Resources and Stories for Real People

Key Takeaways With election uncertainty often comes increased market volatility, but this typically subsides after the election. Historical market performance has varied widely around elections but has on average been positive regardless of which political party has been victorious. Market timing based on elections is risky and unlikely to outperform

Key Takeaways The move to T+1 settlement for U.S. securities represents a significant development expected to reduce counterparty risk for investors. The shift is a continuation of a longer-term trend toward shorter settlement cycles driven by technological advancements. Other non-U.S. markets have already enacted T+1, with more markets expected to

Think about your answer to the following question: “Please imagine a ladder, with steps numbered from 0 at the bottom to 10 at the top. The top of the ladder represents the best possible life for you, and the bottom of the ladder represents the worst possible life for you.

Many years ago, a financial adviser told me about a couple, prospective clients, who said, “Before you start planning for us, you should know that we have a disabled son. We need to plan for him first so he is supported even when we’re gone.” I often note that the

The possibility of the most recent yield curve inversion started to attract attention in early 2022. Short-term U.S. Treasury yields had been rising much faster than longterm yields, nearly overtaking them.

The S&P 500® Index rose 0.49% on February 19, 2020, pushing the index to a new all-time high. This was its highest level for nearly six months as the effects of COVID-19 soon made a dramatic impact on market prices and our daily lives. By mid-March, the World Health Organization