Weekly Market Commentary

What is the link between inflation and equity returns?

As a general rule, equities are a good hedge against inflation. However, given this unprecedented economic situation, general rules may not always apply, especially in the short term. This article presents some interesting insights into the link between inflation and equity returns. We found this information interesting as it answers some common questions our clients have been asking...

How to Decide Where to Donate Money and Make an Impact Right Now

The death of George Floyd has started a movement across the country and the world. You're probably seeing a lot of social media post asking you for donations to organizations that will help various causes. But how do you know who to give to and if that organization is really going to help? This article discusses the many ways your giving can have the greatest impact....

Provided By Robert A. Mecca, CFP®, MBA
Vice President, Wealth Management

How many times have you heard the following expression at the beginning of a statement? “During these uncertain times.” It seems like everywhere we turn, this saying is blasted all over the media. Are you tired of hearing this? Me too. We know these are difficult, unusual, and, yes, uncertain times. We don’t have to be told again and again...

June Monthly Economic Update

Stocks rallied in May, sparked by a supportive Federal Reserve, stories of states re-opening, and reported progress on a COVID-19 vaccine. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 4.2%, while the Standard & Poor's 500 Index picked up 4.5%. The NASDAQ Composite led, gaining 6.7%. April's positive momentum continued into May...

Provided By Steven M. Gronceski, CFP^®, AIF^®
Vice President, Wealth Management

Undeniably, spring 2020 has tried the patience of investors. An 11-year bull market ended. Key economic indicators went haywire. Household confidence was shaken. The Standard & Poor’s 500, the equity benchmark often used as shorthand for the broad stock market...

May Monthly Economic Update

Stocks rebounded sharply in April, fueled by a flattening pandemic curve and positive results from a clinical trial investigating a treatment for COVID-19. The Dow Jones Industrial Average, which dropped 1% in March, jumped 11.08%. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index rose 12.68%, and the NASDAQ Composite surged 15.45%.

Provided By Robert A. Mecca, CFP®, MBA
Vice President, Wealth Management

There is no textbook any of us can use to navigate through this present global situation. We cannot, for example, pull out the finance book, go to chapter four, page 112 and read about the best strategies to implement in case of a major coronavirus outbreak killing thousands...

April Monthly Economic Update

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act has been signed into law, bringing relief to millions of Americans, most of whom are expected to be quarantined for at least another month. The White House has asked Americans to continue "socially distancing" during the month of April. Volatility continued in International markets, even as the COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) reached the United States...

How to Stop Worrying and Love a Falling Stock Market

The fact that stocks are extraordinarily volatile right now, in that sense, isn’t a problem with stock investing — it’s a feature! If it weren’t for these periods of fear, stocks would trade at levels that offer returns more like bonds or cash. The fancy academic name for this is the “equity risk premium,” but an ordinary saver can simply think of higher long-term returns as the compensation you receive for tolerating volatility...

The U.S. Is In A Bear Market. There Could Be A Recession. But This Is Not 2008.

The bear market was caused by the COVID-19 outbreak and not a systemic collapse of the financial system. This is a really important point to keep in mind as it’s highly probable that whenever this passes, the economy will be able to recover rather quickly. There are signs that the government will make efforts to help ensure that hourly workers and those not able to work remotely will receive some sort of aid, which will help limit the extent of the downturn and help boost the speed of the recovery...