What should we look for in 2022? Year-end predictions tend to be futile, and accuracy rates tend to be low (or results random). But keeping tabs on more important issues can be helpful. Several items remain in a status similar to 2020-21, while progress seems to have been made in others. COVID-19 Just as…
Why are U.S. treasury yields falling lately as economic conditions are recovering? U.S. treasury rates continue to baffle investors. The 10-year yield tends to be one of the most frequently-estimated yet difficult-to-predict data points in the investment landscape. In addition to commercial lending rates, its importance is hinged on it being the general base rate…
What seems to be going on with labor market data, at least in terms of its underperformance compared to expectations? Both private economists and public officials have shared a variety of opinions about remaining issues weighing on the jobs recovery. The arguments seem to be focused on a few key areas. Some are easier…
Generally, the term “rollover IRA” refers to an IRA that you establish to receive funds from an employer retirement plan like a 401(k). A rollover IRA is also sometimes referred to as a “conduit IRA.” When you roll funds over from an employer plan to an IRA, your financial institution may suggest that you use…
Question: If I delay receiving Social Security benefits, should I still sign up for Medicare at age 65? Even if you plan on waiting until full retirement age or later to receiveSocial Security retirement benefits, consider signing up for Medicare. If you’re 65 or older and aren’t yet receiving Social Security benefits, you won’t be…
Question: Should I choose a single life annuity for my pension or a joint and survivor annuity that makes payments to my spouse when I die? Answer: It depends on your circumstances. With the single life annuity, you’ll receive the maximum payout from your pension during your life, but all benefits will cease when you…
Treasury rates have ticked higher in recent weeks, due to investor worries about a pickup in inflation. This is not a new concern, but has gained steam as a large ($1.9 tril.) stimulus package appears to be on the verge of passage in Congress, as well as the economy showing signs of broader recovery otherwise,…
The Question of the Week: What could we expect in 2021? Each year naturally brings more surprises than certainties, so outlooks and predictions of any kind quickly become futile. (We’ve already experienced a dramatic and unusual first week of January.) At least at this point in time, noted are a few key issues to monitor…
It’s a new high, but not dissimilar to celebrating say, 29,999 as a new peak, although the odd number didn’t receive the same level of media attention. These round market levels, whether it be the Dow Jones Industrial Average, Nasdaq, or others, tend to generate high visibility (especially in the slower post-election news cycle). If…
Whether or not an asset class is in a bubble is difficult to answer in real-time, since sentiment can change course as quickly as a few weeks, or take years. In hindsight, these things are always more obvious. The question can be viewed through a few different perspectives: (1) Bonds are cheap, and have…