Our team regularly reads articles from industry peers and trusted resources to stay up to date on financial markets.  We enjoy reading about topics related to economics, investments, current events, and financial planning.

In addition to circulating some of the best pieces internally, we thought our clients, partners, and friends might enjoy reading some of the same articles as us.

Here are six recent pieces that our team members have read, along with some commentary on why we found the respective articles interesting.

Michael Karmin – The Worst Run For Bonds Since 1980

When it comes to analyzing the state of financial markets, I always like to consider where we are now in the context of (1) where we have been and (2) where we would like to be.  In terms of the bond market, we are currently experiencing challenging times.  In fact, we have just experienced a 5% decline over a three-month period for the first time since 1980 (not a typo)!  This article offers great context for how strong the bond market has been and why the recent decline in values will actually be better for investors in the long run.

David Copeland – Historically Healthy Hiking

The Federal Reserve raised interest rates this month for the first time since 2018.  The knee-jerk reaction by many investors is that this will cause the stock market to decline.  This chart, however, shows that a stock market decline isn’t a foregone conclusion.  Actually, the S&P 500 has delivered positive returns over recent Fed hiking cycles.  This page also includes helpful market and economic summaries.

Tom Buhrmann – What the Fed “Should” Do

This piece is from First Trust, whose Chief Economist is Brian Wesbury.  Wesbury is an economist and perma-bull, but that strategy has served him well.  He has some very opinionated and pointed takes on issues like inflation.  I enjoyed this article for his viewpoints.

Andrew Denenberg – The Relationship Between War & The Stock Market

You are probably concerned about the war in Ukraine right now.  I am too, for so many reasons.  This article is a quick reminder that what is happening right now does not necessarily portend a lasting negative impact on your portfolio.  As my partner, Neal Price wrote recently in his blog on the topic, “if your situation hasn’t changed, your portfolio shouldn’t either.”

Ashley Bebeau – Inherit An IRA? Are You Affected By New 2022 RMD Tables?

Updated life expectancy tables from the IRS may mean you can keep your retirement money a little bit longer.  There are now three sets of rules for RMDs – the newest set is a transition rule for non-spouse beneficiaries who are currently taking RMDs.  2022 may be a one-time opportunity to reset your life expectancy and RMD.  I believe this article is a good explanation about if you may be affected by the new 2022 RMD tables.

Michael Garrison – Usurping Dollar’s Dominance Over World Is A Near Impossible Task  

I found this article insightful as it talks about how dominant the dollar is as the world’s reserve currency. It also describes the challenges facing other currencies (both government-backed and alternative currencies) in taking the dollar’s spot as the world’s reserve currency.

Conclusion:

We look forward to sharing more articles with you in the future.  In the meantime, if you’d like to discuss how the topics in these pieces may apply to your own portfolio, please do not hesitate to reach out to a member of our team.

Disclosure:

This article contains general information that is not suitable for everyone. The information contained herein should not be constructed as personalized investment advice. Reading or utilizing this information does not create an advisory relationship. An advisory relationship can be established only after the following two events have been completed (1) our thorough review with you of all the relevant facts pertaining to a potential engagement; and (2) the execution of a Client Advisory Agreement. There is no guarantee that the views and opinions expressed in this article will come to pass. Investing in the stock market involves gains and losses and may not be suitable for all investors. Information presented herein is subject to change without notice and should not be considered as a solicitation to buy or sell any security.

Strategic Wealth Partners (‘SWP’) is an SEC registered investment advisor with its principal place of business in the State of Illinois. The brochure is limited to the dissemination of general information pertaining to its investment advisory services, views on the market, and investment philosophy. Any subsequent, direct communication by SWP with a prospective client shall be conducted by a representative that is either registered or qualifies for an exemption or exclusion from registration in the state where the prospective client resides. For information pertaining to the registration status of SWP, please contact SWP or refer to the Investment Advisor Public Disclosure website (http://www.adviserinfo.sec.gov).

For additional information about SWP, including fees and services, send for our disclosure brochure as set forth on Form ADV from SWP using the contact information herein. Please read the disclosure brochure carefully before you invest or send money (http://www.stratwealth.com/legal).