By: sistoadmin | April 16, 2025
With a stark shift in US tariff policy announced on April 2 and ongoing responses worldwide, many investors are on edge. Volatility as measured by the VIX index has spiked to levels not seen in nearly five years. But when there is real economic uncertainty and information is quickly changing, volatility is a sign that markets are functioning.
Financial markets showed resilience in 2024, extending the bull market that began in late 2022 as stocks weathered interest-rate changes, uncertainty around the US elections, and the ups and downs of the Magnificent 7 stocks.
As we prepare for potential tax policy changes, it’s essential to evaluate the key proposals put forth by President-elect Donald Trump during his campaign. His tax plan includes significant reforms for individuals and businesses, aiming to stimulate economic growth while offering tax relief. However, these changes also carry substantial fiscal costs. Below is an overview … Continue reading Ideas and Price Tags: A Closer Look at President-Elect Trump’s Tax Reform Promises
US stocks built on a strong first half, with many market indices at or close to record levels as the third quarter neared an end. But those gains came amid a spike in volatility unseen since the COVID pandemic.
The beginning of 2024 started out a lot like the end of 2023, with markets rising amid talk of a potential decrease in US inflation and interest rate cuts from the Federal Reserve that could follow. But much like last year, those expectations remained unfulfilled, as core inflation fell slightly but held above 3% and … Continue reading Midyear Review: Stocks Maintain Momentum
Stable economic growth, falling inflation, impending Fed rate cuts and ever-growing enthusiasm towards artificial intelligence (AI) propelled stocks higher, as the S&P 500 rose above 5,000 for the first time and hit new all-time highs.
Markets staged an impressive reversal in the fourth quarter thanks to a surprise dovish pivot by the Federal Reserve, resulting in the best annual return since 2021.
The S&P 500 rose to the highest level since March 2022 early in the third quarter but rising global bond yields, fears of a rebound in inflation, and concerns about a future economic slowdown weighed on the major indices in August and September and the S&P 500 finished the third quarter with a modest loss.
Stronger-than-expected corporate earnings and relatively drama-free resolution of the debt ceiling usher stable growth and falling inflation.
Any stock can go to zero, no matter how established a company is, or how loyal and wealthy its customers are. Learn this important lesson: While many people think they know more than other investors, none of us knows more than the market.