Forefront’s Market Notes: January 16th, 2024   Stocks pushed higher last week, led by big tech names and boosted by December inflation reports that were mixed but positive enough to shore up investor confidence in Fed rate cuts this year. ­ Stocks Rock and Roll It was a rocky week that ended on a high...Read More

Forefront’s Market Notes: January 8th, 2024   Stocks retreated in the first trading week of 2024, struggling a bit after a celebratory end to last year as investors second-guessed Fed signals and fretted over lingering inflation concerns.   New Year Blues Stocks got off to a rough first week of the new year, with tech...Read More

Forefront’s Friday Facts A look back at 2023   The year in brief. Interest rates were the chief concern in 2023 as market watchers watched closely how the Federal Reserve and Chairman Jerome Powell balanced concerns over inflation with worries over the economy’s resilience. Despite numerous headwinds from elevated inflation, geopolitical conflicts, banking troubles, and a...Read More

Forefront’s Market Notes: January 2nd, 2024   Stocks posted a slight gain last week amid a shortage of news and light holiday trading. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 0.76%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 added 0.49%. The Nasdaq Composite index advanced 0.32% for the week. The MSCI EAFE index, which tracks developed overseas...Read More

Forefront’s Market Notes: December 26th, 2023 ­ Investor optimism and fears of missing out on future gains propelled stocks higher in the last full week of trading before year-end. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 0.22%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 gained 0.75%. The Nasdaq Composite index advanced 1.21% for the week. The MSCI...Read More

Forefront’s Friday Facts What If Your Kids Decide Against College?   As a parent or grandparent, you may have diligently saved money in a 529 account to help fund your child’s or grandchild’s college education. But what happens if they decide college isn’t the right path for them? It’s a valid question that many families...Read More

Forefront’s Market Notes: December 18th, 2023 ­ Markets reacted positively last week to cooler inflation and the idea of potential rate cuts next year, adding to the gains of the market’s year-end rally.   The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 2.92%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 gained 2.50%. The Nasdaq Composite index picked up...Read More

Forefront’s Market Notes: December 11th, 2023 ­ A late-week, two-day rally left stocks higher, adding to November’s gains as the last month of trading for 2023 began. The Dow Jones Industrial Average was flat (+0.01%), while the Standard & Poor’s 500 gained 0.21%. The Nasdaq Composite index advanced 0.69% for the week. The MSCI EAFE...Read More

Forefront’s Friday Facts A Taxing Story: Capital Gains and Losses ­ Chris Rock once remarked, “You don’t pay taxes – they take taxes.” That applies not only to income but also to capital gains. Capital gains result when an individual sells an investment for an amount greater than their purchase price. Capital gains are categorized...Read More

Forefront’s Market Notes: December 4th, 2023 ­ A Friday rally turned an otherwise mixed week for stocks into a solid performance. The Dow Jones Industrial Average picked up 2.42%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 gained 0.77%. The Nasdaq Composite index rose 0.38% for the week. The MSCI EAFE index, which tracks developed overseas stock...Read More