Nov. 19, 2018 Is This the Beginning of the End? A Look at October 2018 Market Volatility

 Not for the first time, October was a difficult period for the stock market. With the drop seen over this past month, there is increasing fear that this is it—the big one that will take us back to the depths of 2008. Although that level of concern is certainly understandable, a closer look at the real economic and market situation around the world suggests that the volatility we are now seeing (and may well continue to see) is perfectly normal. Over time, this kind of turbulence is why stocks can yield the returns they do.

Oct. 17, 2018 Market Update for the Quarter Ending September 30, 2018

A mixed September but strong quarter for U.S. stocks

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) led the way in September with a return of 1.97 percent, and the S&P 500 followed with a 0.57-percent return. But the Nasdaq Composite finished the month down 0.70 percent. Still, the Nasdaq ended the quarter in line with its peers; it returned 7.41 percent for the quarter compared with 7.71 percent for the S&P 500 and 9.63 percent for the DJIA.

Oct. 17, 2018 Important Legal Documents for College Students

As summer turns to fall, flocks of recent high school graduates leave the nest and head off to college or university for the first time. Their parents are faced with a wide range of emotions as they watch their children prepare to spread their wings as independent young adults. 

Oct. 17, 2018 Changes Ahead for the GICS: What Could They Mean for Your Portfolio?

As you may know, the Global Industry Classification Standard (GICS) controls how companies are sorted into sectors within stock indices. On September 28, 2018, the MSCI and S&P Dow Jones indices plan to make big changes to the structure of the GICS—perhaps the most impactful changes we’ve seen in GICS history. But how will your portfolios be affected? Let’s take a closer look, starting with a breakdown of exactly what these changes entail.

Sept. 24, 2018 Market Update for the Month Ending August 31, 2018

A mixed month for markets

U.S. markets performed well in August. The Nasdaq Composite gained 5.85 percent, the S&P gained 3.26 percent, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 2.56 percent.

Sept. 24, 2018 Moment of Truth: The Value of Long-Term Care Insurance

Have you ever put the emphasis on the wrong syllable when pronouncing a word? For example, some people say “INsurance.” I say “InSURance.” Since I am an insurance professional, I must be right, right?