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

Forefront’s Market Notes ­ Investor enthusiasm for stocks remained strong last week, buoyed by declining bond yields in a holiday-abbreviated trading week.   The Dow Jones Industrial Average picked up 1.27%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 gained 1.00%. The Nasdaq Composite index rose 0.89% for the week. The MSCI EAFE index, which tracks developed...Read More

Forefront’s Market Notes ­ Stocks extended their November rally last week as investors cheered lower-than-forecast inflation data.   The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 1.94%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 added 2.24%. The Nasdaq Composite index rose 2.37% for the week. The MSCI EAFE index, which tracks developed overseas stock markets, increased 3.36%.1,2,3  ...Read More

Forefront’s Market Notes ­ A powerful Friday rally left stocks higher last week, extending the market’s early November gains. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 0.65%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 advanced 1.31%. The Nasdaq Composite index jumped 2.37% higher for the week. The MSCI EAFE index, which tracks developed overseas stock markets, edged...Read More

Lessons in Investing, with Visuals   You will be far wealthier holding through the bull markets than you will ever lose by holding through the bear markets. You are your own worst enemy. Your behavior has far more to do with your investment success than your intelligence. Behavior is why most investors underperform. While thinking...Read More

Financial Planning and Self Care     Financial wellness is an essential aspect of our overall well-being, and it’s closely linked to our ability to manage stress, maintain good physical and mental health, and enjoy a balanced, fulfilled life. Just as self-care encompasses pillars to foster a holistic approach to well-being, achieving financial wellness can...Read More

Life Insurance Basics     Life insurance can be an incredible planning tool that reduces your family’s risk and protects them on your worst day. The biggest issue I find with clients is a lack of proper guidance when purchasing life insurance and people not understanding their needs, their options, and the most effective solution...Read More