Jonathan Koop, CFA

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.

The cloudy picture presented by historical data from the impact of inflation and tax increases on the market underscores the importance of developing a long-term investment strategy and maintaining your diversified allocation to the proper mix of stock and bonds

While gas prices in Indiana are often below the national average, experts predict that the U.S.'s average price could exceed $4.00 per gallon later this summer. As prices at the pump increase, other transportation modes are also likely to see meaningful increases in their prices.

While many view the Gamestop "short squeeze" as a victory for the 'little guy,' the story remains unfinished. Many individual investors stand to lose out considerably if the share price falls back to realistic valuations.

The role central banks across the world played in orchestrating an economic recovery cannot be understated. While their efforts succeeded in pushing the stock market to fresh record highs, the prospect of meaningful future price inflation as a consequence is very real.

While it seems the economy has bottomed out and the recovery has begun, high unemployment and the prospect of a "second wave" of COVID-19 cases continues to create uncertainty for many businesses, including the real estate market.

This spring, the Federal Reserve lowered the Fed Funds rate to zero percent. This left investors scrambling to find ways to earn interest on their cash. Luckily, there are options available.

Headlines recently proclaimed that the price of crude oil plunged below zero for the first time in history. However, you probably noticed that your local gas station was not giving away its fuel for free. So what exactly happened in the oil markets?