Midyear Outlook 2017:  A Shift In Market Control

Thus far in 2017, an important shift has taken place in this economic cycle. The Federal Reserve has shown increasing trust that the economy has recovered and that market forces can keep it steady. Fiscal policy may now provide the backstop to the economy that monetary policy has provided throughout the expansion. The gauges say growth engines and market drivers may have changed: power down monetary policy, power up business fundamentals, and potentially take fiscal policy and economic growth off standby.

First question...how many stocks are in the S&P 500 index?  Did you get the hint, hidden in the question?  Second question…through mid-April, how many stocks in the S&P 500 index accounted for over 50% of the index returns in 2017?

 Dow 20,000-Will the Bull March On?

As everyone probably knows by now, the Dow Jones Industrial Average moved above and stayed above the illusive 20,000 mark, on January 25, 2017.

This was certainly a landmark event, but it was certainly not the largest move(in either direction) for the stock market or the varying indexes.

Post Election Ramblings

by

Burt White

CIO/Managing Director, LPL Financial

Donald Trump has completed his landmark quest and will become the nation’s 45th president after a contentious and often divisive campaign. In addition, the Republican Party has retained control of both houses of Congress. This outcome marks a significant reversal from just a few weeks ago when a Hillary Clinton presidency was highly probable and even a Democratic Party sweep of Congress was possible.

While this outcome is certainly a shock to many, it is important to remember that the result isn’t a surprise to the plurality of American voters that spoke their collective will at the ballot boxes. The strength of a democracy is not in whether we like the outcome, but rather in how we accept the result as the voice and will of our republic.

Who Gets the Bill for Obamacare?

by

Jeffrey R. Karp, CLU, ChFC, CASL®

As an eternal optimist, I am trying to approach the current political environment with a positive outlook (noting that it will be over soon), hoping that some good ideas arise along with the noise pollution of the candidates self – promoting silly ideas.

Does Money Make you Happy?

by

Jeffrey R. Karp, CLU, ChFC, CASL®

Money has never made a person happy, nor will it as there is nothing in its nature to produce happiness.  The more of it one has the more one wants.”

-Ben Franklin

Update on Brexit

Posted by LPL Research

The few days immediately after the United Kingdom’s (U.K.) surprising vote to leave the European Union (EU) have been filled with political unrest and uncertainty. Although many questions remain unanswerable, a few issues have become clearer, and a few more have come to the surface. One suggestion that keeps arising is that the U.K. could end up remaining in the EU. Is this even possible?

Brexit Q&A

Posted by LPL Research

LPL Research thought it would be helpful to share top questions that our advisors have had today in light of the surprising Brexit vote and significant market reaction. The Brexit vote was a referendum on whether the U.K. would remain part of the EU or leave, and the vote was to leave.

Play it Again Sam

by

Jeffrey R. Karp, CLU, ChFC, CASL®

Let me take you on a quick walk down memory lane.  The year is 2006.  As the year begins, the   S&P 500 index is approximately 1268 (exact values are not as important as the message to come).  By the end of 2006, the S&P 500 has a value of approximately 1418, representing a gain of just shy of 12%.  The real estate market was booming, with prices being driven up by market demand.

When I started in the financial services industry in 1993, my mentor guided me to a few core success principles.  First, always keep the needs and goals of my clients as my top priority.  Second, stay   committed to a continuous hunger for knowledge, so that I can better serve.  Third, build a practice that is above reproach, as measured by values, ethics and actions.&n