Jonathan Koop, CFA

The Fed's actions prevented a widespread run on the banks. However, market volatility will ensue as investors weigh the quickly changing landscape in the U.S. and abroad.

In late December of 2022, Congress passed, and President Biden signed the $1.7 trillion omnibus spending bill. One part of the bill is the SECURE 2.0 Act, which expands on the original SECURE Act of 2019 by enhancing many features related to investors.

Statements by Fed Chairman Jerome Powell on August 26th poured cold water on the stock market rally. Powell has been using strong language to reiterate the Federal Reserve's position that tackling inflation remains the central bank's number one priority, and they intend to maintain this policy even if it causes "pain" to the markets or economy.

While a strengthening dollar has provided relief for US consumers against inflation, if the dollar were to fall against other currencies, this benefit would dissipate and expose Americans to further inflation from increasing import costs.

After the Federal Reserve began raising its Federal Funds discount rate, the headlines predictably shifted to guess whether these actions would cause an economic slowdown and a recession.

As equity and fixed income assets across the globe decline in unison, it is imperative to tune out the noise of day-to-day headlines and remain committed to the strategy of a personalized financial plan.

Cyclical markets can be unsettling: increased market swings and volatility can scare even the most seasoned of investors. But these market cycles can be used to your advantage. Jonathan explains how to make the market cycles work to your portfolio’s benefit.

The Fed has tremendous influence over the economy and the markets. After years of stimulus, it must navigate an unenviable balancing act of combating inflation without rattling confidence in the markets.

This inflation rate far surpasses the Federal Reserve's target of achieving an average inflation rate of 2% per year. Yet, despite this data, Fed Chair Jerome Powell has dismissed inflation concerns throughout much of the year because he believed higher prices were 'transitory.'

With the real estate bubble that has been the driving force behind China’s explosive growth deflating, future growth must come from elsewhere.

Stocks inevitably encounter rough patches and periods of increased volatility. While investors have benefited from seven straight months of increases in the equity markets, it is important to remember the cyclical nature of markets.

The impact of COVID-era federal programs and interventions is still with us. Barring an extension of the federal unemployment insurance program from Congress, these benefits will expire in just a few months and could provide a tailwind for employment and growth.