Top Headlines Tech & Emerging Markets Lead Housing Stimulated Labor Softens as Fed Cuts Rates Equity Performance Markets moved higher across the board, as the S&P 500 posted its best September month in 15 years, gaining 3.7%. In what has historically been the worst month for stocks, every major index posted gains, led by emerging markets, which increased […]

Tips to Help Preserve Your Inheritance According to the Federal Reserve’s Survey of Consumer Finances, taken every three years, slightly more than one in five U.S. households had received an inheritance as of 2022.1 If you expect to receive an inheritance one day, these tips may help you better manage your financial windfall. Wait a while […]

Equity Markets Equities Rally Across the Board, Nasdaq Composite Up Almost 10% in May. Stocks posted strong performances across the board including the S&P 500 and Nasdaq, which both had their best months since November 2023. The Nasdaq Composite surged 9.7%, the S&P 500 increased 6.3%, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average added 4.2%. Several […]

The Roth 401(k) Some employers offer 401(k) plan participants the opportunity to make Roth 401(k) contributions. If you have access to this option, Roth contributions could play an important role in helping enhance your retirement income. What is a Roth 401(k)? A Roth 401(k) is a traditional 401(k) plan that accepts Roth 401(k) contributions. Roth […]

Alternative Asset Classes: An Introduction What are alternative asset classes? Beyond the three primary asset classes–stocks, bonds, and cash– many other types of investments can be used to diversify investment portfolios. The term “alternative assets” is highly flexible. It may include specific physical assets, such as natural resources or real estate, or methods of investing, […]

The Individual 401(k) If you’re self-employed or own a small business, you’ve probably considered establishing a retirement plan. If you’ve done your homework, you likely know about simplified employee pensions (SEPs) and savings incentive match plans for employees (SIMPLE) IRA plans. These plans typically appeal to small business owners because they’re relatively straightforward and inexpensive […]

April 2025 Market Summary Domestic Stock Indices Mixed, Inflation Sets Record Low, Mid-Term Treasury Yields Fall Equities U.S. indices posted mixed results in April largely due to gains in the technology sector with tough quarters for some large-cap blue-chip companies. The Nasdaq Composite rose 0.88%, the S&P 500 slipped 0.68%, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 3.08% due to significant losses […]

Private Equity What is private equity? Like stock shares, private equity represents an ownership interest in a company. However, unlike stocks, private equity investments are not listed or traded on a public market or exchange (though some firms that specialize in making private equity investments are publicly traded). Private equity firms are not necessarily required […]

Test Your Knowledge of Financial Basics How well do you understand personal finance? The following brief quiz can help you gauge your knowledge of a few basics. In the answer section, you’ll find details to help you learn more. Questions 1. How much should you set aside in liquid, low-risk savings in case of emergencies? […]

New Tariffs Drive Market Volatility At 4:00 p.m. on April 2, 2025, President Trump announced sweeping tariffs on imported goods that were significantly larger and different in structure than expected. The announcement was carefully timed to coincide with the close of the New York Stock Exchange to avoid immediate market volatility. But over the next […]