Never in my thirty years as an investment manager have I sensed as much anguish over a presidential election as this year. I have heard from many of you very strong opinions of dire economic results, regardless of who wins. My hope with writing this update is to calm some of those fears and give […]
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What affect would negative interest rates in the U.S. have on investors?
In the NewsAs published in “Financial Focus – Down The Rabbit Hole” in the summer 2016 issue of Pittsburgh Quarterly magazine. What affect would negative interest rates in the U.S. have on investors? Potential Impact of Negative Interest Rates An often-misattributed quote is, “compound interest is the greatest invention of mankind.” Whoever deserves credit for the quote […]
1st Quarter Update 2016 – Correction Over?
In the NewsIf, by chance, you ignored any business media for the past ninety days, you would probably be bored by the news that the S&P 500 Index was up less than one percent in price appreciation (excluding dividends) for the first quarter of 2016. However, you would have missed one heck of a ride during the […]
Inheriting an IRA
Estate Planning, In the NewsReShelle Barrett, CFP® The term “IRA” tends to be used fairly loosely. Although most investors know that it means individual retirement account (or sometimes annuity), many don’t realize there are multiple types of IRAs which are similar on one hand but can be very different on the other. Types of IRAs include traditional, Roth, SIMPLE, […]
2015 in Review and a Look Ahead to 2016
Financial Market Update, Market UpdateLike Treading Water Last year, the returns for most financial investment categories were flat to mildly negative. For a well-diversified portfolio of investments, the lack of progress for 2015 felt like treading water; basically going nowhere. I am sure most of you know how to swim and to tread water. Treading water takes a lot […]
Quarterly Update: Now is the Time to Ask Why
Market UpdateOctober 6, 2015 Mike Kauffelt, Chief Investment Officer As I am sure most of you have noticed, over the past six weeks, the stock markets have had a difficult time. In the third quarter of this year, every major stock index in the US and internationally had a negative return. This pullback in stock performance has […]
Here We Go Again?
In the NewsThe title above does not refer to me taking my fifth daughter, Becca, off to her freshman year of college two weeks ago. It refers to the stock market correction that may have started at approximately the same time. However, upon reflection, the two events have more in common than you might first suspect. Each […]
Priced Into The Market — Quarterly Commentary
In the NewsMike Kauffelt Chief Investment Officer Bill Few Associates, Inc. The next time I hear another economic expert say an event (weather, GDP, Greece, Fed rate hike, etc.) is already priced into the market, I am going to throw something! Many investment experts believe the stock markets are forward-looking. This implies that investors have considered the […]
Financial Planning Tips For New Parents
In the Newsby John Nichols, CFP® Vice President Almost two years ago my wife and I had our first child, a beautiful daughter named Ella. Being nervous first time parents, we wanted to make sure we had everything necessary for Ella’s arrival and luckily for us, numerous websites give a checklist of “must have” baby items. Although […]
A Few Easy Steps Can Help Protect Against Identity Theft Damage
Identity Protection, In the Newsby ReShelle Barrett, CFP® Senior Vice President Once upon a time, we all thought we were safe by not putting personal information on the internet. That meant avoiding online shopping, electronic banking, or even communicating on social websites. Nowadays, if you basically breathe, you are exposed to identity thieves around the world. Even if you […]
