worries included high valuations, narrow leadership by the largest technology stocks, rising long-term interest rates, election/policy uncertainty, deficit spending, geopolitical unrest, and more.  Despite these worries, stocks rallied without so much as one garden variety, normal, 10% correction.

December 2024 – By Dan Zalipski CFA^®

As we close the book on 2024, we cannot help but to be thankful and marvel at the market results of the past two years in the face of tough conditions and dire predictions.  Absent a surprise in the last few weeks, the S&P 500 will have produced 20%+ returns in back-to-back years for just the fourth time in its history.  As we look forward to 2025 and calibrate our expectations, we have reasons to be optimistic, but we also find reasons to be cautious.  It is important to be informed and mindful of changing market trends; below are some observations and expectations for the year ahead:

November 2024 – By Ian  Salisbury

Voters handed former President Donald Trump the White House on Tuesday, largely on the back of his pledge to improve the economy. But how will Trump’s second term really hit your wallet? A lot depends on whether you’re an investor, borrower, or just worried about higher prices.

Market Memo

October 2024 – By Tom Rueger CFP^®

The IRS’s yearly inflation adjustments have been announced. The IRS adjusts tax brackets yearly to avoid “bracket creep,” where people are taxed at a higher rate because they have a nominally higher income, but no greater purchasing power. Essentially, the brackets are indexed to inflation. The standard deduction and the income ranges on the seven income tax brackets will rise roughly 2.7% based on IRS formulas. That is lower than the 5.4% increase for 2024. The 2025 tax year adjustments apply to income tax returns to be filed in early 2026.