Blog
Weekly Market Commentary 4/8/24
The second quarter started with significant market losses, particularly affecting the Dow Jones. Despite a surprising addition of 303,000 jobs in March, the increase in part-time employment raised concerns. The Federal Reserve's...
Read MoreInvesting in a Presidential Election Year
As the presidential election race heats up, a common question on investors’ minds is, “How might the looming White House vote impact the markets?” Some may wonder if they should tweak their portfolios or sit tight...
Read MoreSECURE Act 2.0 Includes New Provision On Special Needs Trusts
Experts estimate there are more than 44 million people with disabilities in the U.S., representing 13.4% of the population.1 Many parents of children with disabilities choose to establish a special needs trust. This can help provide...
Read More
The S&P 500 and Dow Jones Hit Record Highs!
President’s Day trading week was a winner! The S&P 500 and Dow Jones hit record highs, and Thursday stole the spotlight with major companies unveiling 1st quarter earnings. NVIDIA took the lead, smashing estimates and boosting...
Read More
Only 4 Sectors Dipped, but S&P 500 Fell 42 Basis Points
Mixed week in the markets! Domestic market pulled back, but small & mid-caps held strong. Only 4 sectors dipped, but S&P 500 fell 42 basis points due to losses in Information Tech & Communication. Tuesday saw the biggest drop...
Read MoreShow All
S&P 500 Closing Above 5000 for the First Time
Markets surged with gains across all five indices, notably the S&P 500 closing above 5000 for the first time. This marks the 14th positive week out of the last 15, a feat not seen since March 1972.
Read MoreThe Psychology of Love and Money
Money can be a touchy subject, especially regarding our closest relationships. Whether we like it or not, finance plays an integral role in our partnerships, families, and friendships. So, how can we foster healthy attitudes and...
Read MoreRules and Regulation Changes That Could Impact Your Finances in 2024
In the ever-evolving financial landscape, staying informed about the latest changes and potential implications for your retirement savings is crucial. Shifts in retirement regulations define 2024, and we’re committed to keeping...
Read More
S&P 500 Continues Impressive Streak: Third Consecutive Week of Soaring Highs
The Major Markets continued their climb higher with the S&P 500 reaching a new all-time closing high Thursday. This marks the third consecutive week higher for the S&P 500 and the 12th positive week out of the last 13. The gains were...
Read More
S&P 500 Hits All-Time Highs
Trading week closes on a positive note as S&P 500 hits fresh all-time highs, while Emerging Markets struggle to gain momentum. Economic reports beat expectations, with gains in Retail Sales, Home Builder Confidence, and more. FOMC members d
Read MoreThe Big Game Indicator and Other Unusual Economic Theories
It’s a fun time of year for football fans. The NFL playoffs are starting, and the Big Game is just around the corner. While football fans will tune in for the matchups, commercials, and Usher’s Big Game halftime show, you...
Read More
The Dow had the Weakest Positive Performance
Major markets closed mostly higher last week, marking the 10th positive week in the last 12. The Dow had a weaker performance due to Boeing's troubles. Tech and Communication sectors led, pushing Nasdaq up by three points. Energy and...
Read More
Major markets had a rough start to the year, with all five indices closing lower.
Major markets had a rough start to the year, with all five indices closing lower. The S&P 500 saw its first weekly loss of 1.5% after nine consecutive weeks of gains, falling just short of the previous all-time high set almost two...
Read MoreMajor Tax Changes Looming: Are You Ready?
With the start of the new year, we wanted to discuss a topic that will likely garner attention throughout 2024: the potential sunsetting of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) in 2025. Although some of the provisions within the TCJA are...
Read More
Seventh Consecutive Week of Gains for the S&P 500
Last week, the markets remained bullish with all five indices closing higher, marking the seventh consecutive week of gains for the S&P 500. The standout moment was Wednesday's FOMC Meeting, where the Fed decided to keep interest rates...
Read More
Energy Had a 3.25% Loss
Last week, major markets closed mostly higher despite some weakness, especially in Emerging Markets. The Dow barely made it into positive territory, while the S&P 500 had its smallest gain in the past six weeks, hitting a new 52-week...
Read MoreWhat to Know When Your Child Turns 18
Your Child is Turning 18: Handling Healthcare, Academics, and Finances Together As your child blows out the candles on their 18th birthday, you may still see your baby girl or boy. But in the eyes of the law your child is considered a...
Read More
The S&P 500 Marked Its Fifth Consecutive Week of Gains
Major markets had a positive week, with all five indices closing higher. The S&P 500 marked its fifth consecutive week of gains, achieving the best monthly return since July 2022. Small Cap Value outperformed Large Cap Growth....
Read More2023 Recap and 2024 Outlook: Key Events and What May Be in Store
As we get ready to turn the page on 2023 and welcome the new year with all its possibilities, we’d like to take some time to reflect on the year that was—the notable events, trends, and developments that defined our...
Read More
S&P 500 is on Fire
The Major Markets are on fire! S&P 500 notches its third consecutive week of gains, boasting an impressive 7.64% return for November so far - the best since October last year. Last week's standout was Tuesday, with a surge attributed...
Read More
The Nasdaq surged by 6.5%
Last week, major markets bounced back after two weeks of losses. The Nasdaq surged by 6.5%, and the S&P 500 gained 5.85%, its biggest weekly increase in almost a year.
Read MoreTop 7 Most Common Estate Strategy Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)
Getting your affairs in order and outlining what you want done with your estate after you’re gone is one of the greatest gifts you can leave your loved ones. However, not preparing for the transfer of your assets can lead to...
Read MoreNavigating the Costs of Senior Care: Tips for Preparing for Long-Term Care
Senior care costs can be overwhelming, particularly when long-term care is required due to illness or medical conditions. With the number of seniors in the U.S. expected to rise exponentially by 2030, it's crucial to be prepared for...
Read MoreNasdaq gained over 3% last week
Last week, major markets closed higher, with the Nasdaq gaining over 3% and the S&P 500 exceeding the 4200 level for the first time this year. However, the bond market experienced a decline due to rising interest rates. Fed officials...
Read MoreOPEC announced cuts of roughly 1.6 million barrels per day
Last week, most major markets ended lower except for the Dow Jones, which benefited from its narrow exposure to Blue Chip Stocks. Large Cap Growth managed to eke out a slight gain, but Small and Mid-Cap rows saw significantly lower...
Read MoreThe MSCI World index saw the greatest gains
In the final week of the first quarter, all 5 indices closed higher. The MSCI World index saw the greatest gains followed closely by the S&P 500, which logged its greatest weekly gain since November. The financial sector weathered the...
Read MoreThe Major Markets sprung to life last week with gains across all five indices
The Major Markets sprung to life last week with gains across all five indices, despite the seemingly ever-present volatility related to banking confidence. The week began with the news that UBS completed the acquisition of the troubled...
Read MoreThe Nasdaq was the standout performer as it added 4.41%
The Major Markets navigated a tumultuous week last week with mixed results. The Nasdaq was the standout performer as it added 4.41% followed distantly by the S&P 500 which managed to add 1.43%. The remaining three indices ended...
Read MoreForbes had highlighted SVB for the 5th year in a row as one of America’s Best Banks
The Major Markets fell once again last week as the market dealt with the news of a bank run. All five indices fell substantially with the Nasdaq seeing the greatest losses. The S&P 500 was not far behind with a loss just over 4.5%. By...
Read MoreThe Nasdaq recovered a significant amount of lost ground from last year with a year to date return o
The Major Markets broke their losing streak with gains in all five indices. The Nasdaq held the greatest gains as it exceeded 2.5%, but even the lowest performer saw a gain of 1.66% in the Emerging Market space. For the S&P 500, nearly...
Read MoreThe federal reserve did increase interest rates by 25 basis points from 4.5 to 4.75%.
The selling took hold last week with all five indices of the major markets closing lower. Despite this being a holiday shortened trading week, the S&P 500 logged the greatest weekly losses year to date and the third consecutive loss at...
Read MoreLeap Wealth Management February 2023 Digital Assets Webinar
LWM Digital Assets Webinar Feb 2023 from Leap Wealth on Vimeo.
Read MoreJanuary Retail Sales report reflected a monthly increase of 3%
The Major Markets closed the week mixed with only the Nasdaq closing higher. The S&P 500 opened initially higher Monday as the market was poised to stage a comeback after the prior week’s losses. Yet Monday’s gains...
Read MoreThe Major Markets ended the week lower with losses in all five indices
The Major Markets ended the week lower with losses in all five indices. The Nasdaq saw the greatest losses as the Tech index felt the pain of a loss in conviction to the buy side of the market last week. For the S&P 500, the market...
Read More