Market Commentary: Inflation Surges in October, and a Record 3% of Workforce Voluntarily Quitting

An inflation surprise created a challenge for investors. The Consumer Price Index rose 0.9% last month. The monthly increase was the largest reached in 2021, and the yearly increase of 6.2% was the largest since 1990, when the Gulf War contributed to a surge in oil prices (Figure 1).

Market Commentary: Strong Earnings and Employment Report Bring Good News for the U.S. Economy

After a couple weak monthly reports, U.S. employment roared back in October. The U.S. created 531,000 new jobs, beating expectations for 412,500. August and September were both revised higher by more than 100,000 jobs. Private payroll increased 604,000 while government payrolls shrank 73,00 …

When to Use a Donor-Advised Fund for Charitable Giving

Philanthropist and oil tycoon John D. Rockefeller famously said: “Think of giving not only as a duty, but a privilege.” If you are of the same charitable mindset as John Rockefeller, you might consider a donor-advised fund (DAF). A donor-advised fund (DAF) is a tool to which you make an irr …

Market Commentary: Supply Issues and Delta Variant Slow Economic Growth to 2%

 U.S. GDP grew at an annualized pace of just 2% last quarter, a marked slowdown from last quarter’s 6.7% (Figure 1). Contracted auto production sliced around 2% off growth, and concerns over the Delta variant slowed demand and the return of workers to the labor force. Third quarter growth d …

Market Commentary: Amid Strong Start to Earnings Season, 30% of S&P 500 Will Report This Week

Thirty percent of the S&P 500 will report third quarter earnings this week. Based on earnings already in and analyst expectations, earnings are expected to grow 32.7% compared to last year as corporations continue to bounce back from a COVID-led earnings decline.

Market Commentary: 4.3 Million Quit Their Jobs in August; Rise in Retail Sales Beats Expectations

Three economic data points released last week indicated the economy continues to rebound despite lingering challenges from the Delta variant. Job openings, which lag other measures by one month, fell to 10.4 million. Declines in demand for leisure and hospitality jobs pulled the openings ba …

Market Commentary: Unemployment Falls to 4.8%; U.S. Trade Deficit Hits Record

For the second consecutive month, the U.S. job market created far fewer jobs than expected. September’s report showed only 194,000 jobs were created, missing expectations by nearly 300,000. A deeper look at the data shows the report wasn’t as bad as indicated by the overall number.

Mapping Your Senior Health Care Plan

Watch this webinar hosted by Carson’s Managing Partner of Wealth Solutions, Jamie Hopkins, and Planner, Ryan Yamada, to learn more about mapping your senior health care plan.

Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA) Worksheet

IRMAA, or the income-related monthly adjustment amount, is an extra amount you have to (or will have to) pay on top of your Medicare Part B and Part D premiums based on your income. Now that you know what IRMAA is, it’s never too early to start thinking about when you’ll eventually have to …

Market Commentary: Equity Markets Have Worst Month of Year; Virus Variants, China Among Key Risks

Equity markets struggled in September as interest rates, inflation concerns, and developments in China all weighed on stock market averages. The S&P 500 surrendered 4.7% as large-cap growth companies led the market lower. Large-cap growth has been the top performing style box since the …

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