Weekly Market Insights 09.30.24

A Tidal Wave of Liquidity! Financial Markets United States equity markets continued to advance this week.  The Federal Reserve sent a powerful message two weeks ago when it lowered rates by 50 basis points. Investors interpreted the move to mean the Fed is on a clear easing path and will not hesitate to cut rates…

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What To Expect (Financially) When You’re Expecting

Whether you’re considering children, pregnant, or already have a family – you’re likely flooded with advice on healthcare, shopping, baby names, and more. You might also have come across financial tips from financial influencers (“fin-fluencers”), friends, or your or your family’s financial advisor. How do you figure out what’s right for you at this stage?…

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Weekly Market Insights 09.23.24

They did it! Financial Markets As expected, the Federal Reserve lowered interest rates this past week.  While the cut was widely anticipated, the magnitude of the cut was a bit surprising.  The Fed cut rates by 50 basis points, a large move by historical standards.  There was some market volatility around the announcement, but major…

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Weekly Market Insights 09.16.24

The Age of Productivity Equity markets certainly had an excellent week!  Despite receiving some higher than expected inflation data last week, investors appear fully convinced that the Federal Reserve is their friend.  The only question is how good a friend.  Well, they will find out on Wednesday, when the Federal Reserve Open Market Committee concludes…

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Building Your Philanthropic Legacy

At 1919 Investment Counsel (“1919”), our clients who are interested in making a difference often ask us for advice on how to leave a philanthropic legacy. However, the tax rules and various types of vehicles for charitable giving are complex and not always easy to navigate. Below is some advice you might consider as you…

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Weekly Market Insights 09.09.24

Feast or Famine Financial Markets Equity markets sold off last week, with the S&P 500 experiencing its worst week since March 2023.  As our title suggests, investors appear to be reacting impulsively rather than deliberately.  The major concern this past week was the economy, and Friday’s widely anticipated employment report propelled markets lower.  Specifically, the…

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Weekly Market Insights 08.26.24

A Return to Balance Financial Markets Chairman Powell’s speech at Jackson Hole greatly relieved participants in financial markets and the real economy.  Ultimately, Powell signaled to the world that more accommodative monetary policy is on the way.  For so long, everything seemed to hinge on inflation coming down and the labor market coming into better…

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Weekly Market Insights 08.19.24

The Best Week Yet! Financial Markets This past week was one of the best for equity markets in a very long time—the strongest of the year and the best week since November 2023, to be exact.  One of the most comforting aspects of last week was equities responding to economic releases rationally rather than being…

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Weekly Market Insights 08.12.24

A Remarkable Week! Markets Last week’s equity market performance was remarkable, indeed.  After Monday’s significant decline, markets managed to bounce back and finished the week only slightly in the red.  By Friday, markets were operating as if the turbulence was over.  That would be nice, but we expect that there may be more volatility to…

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