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The S&P 500 index recently closed above 5,000 and set a new all-time high, less than three years after it first crossed the 4,000 mark. While some are understandably nervous any time the market is near record levels, investors also tend to grow more bullish as the momentum continues…

Review the latest data and information regarding:

• Asset Class performance
• Breakeven Returns
• Consumer Spending
• Consumer Price Index
• Stock Market Pullbacks
• Global Stock Market Cycles
• Global Stock Market Performance
• S&P 500 Equal Weight Recent Returns
• Interest Income on Cash
• Traditional Sources of Bond Yield
• Global Market Summary,

Wall Street has long thought that one of passive investing’s biggest flaws was fading away. Not so fast, says Dimensional Fund Advisors.

The so-called Index effect, where stocks joining a major benchmark display abnormal returns in the days leading up to their addition before reversing after, is alive an well, according to the pioneering quant firm. As a result, Investors with trillions of dollars in passive products are leaving “returns on the table,” Dimensional argues in a new study…

After a historic year, investors have much to be thankful for this holiday season. Despite periods of uncertainty around the Federal Reserve, the presidential election, and geopolitical conflicts, the stock market has delivered exceptional returns in 2024. With only a few weeks left in the year, the S&P 500 has gained 26.7% with dividends year-to-date, the Dow 19.5%, and the Nasdaq 27.4%. International stocks have also performed well, with emerging markets advancing 9.0% and developed markets 4.8%. Economic growth has exceeded expectations, with inflation returning to pre-pandemic levels, unemployment still low, and GDP growing steadily.

To paraphrase Ernest Hemingway, shifts in the stock market often occur “gradually, then suddenly.” Over the past month, the market has rotated from large cap technology stocks to small caps and other sectors…

Planning for retirement has never been more important and yet so challenging. Given the difficult inflationary conditions of the past two years, the risk that worries most retirees continues to be outliving their savings. This is because, when it comes to markets and the economy, we can’t control the timing of events – including day-to-day market swings and whether investors begin retirement in a bull or bear market. What we can control, however, is our own behavior by staying disciplined. 

After a historic campaign, Donald Trump has won the 2024 presidential election and Republicans
have won control of the Senate. For half the country, this is a cause for celebration, while for the
other half, this is a disappointing result that will require time to process. This reflects the divisions
in our country on both social and economic matters that we hope will heal in time.

The stock market has performed well across both parties

The national debt is quickly approaching $36 trillion, according to the U.S. Treasury, a fact that has fueled concerns among investors and economists. This means that the federal debt has nearly quadrupled since before the 2008 global financial crisis, and has grown every year since 2001. This adds to the recurring fiscal debates over budget deficits, the debt ceiling, government shutdowns, stimulus bills, and more.

With the election now behind us, attention has shifted to the next administration’s cabinet nominations and policy proposals. The large and ever-growing national debt, and the complex ways it impacts the economy and markets, will only grow in importance. How can investors put government spending in perspective and stay focused on what drives markets in the long run?