Trade headlines continue to weigh on markets as new tariffs go into effect. President Trump recently confirmed tariffs on Canada, Mexico and China, dashing hopes of more extensions or last-minute deals. Additional tariffs are expected in the coming months, including reciprocal ones against countries that impose duties on U.S. goods.
Recent market swings have highlighted a gap between how investors feel and how markets have performed. As the famous Warren Buffett quote suggests, it has often been wise to be "fearful when others are greedy and greedy when others are fearful.” While this can seem counterintuitive when there are many economic and political concerns weighing on the market, having the discipline to stay invested has historically been the reason investors are rewarded in the long run.
Albert Einstein reportedly once told his accountant, "the hardest thing in the world to understand is income taxes." This observation from the Nobel Prize-winning physicist remains relevant today, as our tax system has only grown more complex in the decades since. This year’s tax deadline on April 15 is approaching, but taxes are more than a once-a-year obligation – they are an essential part of year-round, holistic financial planning.
This April marks the 250th anniversary of the first battles of the American Revolution in Lexington and Concord. As residents of New England reflect on this pivotal moment in history, it’s worth considering what made the patriots successful—preparation, adaptability, and a well-thought-out plan. At Monument Group, we believe the same principles that shaped history can help shape your financial future.
Retirement marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter. While financial security is a key foundation, a fulfilling retirement is about more than just having enough money. It’s about purpose, connection, and a sense of excitement for what comes next.
The financial markets are dynamic and unpredictable by nature, and they can be fascinating to watch. But how important are their gyrations to you, really? Rather than zero in on the markets’ last few months (or how they might fare in the next few), take a step back and consider what truly matters: your personal goals and the life you want to create.
Watching your portfolio take a hit can be unsettling, but staying focused on the long game is crucial. Even in uncertain times, a long-term strategy helps you navigate market ups and downs more effectively. Here, we’ll explore why market corrections are normal.
When are you going to retire? How did you make that decision? Many of us look at finances and health when we’re deciding when to retire. Whether or not we realize it, we’re also considering our emotions and what we imagine for the future — we compare how we feel in our current circumstances to how we expect to feel in our anticipated retirement.
What financial habits have helped you most in life? Which ones have held you back? No matter how you answer those questions, your money habits have a lot to do with how you grew up. They also can be shaped by when you grew up. That’s because each generation can have a distinct perspective and different experiences shaping their approach to money and financial choices.
After a historic campaign, Donald Trump has won the 2024 presidential election and Republicans have won control of the Senate. For half the country, this is a cause for celebration, while for the other half, this is a disappointing result that will require time to process. This reflects the divisions in our country on both social and economic matters that we hope will heal in time.
Well, it finally happened. After months of will-they-or-won’t-they speculation, the Federal Reserve cut interest rates in September. And it was a relatively big one: The half-percentage-point decrease was the biggest the Fed has made since its emergency rate reductions in March 2020 at the onset of the pandemic. Before that, the country hadn’t seen a half a point decrease since the global financial crisis in 2008.
As we begin the final quarter of the year, financial markets and the economy have defied the expectations of many investors. Rather than falling into recession, the economy has grown steadily, albeit at a slower pace, and inflation rates have fallen toward the Fed’s target. As a result, the macroeconomic environment has shifted to a monetary easing cycle, propelling the S&P 500 and Dow Jones Industrial Average to new all-time highs and boosting bond returns. The first three quarters of the year are a reminder that it’s often best to focus on the longer-term trends rather than events in the rearview mirror.