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What Is Coming Next?
The story goes that a wise sage once said: “May you live in interesting times.” My reply is: “Nope, give me the old, the dull, the boring.” However, “interesting” to one person is “boring” to another. It depends upon your perspective....
Read MoreWhat to Think is Coming Next?
The stock market ebbs and flows. Sometimes, the up or down is caused by what we are viewing / feeling….like a war, domestic upheaval, inflation or jobs data. This is what we are experiencing now. Inflation is not going away...
Read MoreWhy An “Independent” FED Is Important?
Overall, in the large-scale, big picture comparison of historical events, 2025 was pretty typical. Before you stop reading because you think I must be detached from reality, I will ask for your indulgence to follow my thought process…
Read MoreReflection on 2025 as Guide to 2026
Overall, in the large-scale, big picture comparison of historical events, 2025 was pretty typical. Before you stop reading because you think I must be detached from reality, I will ask for your indulgence to follow my thought process…
Read MoreSo Why Is the Stock Market Doing So Well?
Why Is the Stock Market Doing So Well? This is based upon the assumption that the S&P 500 is still at or near the “all-time” high it hit during the week of July 21 – 25, 2025. Allow me to provide some context. The S&P 500 index began...
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Why Are Tariffs a Big Deal?
Much of what we hear in the media today concerns discussions, arguments, and opinions about tariffs. What is a tariff, and why is it so important in history?
Read MoreHelp Me Understand What Is a Trade Imbalance?
I have been at home rehabilitating from knee replacement surgery, and Kathy and I have talked A LOT on this topic. I thought you may be interested in some of the analogies and examples from our conversations.
Read MoreWhen Normal Feels Scary
I would like to meet the person who said, “may you live in interesting times” and smack him with a 2x4. (It has to a man that said that, women are wiser, give me old, dull, and boring. What to do now?
Read MoreIs This Good News? Or Bad News? Maybe…
In the past few months, much has changed. And probably will continue to change. That is how life is. Change is a constant. However, currently it seems the rate of change has accelerated. But for better or for worse? “Maybe” This...
Read MoreWhat is Normal ??
As a younger person, I sought excitement, adventure, different experiences, people and places. However, now I almost yearn for predictable, comfortable, and sameness. Yes, give me that...
Read MoreWho Is In Control ?
This is not about you. You have left life on this planet. We are talking about the impact that a death may have on those remaining….and what they are experiencing with your passing. Maybe not the top of your reading list...
Read MoreOK, 2024 Is Half Over—Now What?
We’ve reached the halfway mark of 2024, and you’ve probably encountered a sea of reports on the economy and stock market projections. But let’s cut through the noise and dive into what truly matters—your personal financial journey....
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“Fed Speak” Translated
If you were a casual observer of the news the last two days of January, you may have heard the Federal Reserve’s “Open Market” Committee (FOMC) met to discuss inflation and the Fed’s reaction/non-action regarding interest rates..
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When Is Bad News Actually Good News
Can a car accident actually be a good thing? How about falling off a ladder and breaking a hip? Can that be a good thing?Breaking a tooth? Losing your wallet? Getting stuck in traffic? Missing your flight? Can any of these be a good thing?
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Potential Impact of Government “Shutdown” on the Stock Market?
Before I answer the question, allow me to clarify the government is not “shutting down.” This is a media / political phrase that in my opinion is not telling the full story. What may happen if Congress doesn’t pass some funding bills...
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Market Cycles…so where are we now?
What are your thoughts? About the economy? Employment / unemployment rates? Inflation? What the Federal Reserve is doing? Are you feeling good? Bad? Uneasy? What is the future for company profits? The stock market? Interest rates?
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Are You Investing in the Stock Market? Or in Companies?
The initial response to this question is usually a puzzled expression from kind people and the question: “What do you mean? Aren’t they the same thing?” The un-kind folks sometimes say something like: “That’s a dumb question, aren’t they
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Silicon Valley Bank Failed, Should I Be Worried?
Silicon Valley Bank Failed, Should I Be Worried?Let’s begin with a couple of basics. Banks take deposits from individuals and businesses. Most of these deposits are known as “demand” deposits in that the customer can...
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Overwhelmingly Positive Returns
Overwhelmingly Positive ReturnsYou may be asking: “What the heck is he talking about?” Truth is that I am talking about the stock market….shares of companies traded on stock exchanges in both the U.S. and foreign...
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What are the Chances of a Recession? And Why It May No Longer Matter ?!?
What are the Chances of a Recession?And Why It May No Longer Matter ?!? In the Fall of 2021 inflation suddenly exploded and the Federal Reserve began their response in a slow methodical way. As a result, the Fed Funds rate has...
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Outlook for 2023
If you compare the stock market value from the end of 2019 to the end of 2022, it is amazing to realize that over those three years, the S&P 500 was up 18.8%. Yes, you read this right!!! During those three years, we experienced the...
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WAAHHOOOO, Best Month in 30 Years !!!
WAAHHOOOO, Best Month in 30 Years !!!Pop the champagne, let the party begin…..ya, well maybe. By the time you read this the FED will have announced another rate increase – probably 0.75%. The last time I looked, Ukraine and...
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Politics & Your Investments
Politics & Your InvestmentsWhat factors influence market prices? There are hundreds of factors affecting market prices and two of them are the actions of Congress and the President. Among the other factors are: inflation in the U.S....
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When Is Good News Bad News? When There Is Too Much Good News? Weird, Right?
When Is Good News Bad News? When There Is Too Much Good News? Weird, Right? This morning I read that the US economy added 315,000 jobs in August extending a 20-month streak of jobs growth following the Covid recession of 2022 when...
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July Was The Best Month Since 2020, Now What?
July Was The Best Month Since 2020, Now What? In July, the S&P 500 was up 9%, the DOW up over 2,069 pts (6.82%) and NASDQ up 12.4%. All markets are up 10 to 14% from their low points in mid-June but still down for the year. (1)...
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