Welcome to the blog of Senior Financial Advisors, Inc. We will be uploading articles that are relevant to the current market situation, so keep checking in. We’re glad to have you reading along.
In their latest commentary, the Cetera Investment Management team explains the causes for the recent stock market volatility. Primarily, investors fear rising inflation which impacts stock valuations and especially technology...
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Weekly Recap May 3-7, 2021 RecapBroad Markets AdvanceWeak Payrolls Bolster Easy Money ViewsThe broad market S&P 500 Index finished at its 26th all-time high this year amid bullish recovery optimism that was bolstered Friday by an...
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Stocks closed mixed last week as signs of continued economic recovery and upbeat earnings helped some sectors while the struggles persisted for high-growth companies.The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 2.67%, while the Standard...
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4 Ways 529 Plans Can Benefit Estate PlanningYou may be familiar with the role 529 plans play in helping families set aside funds for future education expenses. Established in 1996 under Section 529 of the Internal Revenue Code, these...
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Monthly Recap Market Indices At-A-Glance The market-cap-weighted S&P 500 climbed 11.84% YTD. In contrast, the S&P Equal Weight 500 Index advanced 16.76% YTD, its third-strongest four-month start to any year since 1990.The...
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Weekly Recap April 26-30, 2021 RecapMomentum Pauses Second WeekStocks Mostly LowerEquity indices were mostly lower last week amid month-end rebalancing even as economic data continued to point toward an accelerating recovery. Data...
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Stocks meandered around a flatline in a busy week of corporate earnings, ending the trading week slightly lower.The Dow Jones Industrial Average slid 0.50%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 was flat (+0.02%). The Nasdaq...
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Weekly Recap April 19-23, 2021 RecapMomentum PausesStocks Decline First Week in FiveEquities rebounded in a big way on Friday, but gains fell short of overcoming larger losses earlier in the week as investors’ concerns over...
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The crosscurrents of strong corporate earnings, rising global cases of COVID-19, and the specter of higher capital gains taxes led to a choppy week of trading that left stock prices slightly lower for the week.The Dow Jones Industrial...
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In their latest commentary, the Cetera Investment Management team discusses the economic recovery and the Biden administration’s first 100 days. Both have been successful but will likely face tougher challenges ahead. CLICK TO...
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Weekly Recap April 12-16, 2021 RecapEquity Momentum ContinuesStocks Climb Fourth Straight WeekThe S&P 500 extended gains into a fourth straight week, backed by a strong start to the first quarter earnings season and...
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Stocks reached record highs last week, riding the tailwind of improving economic data and a strong start to the earnings season.The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 1.18%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 gained 1.37%. The...
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In their latest commentary, the Cetera Investment Management team discusses the most recent report on inflation and the prospects for future inflation. Investors and consumers are worried that inflation will cause a devaluation of...
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Weekly Recap April 5-9, 2021 RecapEquity Indices March HigherStocks Climb Third Straight WeekThe S&P 500 extended gains into a third week, its longest winning streak since February 5 and finished Friday at its 20th new...
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Strong economic data and a resurgent technology sector propelled stocks to solid gains last week.The Dow Jones Industrial Average advanced 1.95%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 picked up 2.71%. The tech-heavy Nasdaq...
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4 Tips for Raising Financially Literate KidsWhen it comes to parenting, families have different styles, values, and traditions. However, most parents share a common goal. They want their children to grow up to be healthy, happy,...
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4 Estate Planning Documents You Can't Live (Your Best Life) WithoutOften, people view estate planning through a narrow lens, thinking it’s only about what happens to their property and assets after they’re gone. While the...
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In their latest commentary, the Cetera Investment Management team discusses the recent infrastructure proposal, why it will likely take longer to pass than people expect and the investment ramifications. CLICK TO READ As always,...
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Weekly Recap March 29 - April 2, 2021 RecapEquity Indices Extend All-Time HighsStocks Climb Second WeekU.S. stocks extended gains last week amid expectations for a solid March payrolls report that was indicated higher by the largest...
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Overcoming a rocky start, stocks rallied into the close of a holiday-shortened week of trading as technology shares staged a powerful recovery and investors reacted positively to President Biden’s infrastructure spending...
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Quarterly Recap Market Indices At-A-Glance The S&P 500 ended the quarter less than two points below its Mar 26 all-time high of 3974.54 – and just over 27 points away from a new 4,000 milestone.In March, the Dow Industrials...
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Monthly Recap Market Indices At-A-Glance The S&P 500 ended the quarter less than two points below its Mar 26 all-time high of 3974.54 – and just over 27 points away from a new 4,000 milestone.In March, the Dow Industrials...
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In honor of Financial Literacy Month, we're focusing on the fundamentals. The latest commentary from Cetera Investment Management reviews the foundational skills that can help you build a strong financial future, regardless of your...
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Cetera Investment Management has released its 2021 Second Quarter Outlook. In this outlook, they discuss local economies reopening and investors’ optimism. Potential consumers are getting another check from the...
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How Will You Avoid These 5 Common Retirement Planning Pitfalls?Understanding the different steps you can take now to drive the retirement outcome you desire is an important part of planning for a confident future. However, it’s...
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Weekly Recap March 22-26, 2021 RecapEquities Indices Finish at All-Time HighsStocks ReboundU.S. stocks posted solid gains last week with the Dow Industrials and S&P 500 finishing at new record highs on renewed optimism over...
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A rocky week with wide price swings led to mixed results for stocks last week, as investors grappled with anxieties over economic growth and weakness in technology and other high-growth stocks.The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 1...
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Cetera Investment Management has released its 2021 Second Quarter Outlook. In this outlook, they discuss local economies reopening and investors’ optimism. Potential consumers are getting another check from the...
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Weekly Recap March 15-19, 2021 RecapEquities Digest Fed's Latest ViewsStocks Weaken as Yields JumpU.S. stocks drifted lower last week amid heightened stock and bond market volatility surrounding several policy decisions from the...
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Rising bond yields and improving economic conditions led to a choppy week of trading that ended in modest losses for investors.The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.46%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 declined 0.77%. The...
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Weekly Recap March 8-12, 2021 RecapDow, S&P 500 Finish at Record HighsRotation to Value ContinuesU.S. stocks broadly rallied last week with gains driving the Dow Industrials and S&P 500 to fresh all-time highs, while the...
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Stocks touched new record highs last week as bond yields steadied, a fiscal relief bill was signed into law, and confidence in a strong economic recovery grew.The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 4.07%, while the Standard &...
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Weekly Recap March 1-5, 2021 RecapBig Board Stocks ReboundTechnology Extends SelloffU.S. stocks rallied back on Friday from steep intra-week losses as bond yields climbed while a stronger-than-forecast January jobs report reignited...
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Stocks were mixed last week as rising bond yields and heightening inflation fears sent stocks on a wild ride, capped by a remarkable Friday afternoon rally.The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 1.82%, while the Standard &...
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Weekly Recap February 22-26, 2021 RecapStocks Retreat as Treasury Yields JumpTechnology Stocks Lead Sell-OffAll major stock market indices retreated last week. Bond investors are starting to get anxious about the prospects of future...
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Monthly Recap Market Indices At-A-Glance The S&P 500 ended February 3.1% below its latest all-time high of 3,935 set on Feb 12.The Dow Industrials performed best in February at least among the three major U.S. indices, gaining...
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In their latest commentary, the Cetera Investment Management team explains the causes for the recent technology selloff. Primarily, investors fear rising bond yields but there is also a rotation occurring as we enter a new phase...
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Weekly Recap February 15-19, 2021 RecapEquities Take a BreatherFirst Weekly Loss in Three WeeksU.S. stocks pulled back last week, snapping back-to-back weekly gains as Treasury yields advanced on investor jitters about increasing...
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Rising bond yields dampened investor enthusiasm for high-multiple growth companies last week, sending market averages mostly lower in a holiday-shortened week of trading.The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 0.11% for the week. But...
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Stock prices inched higher last week amid declining COVID-19 cases, a pick-up in vaccinations, and progress on a fiscal relief bill.The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 1.00%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 rose 1.23%....
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RMDs Are Back. What's Your Strategy?Shortly after the pandemic hit, the CARES Act was passed in March 2020, allowing those age 72 or over to waive their required minimum distributions, or RMDs. While that resulted in a significant...
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Monthly Recap Market Indices At-A-Glance The S&P 500 ended the month with the largest weekly loss since late October. All three major equity indices fell in excess of 3.2% during the last week in January.The Dow Industrials shed...
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Weekly Recap January 25-29, 2021 RecapEquities Selloff Most Since OctoberS&P 500 Erases YTD GainsU.S. stocks fell sharply with the S&P 500 turning negative for the year (-1% YTD) after posting its worst week since October....
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Despite strong corporate earnings, stock prices closed lower after a volatile week of trading triggered by unprecedented activity in a handful of companies.The Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 3.27%, while the Standard &...
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U.S. equities continue to experience a roller-coaster ride on concerns of speculative trading by retail investors. Cetera Investment Management believes this concern, which could trigger de-risking by hedge funds as they are forced to...
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The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meets this week to discuss and set interest rate policy. While no policy changes are likely, Cetera Investment Management expects Powell to give us the Fed’s outlook for the economy,...
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Weekly Recap January 18-22, 2021 RecapStocks Post Solid GainsInaugural Rally Best in 84 YearsMajor U.S. equity indices posted solid gains last week as investors were encouraged by incoming President Biden’s issuance of 10...
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4 Steps for Strengthening Your Financial Safety Net in the New Year As many Americans learned in 2020, emergency savings can provide a much-needed lifeline during periods of crisis or uncertainty. Adequate cash reserves can be...
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Anticipation of a new fiscal stimulus and improved vaccine distribution powered stocks to fresh record highs last week with technology stocks leading the way.The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 0.59%, while the Standard &...
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Markets drifted lower last week as uninspired investors digested mixed news on the economic front.The Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 0.91% while the Standard & Poor’s 500 slid 1.48%. The Nasdaq Composite index stumbled 1...
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It's 2021: Time to Check Your Tax BracketWill your tax bracket change in 2021? Each year the tax rate schedules are adjusted for inflation. That could result in your income being subject to a higher or lower tax rate in the new year....
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Weekly Recap January 4-8, 2021 RecapStocks Climb to New Record HighsEquities Post Back-to-Back Weekly GainsU.S. stocks advanced for a second straight week with all three major equity indices finishing at record highs as Wall Street...
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Shrugging off COVID-19 infections and the disruption at the Capitol on January 6, stocks powered higher to kick off a new year of trading.The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 1.61%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500...
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The Associated Press has called the Georgia Senate runoff for the Democrats. Cetera Investment Management's base case scenario for a divided Congress no longer holds with the Democrats gaining a small edge in the Senate now. However,...
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Equity markets have had a huge run since their March 2020 lows. Despite rising headwinds, investor optimism remains elevated and a market correction is possible. Market corrections are a normal part of investing and can be used...
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Quarterly Recap Market Indices At-A-Glance In December, the Dow Industrials gained 3.4% and the Nasdaq Composite advanced 5.7%.On a quarterly basis, the Dow Industrials gained 2,824 points (+10.7%) and the Nasdaq Composite surged 15...
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Weekly Recap December 28-31, 2020 RecapStocks End 2020 at Record HighsEquities Rebound from Prior Week LossU.S. stocks ended higher during the final week of the year, with the S&P 500 closing at its 33rd all-time high of 2020. The...
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Weekly Recap December 21-24, 2020 RecapStocks Quiet in Thin VolumeEquities Little ChangedU.S. stocks rose on Thursday in a second day of small gains in the Christmas holiday-shortened trading week as Wall Street reviewed the latest...
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If you’re even casually following the economic news, it can be hard to make sense of the forecast. One source may feel there’s nothing to worry about, while another might paint a picture of doom and gloom. You may end up...
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Cetera Investment Management has released its annual Market Outlook for 2021 titled, The Economy Goes Off to College. In this outlook, they discuss the prospects for the economic recovery in the next year.Like a student...
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Weekly Recap December 7-11, 2020 RecapStocks Weaken With Job MarketEquities Ease After Record HighsAfter major U.S. stocks advanced to record highs the first week of December, investors kept their optimism in check last week....
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Stocks retreated last week on rising COVID-19 infections and slow progress on an economic relief bill.The Dow Jones Industrial Average dipped 0.57%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 dropped 0.96%. The Nasdaq Composite index...
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5 Financial Lessons to Optimize Your Planning in the New YearAs 2020 draws to a close, its lessons will remain with us for some time. Below, we look at some of the most important financial lessons learned this year, and actions you...
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Weekly Recap November 30 - December 4, 2020 RecapBullish Start to DecemberEquities Advance on Stimulus HopeU.S. stocks advanced to record highs last week amid growing expectations for another round of fiscal stimulus that could help...
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Stocks marched higher last week on an improving outlook for the passage of a fiscal stimulus package.The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 1.03%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 tacked on 1.67%. The Nasdaq Composite index...
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3 Tax-Smart Ways to Help Family Members in Need Pay for CollegeAs colleges and universities grapple with reopening during the COVID-19 pandemic, a growing number of college students and their parents find themselves struggling to pay...
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Monthly Recap Market Indices At-A-Glance The S&P 500 roared back nearly 11% in November, widely erasing its 6.4% prior two-month loss (-2.7% in October).The Dow Industrials surged 12.1% for its best monthly gain since Jan 1987....
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Weekly Recap November 23-27, 2020 RecapStocks Rally Third Week in FourEquities Rebound, Extending Vaccine OptimismU.S. stocks advanced last week with the benchmark S&P 500 finishing at a new all-time high on Friday’s...
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Stocks surged last week, ignited by another COVID-19 vaccine announcement, encouraging economic data, and the easing of political uncertainty.The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 2.21%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 added...
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Weekly Recap November 16-20, 2020 RecapStocks Snap Two-Week RallyEquities Slip, Extending Cyclicals RotationU.S. stocks fell fractionally last week with the S&P 500 ending slightly negative after surging 9.74% the prior two weeks....
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Despite news of another COVID-19 vaccine candidate, stocks were mixed amid investor anxiety over an increase in new infections and economic lockdowns.The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.73%, while the Standard & Poor’s...
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It’s been 399 years since the first Thanksgiving feast in Plymouth, Massachusetts, and the holiday has since become a beloved hallmark of autumn joy, a celebration of gratitude and reflection in the company of those dearest to...
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Weekly Recap November 9-13, 2020 RecapStocks Surge on Vaccine NewsEquities Rotate into CyclicalsU.S. stocks rallied last week after breakthrough vaccine trial results eased global uncertainty. A drug maker’s COVID-19 vaccine...
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News of a COVID-19 vaccine ignited a rally in economically sensitive stocks and a broad retreat in technology companies last week, though enthusiasm was tempered by reports of rising new infections and fresh lockdowns.The Dow Jones...
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6 Ways to Shore Up Your Financial Foundation During Times of UncertaintyThe COVID-19 pandemic has taken a toll on many U.S. households, exposing vulnerabilities in their financial foundations, from low savings rates, to rising debt....
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Joe Biden has been declared the next President. With Republicans likely to hold the Senate (after a January runoff election in Georgia), expect a divided government that markets favor. The newest commentary from Cetera Investment...
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Weekly Recap November 2-6, 2020 RecapElection Implications Spur BullsAmerica Votes for GridlockU.S. stocks rebounded sharply last week, following their worst back-to-back losses since March. In a major turnaround, the S&P 500...
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Stocks soared last week as investors anticipated that a split Congress would raise legislative hurdles to changing corporate taxes and adjusting regulatory oversight of big technology companies.The Dow Jones Industrial Average jumped...
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Election Day is finally behind us, and we sincerely hope you voted. Since the turnout was high and over half the ballots cast were mail-in ballots, it will take longer to count them all. While we wait for the votes to be tallied, we...
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Monthly Recap Market Indices At-A-Glance The S&P 500 gave back 6.36% in the past two months, its worst period loss since the 19.57% plunge during February and MarchThe Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 4.52% in October, extending...
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Weekly Recap October 26-30, 2020 RecapEquities Spooked by Record InfectionsPullback IntensifiesU.S. stock indexes closed lower on Friday, capping the benchmark S&P 500 with its worst weekly rout since the depths of the pandemic in...
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Stock prices dropped last week as hopes for a fiscal stimulus bill faded and investors focused on rising COVID-19 infections, here and abroad.The Dow Jones Industrial Average slid 6.47%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500...
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U.S. equities posted their worst loss in over a month on the combination of rising virus cases, lack of progress on a stimulus plan, and growing election uncertainty. The latest commentary from Cetera Investment Management discusses...
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The failure to reach an agreement on a new fiscal stimulus bill soured investor sentiment and sent stocks modestly lower for the week.The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.95%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 lost 0.53%....
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Weekly Recap October 19-23, 2020 RecapEquities Snap Three-Week RallyStocks Little ChangedU.S. stocks ended the week fractionally lower, snapping a three-week rally as investors weighed mostly upbeat earnings and economic data while...
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Stocks treaded water last week amid fading prospects for a stimulus bill, fears of a second wave of COVID-19 cases, and increasing political and regulatory pressures on Big Tech companies.The Dow Jones Industrial Average added just 0...
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The latest commentary from Cetera Investment Management covers the path to electoral victory for both candidates, the chances of a delayed result, and examines historical stock market returns during post-WWII 4-year presidential...
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How COVID-19 is Impacting Confidence Levels Among Retirement SaversThroughout 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the lives and health of people around the globe while wreaking havoc on commerce, the financial markets, and the...
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Think Twice About Cancelling Credit Cards You No Longer UseIt may seem like a good idea to close credit card accounts you no longer use to avoid annual fees or if you’re not benefiting from reward programs during the pandemic....
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Stocks staged a powerful rally last week, riding a wave of optimism over the prospect of the passage of a new fiscal stimulus bill.The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 3.27%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 increased 3.84%....
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Stocks advanced last week, propelled by hopes that legislators may reach an agreement for a new fiscal stimulus package and optimism generated by a few corporate deal announcements and initial public offerings.The Dow Jones Industrial...
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Stocks were mixed last week as worries that stretched from Washington D.C., where prospects of a new fiscal stimulus bill dimmed, to Europe, which saw an increase of new COVID-19 cases.The Dow Jones Industrial Average declined 1.75%,...
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Stocks slipped as the technology sector remained under pressure and a mid-week announcement by the Federal Reserve failed to inspire investors.The Dow Jones Industrial Average declined 0.03%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500...
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Stocks traveled a volatile path last week as investors appeared concerned about the upcoming elections, an uncertain economy, and more delays with additional fiscal stimulus.The Dow Jones Industrial Average slid 1.66%, while the...
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A late week sell-off sent stocks broadly lower as investors took some profits after stocks reached all-time highs earlier in the week.The Dow Jones Industrial Average slid 1.82%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 slumped 2.31%...
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Stocks advanced relentlessly last week on positive COVID-19 developments, encouraging economic data, and a supportive policy shift in the Fed’s approach to its target inflation rate.The Dow Jones Industrial Average increased by...
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Weekly Recap August 17-21, 2020 RecapRecord-Setting WeekLow-Volatility Winning Streak ExtendedThe S&P 500 completed its fourth straight weekly advance, it’s longest winning streak of the year. Favorable economic data in...
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5 Ways You Can Protect Against the Growing Number of Tax Scams in 2020Just when you thought you had enough to be concerned with, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) revealed it’s annual "Dirty Dozen" list of tax scams in July,...
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Click to check out the Weekly Recap for August 3rd-7th.
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The consumer will shape the Economic Recovery. Click the link to see how.
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Click to find out what the Rest of 2020 is predicted to look like.
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Strong Week, Be Cautious
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Click here to view Cetera's Brief on what's to come.
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Recent panic caused by the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) has led to a stock market decline and has many investors feeling anxious. While portfolios will see ups and downs and this is a normal part of investing, the recent...
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