Stocks just suffered their worst week since the global financial crisis on coronavirus outbreak fears. Last week’s 11.5% drop in the S&P 500 Index brought the index into correction territory. We provide context for the sell‐off and discuss potential U.S. and global economic impacts of the outbreak, although this situation remains fluid, very uncertain, and even a bit scary.
Corporate America impressed us this earnings season. Though S&P 500 Index companies have generated only 1–2% earnings growth compared with the year-ago quarter, we consider this an excellent result given the challenges companies faced in late 2019. The challenges have not let up in 2020, however, with significant disruptions for U.S. companies operating in China due to the coronavirus outbreak.
Stocks in developed markets outside the United States have underperformed those in the United States almost without interruption for the last decade. While the long-lasting U.S. stock market dominance has us understandably cautious, we are warming up to international equities. We highlight four main reasons why international equities’ performance could be poised to improve.
After a three-and-a-half-month, largely uninterrupted rally in stocks, the period of calm ended last week as the coronavirus outbreak led to a bout of volatility. Though it is difficult to predict when the virus will be contained and how many more lives might be lost, we provide some historical perspective on other major global health events to help assess potential market impacts.
Earnings growth was largely absent in 2019, but we expect it to pick up in 2020. With stock valuations elevated, we think earnings hold the key to pushing stocks higher this year. We preview fourth quarter earnings season and share our thoughts on the outlook for corporate profits in 2020.
There is no better way to control your spending than to keep a family budget. The time you invest in creating and tracking your budget can keep you ahead of financial difficulties throughout the year.
Whether you’re 23, 35, or even 55, it’s important to know whether you are saving enough for your retirement. There is no time like the present to ensure you are allocating enough funds to your retirement account.
Let’s talk about it. Let’s make sure you are prepared. inquiry@kingwealth.com 408.879.079
The United States’ airstrike January 3, 2020, near Baghdad, Iraq, that killed a top Iranian military general was a major escalation in Mideast tensions. Iran’s retaliatory strike January 8 sent a message, but additional responses can’t be ruled out. We discuss what this conflict might mean for stocks and assess ongoing risks.
Raising a family is rewarding - and expensive. Consider taking these steps to support your family financially through a program of smart investing. King Wealth Planning is here to help you start you plan and guide you along the path.
King Wealth Planning can help you make smart investments for you family
Auto-pilot is regularly used to fly airplanes. But is it a good idea for your retirement investments?
As we begin 2020, we’ve had a chance to reflect on what was an unprecedented decade for financial markets. The 2010s taught long-term investors two important lessons: to ignore short-term market noise and to be prepared for volatility. It was a curious time, but many investors who followed the basic principles of long-term investing and diversification ultimately triumphed.
2019 was a baffling year for bonds. The 10-year U.S. Treasury yield fell to a three-year low, and the yield curve flashed ominous signals about the economic outlook. We’ve seen some improvement in long-term yields since the September low, but we don’t expect much more upside in 2020. However, bonds can still play an important role in helping to diversify portfolios where appropriate.
A busy few days. Stocks are unchanged this morning as investors prepare for a busy few days of news. The Federal Reserve (Fed) is slated to tie a bow on its year of policy pivots with its policy announcement later today, which will be followed by Fed Chair Jerome Powell’s post-meeting press conference.
Are you planning to get organized in 2020? Managing your personal finances can sometimes seem like an overwhelming task. But you can start the process with a few easy steps that will help you take control of your finances and work toward a brighter financial future.
Traditional long-term care insurance has grown costlier—and some of those who buy it may never need the coverage. Are potentially cheaper, flexible options available? Yes.
While earnings declined year over year in the third quarter, results still exceeded expectations. Tariffs, ongoing policy uncertainty, and slower global growth have led to this earnings lull, but we remain optimistic that earnings growth bottomed last quarter and is poised to accelerate.
Why would we write a report about recession with the S&P 500 at record highs? Consider it a check-up. Just because you feel good doesn’t mean you skip your annual physical at the doctor. We check in on some of our favorite leading indicators to see if any cracks are forming in the economic expansion and its accompanying bull market.
Consumer spending has powered the U.S. economy this year as businesses curb investments, waiting for trade and geopolitical uncertainty to fade. We expect that growth will likely slow next year as companies continue to sit out this part of the cycle; however, we expect a strong U.S. labor market and solid consumer spending to fend off a recessionary environment.
The S&P 500 Index reached a fresh new high October 28, eclipsing the previous high of 3,025 set July 26, 2019. Recent gains have been impressive amid heightened economic and geopolitical uncertainty, and we believe fundamentals are still supportive of stocks. Now that we’ve entered the historically best six-month period of the year for stocks, could more gains be in store?
The stock market has been hovering near record highs despite an assortment of economic and geopolitical risks. In the spirit of Halloween, we discuss some of the tricks and treats that might spook the markets between now and year-end. Trade remains the biggest worry, followed by bond markets, U.S. manufacturing activity, fear of a Fed policy misstep, and global geopolitical concerns.
Paul King, CFP®, Registered Principal, LPL Financial, CA Insurance #0761042
Shannon Corpuz, Registered Representative, LPL Financial
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