Nov. 25, 2019 Market Update for the Month Ending October 31, 2019

More treats than tricks for markets in October

October was another positive month for markets. The S&P 500 gained 2.17 percent in October and finished the month at a new high. The Dow Jones Industrial Average grew by 0.59 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite led the way with a 3.71 percent return. 

Nov. 25, 2019 IRS Benefit Plan Limits for 2020

On November 6, 2019, the Internal Revenue Service released Notice 2019-59, announcing cost-of-living adjustments that affect contribution limits for retirement plans and retirement accounts in 2020. The list below, although not exhaustive, highlights key changes that retirement plan sponsors should be aware of, as well as some limitations that remain unchanged from 2019:  

Oct. 23, 2019 Market Update for the Quarter Ending September 30, 2019

Positive month for markets caps off turbulent quarter. U.S. markets had a positive September. The S&P 500 returned 1.87 percent in September and 1.70 percent for the quarter. The Dow Jones Industrial Average had a 2.05 percent monthly gain and quarterly growth of 1.83 percent. The Nasdaq Composite showed a 0.54 percent monthly gain and a 0.18 percent quarterly gain.

Oct. 23, 2019 Key Elements of a Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan

Deferred compensation is a term broadly used to describe any agreement between you and your employer to hold back your compensation until a future date or event, such as your retirement.

Sept. 27, 2019 New IRS Withholding Tool

As a taxpayer, were you disappointed by your 2018 tax return? Perhaps you found out that you owed taxes because your paycheck withholdings were insufficient. Or maybe your refund was smaller than you anticipated. Due to changes in tax withholding rates and limited deductions, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 created surprises like these for many taxpayers. Prior to the new law, taxpayers frequently received a refund due to excess withholding. 

Sept. 27, 2019 Market Update for the Month Ending August 31, 2019

All major U.S. indices declined in August. The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) fell by 1.32 percent, the S&P 500 lost 1.58 percent, and the Nasdaq Composite declined 2.46 percent.