New Year Brings Old Problems January has not been kind to America over the past several years.  In 2019, the nation entered the year amidst what would turn out to be the longest federal government shutdown in American history.  In 2020, the country found itself in the middle of presidential impeachment proceedings and staring down
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January 18, 2021 In the final quarter of 2020, stocks posted their third consecutive gain after the big slide in the first quarter when COVID emerged in the U.S.  Tech stocks continued to be among the best performers, though the fourth quarter finally saw a lift in lagging sectors like energy and financials.  Bond yields
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Pandemic April 13, 2020 The first quarter of 2020 witnessed some of the most dramatic events in recent history.  Most importantly, our thoughts are with those that have been impacted by Coronavirus and the displacements in its wake.  Society will persevere once again, but the pieces won’t all neatly fall back into place for many. 
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What a Difference A Year Makes January 17, 2020 Stock markets around the world enjoyed a strong showing in the fourth quarter to wrap up a healthy year of gains.  In 2018, all asset classes other than cash saw negative returns, while this past year saw gains in all asset classes.  Returns were stronger for
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  According to data just released by the Treasury Department the U.S. budget deficit topped $1 trillion through the first 11 months of the current fiscal year.  The figure exceeds the official forecast and adds to the nation’s growing debt balance, which is now in excess of $22 trillion.  The gap is especially noteworthy as
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Crosscurrents following the June Fed meeting have been significant, particularly given there was no change to existing rate policy.  Market expectations anticipated a more dovish policy stance, and the shift was consistent citing slower economic growth and weaker business investment.  While there was no action at this meeting, the Fed all but confirmed it would
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Conflicting Economic Numbers Paint a Confused Portrait Heading into 2019 The year 2018 will go down as a fine year for the U.S. economy.  Despite evidence of a slowing global economy, America’s still managed to expand 2.9 percent last year.  The U.S. ended the year in fine fashion, with the nation adding 227,000 net new
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Maryland Posts a Decent 2018 Federal Shutdown Isn’t Enough to Reverse Momentum Directly bordering the nation’s capital, Maryland is in a unique position.  Its proximity offers a steady flow of government contracts, thousands of handsomely compensated and abundantly educated federal workers, and a number of agencies like the National Institutes of Health, Food & Drug
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Joshua Sacks, CFP®, Director of Financial Planning It is that time of year again. The days are getting shorter. The thermostat has been switched to “heat”. There is a seemingly endless supply of leaves finding their way onto your lawn. To top it all off, the 2019 cost of living adjustment for social security income
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Trade Winds July 16, 2018 After the volatility spike in the first quarter, returns from U.S. stocks steadied in the second quarter and saw positive performance.  In contrast, returns from stock markets outside the U.S. experienced pressure with the broad indices for both developed and emerging markets finishing lower in the quarter.  The declines were
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