Expectations were low for September, as the month with the worst track record (averaging -1.16% per month since 1926 for the S&P 500) started off with the worst week, down 4.25%, since March 2023 (-4.55%) according to data gathered from S&P Global.  The Street’s motto for September then became “plan for the worst and pray…

In this edition of GPS Insights:

HIGHLIGHTS STOCKS SOURCE: Factset and Vann Equity Management Research Team “Stocks rallied and the S&P 500 climbed close to previous all-time highsthanks to solid tech earnings from ORCL and increased expectations for a50-bps rate cut from the Fed”

Buckle up, retirement thrill-seekers! Investing for retirement is like strapping into the wildest rollercoaster at the Financial Amusement Park. There are heart-stopping climbs, stomach-churning drops, and enough twists and turns to make your head spin. But unlike a real rollercoaster, you can’t just hop off when things get scary. So, let’s learn how to throw…

Introduction:   A good credit score opens doors to better financial opportunities. Follow these do’s and don’ts to boost your score and keep it strong. Content: Do’s: – Pay Your Bills on Time: Payment history is the most significant factor in your credit score. Make sure you pay all bills by their due date. –…

Introduction: Saving and investing are the cornerstones of financial security. Follow these seven steps to develop a solid financial plan that benefits you both now and in the future. Content: 1. Set Clear Savings Goals Identify what you’re saving for. Whether it’s an emergency fund, a big purchase, or retirement, having clear goals helps you…

Introduction: Managing your investment portfolio effectively is key to achieving both short-term and long-term financial goals. Whether you’re new to investing or a seasoned pro, these seven steps can help you build and maintain a portfolio designed for growth, stability, and resilience. Content: 1. Define Your Financial Goals Start by clearly identifying what you’re investing…

In the ever-evolving landscape of the stock market, tech stocks have emerged as a powerhouse, consistently drawing the attention of savvy investors. The recent surge in tech stocks can be attributed to two primary factors: the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and the booming high-end chip market. At Vann Equity Management, we are passionate…

HIGHLIGHTS The week of August 5, 2024, begins with a major global market sell-off following the Bank of Japan’s decision to tighten monetary policy for the first time in three decades. As investors brace for the volatility tsunami impacting a cross-section of risky assets (stocks, credit, commodities), greater uneasiness and a slowing U.S. economy could…

As the summer heats up, the U.S. economy appears to be cooling down, with consumer spending slowing, delinquencies rising and the unemployment rate ticking higher to 4.1%, 70 basis points above its cycle low as of the end of July. Inflation has also moderated, easing to 3.0% in June, but remained too high to warrant…

Story by Sean Williams For most Americans, Social Security provides an indispensable source of income. In addition to lifting more than 21.7 million people out of poverty every year — roughly 15.4 million of whom are adults aged 65 and over — it’s a program that nearly 9 out of 10 retirees count on, in…

When deciding between a revocable vs. irrevocable trust, one will need to consider their net worth and what type of tax shelter their heirs may need. It may be tempting to set up a will and consider your estate planning complete, but trusts are critical for organizing how your assets are distributed during your lifetime…

While most eyes right now are on the tax year 2023 deadline, we believe it is worth reviewing the changes coming for next year’s taxes, filed in 2025. Scroll down for our overview of this information, which could have a big impact on your financial game plan! On that note, now is an excellent opportunity…

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In the May CPI report, year-over-year headline inflation cooled to 3.3% from 3.4% – down one decimal, yet the median FOMC rate forecast for 2024 moved higher by half a percent. As widely anticipated, the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) voted to leave the Federal funds rate unchanged at a target range of 5.25%-5.50% at…

HIGHLIGHTS STOCKS SOURCE: Factset and Vann Equity Management Research Team “The S&P 500 hit a new all-time high last week thanks to more AI enthusiasm and mostly Goldilocks economic data.” What is Outperforming: Defensive sector, minimum volatility, and sectors linked to higher rates have relatively outperformed recently as markets have become more volatile.What is Underperforming:…

Here’s why the smartest of investors stick with the stock market for the long haul: If you have questions or need guidance, please reach out for help. Vann Equity Management would love to discuss your plans and help you make the most of your investing years. Hope to hear from you soon. The information contained…

Author: Trevor Jennewine, The Motley Fool Brisk inflation on the tail end of the pandemic led to a historic 8.7% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for Social Security benefits in 2023. Retired workers hadn’t received a pay raise that large in four decades. Yet, the 2023 Retirement Confidence Survey (RCS) conducted by the non-profit Employee Benefit Research Institute…

Despite recent strong housing completions, homeowner and rental vacancy rates have hardly budged off their multi-decade lows. The housing sector was one of the hardest hit areas of the economy when the Fed began raising rates, but there are signs activity has turned a corner. The “mortgage lock” effect, where households that had locked in…

In the ever-evolving world of financial planning, a significant change is on the horizon for families looking to optimize college savings through 529 plans. With the introduction of the 2022 SECURE Act 2.0, effective from 2024, parents, grandparents, and other family members now have a new strategy to consider in their financial planning arsenal. This…

Red Balloon League Tournament benefitting Children’s Health℠ *FREE Entry & $15 per person Tournament Fee* Join us on April 21st to Support Red Balloon League Tournament benefitting Children’s Health℠! About this Event Registration is now open for the Red Balloon League Tournament benefitting Children’s Health℠! Grab the best Fowlers you know and enter into this single-elimination…

HIGHLIGHTS  STOCKS SOURCE: Factset and Vann Equity Management Research Team “The S&P 500 accelerated to new all-time highs thanks to the Fed upgrading its outlook for economic growth this year (and inflation expectations) while critically keeping three rate cuts penciled in for 2024, which reignited soft/no landing hopes in the back half of the week.”…

HIGHLIGHTS STOCKS “The S&P 500 traded above 5,000 last week thanks to strong Treasury auctions reducing concerns about demand for U.S. debt and on generally solid economic data.” What Could Interrupt This Rally? Stocks extended the rally and the S&P 500 hit a new all-time high and finally topped the 5,000 level; the question that…

HIGHLIGHTS STOCKS SOURCE: Factset and Vann Equity Management Research Team “Stocks were little changed last week in very quiet trade as investors wanted a quiet end to a very strong 2023 as the S&P 500 rose more than 24% on the year.” Five Market Assumptions to Know as We Start 2024 The S&P 500 is…