April 2021 Market Recap
April continued the streak of strong performance across most asset classes, with the S&P 500 clocking in at an 11.3% gain for the year. While the market was troubled with the thought of increased interest rates last month, the Federal Reserve continued their position of being highly accommodative. While this doesn’t always affect all parts …
Read moreGrowing Interest in Socially Responsible Investing
U.S. assets invested in socially responsible strategies topped $17.1 trillion at the start of 2020, up 42% from two years earlier. Sustainable, responsible, and impact (SRI) investments now account for nearly one-third of all professionally managed U.S. assets.1 This upward trend suggests that many people want their investment dollars to pursue a financial return and …
Read moreReal Estate for Income and Diversification
An estimated 145 million Americans own real estate investment trusts (REITs) in their retirement accounts and other investment funds.1 The primary appeal of REITs is the potential for a consistent income stream and greater portfolio diversification. Of course, like all investments, REITs also have risks and downsides. Pooled Property Investments An equity REIT — the …
Read moreMarch 2021 Market Recap
The gradual economic growth discussed last month showed signs of accelerating in March. Employers hired more, with January and February’s employment gains of +545k being revised up by 156k more jobs. March’s non-farm payroll employment shot up by another 916k jobs to move the unemployment rate down by 6%. In addition, the “participation rate” (those …
Read moreFebruary 2021 Market Recap: Continuing Trends
February was a quiet month in the markets, continuing trends that have been in place since December. Economic expansion seems to be continuing, with positive news on the coronavirus front, unemployment being lower with 50k new jobs created last month, and a Q4 GDP advance estimate of 4.1%. Further stimulus seems likely with the $1.9T …
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