Commentary – Page 256 – Beacon Wealth Advisors, LLC

27 Dec

Market Update: Wednesday, December 27, 2017

Market Recap Stocks edged lower on light volume following Christmas holiday. S&P 500 Index 0.1%, Dow -0.03%, Nasdaq -0.3%. Energy stocks (+0.8%) outperformed, while the technology sector (-0.7%) dragged the S&P, Nasdaq lower. Treasuries gained ground slightly following biggest weekly … Continue reading →

22 Dec

Rates Move Higher Globally

The 10-year Treasury yield had been trading within a historically tight range of just under 0.1% since late October (the tightest trading range of that length since 1974, as outlined in our recent Bond Market Perspectives, “Nothing Ado About Much”). … Continue reading →

22 Dec

Market Update: Friday, December 22, 2017

Market Recap Major indexes sold off into the close, but clung to modest gains. S&P 500 Index +0.2%, Dow +0.2%, Nasdaq +0.1%, Russell 2000 +0.5%. Energy led the sector field for a second session on tax-reform related optimism; rate-sensitive stocks … Continue reading →

21 Dec

Here Comes Santa!

As 2017 winds down, we still have one of the most well-known trading axioms left—“The Santa Claus Rally.” This is also known as the “December Effect,” first noted by Yale Hirsh in his Stock Trader’s Almanac in 1972. But here’s … Continue reading →

21 Dec

Market Update: Thursday, December 21, 2017

Market Recap Stocks failed to hold early gains as traders contemplated next steps after tax reform bill made it out of Congress; small caps were positive; S&P 500 Index -0.1%, Dow -0.1%, Nasdaq flat, Russell 2000 +0.2%. Energy sector (+1.4%) … Continue reading →

20 Dec

How Will Tax Reform Impact Individuals and Small Business Owners?

The largest overhaul of the U.S. tax code in 31 years appears to be all but a done deal. Tax reform has been a key focal point for financial markets this year, for good reason, as changes in some of … Continue reading →

20 Dec

Market Update: Wednesday, December 20, 2017

Market Recap Stocks pulled back despite upbeat data on housing starts, building permits; Congress passing tax reform legislation. S&P 500 Index -0.3%, Dow -0.2%, Nasdaq -0.4%. Few sectors gained; consumer staples, energy, industrials inched higher; bond proxies REITs, utilities led … Continue reading →

19 Dec

What Does a 20% Gain Mean?

Yesterday, the S&P 500 Index price return surpassed 20% for the year, which could be the first 20% gain since 29.6% in 2013. What does that mean, other than the obvious answer that stocks had a great year? Per Ryan … Continue reading →

19 Dec

Market Update: Tuesday, December 19, 2017

Market Recap Domestic stocks advanced broadly, continued positive tax reform news providing tailwind. S&P 500 Index +0.5%, Dow +0.6%, Nasdaq +0.8%. Materials, telecommunications led markets higher; rate sensitive utilities standout laggard. Market breadth positive on NYSE (2.5:1), Nasdaq (2.1:1), exchange … Continue reading →

18 Dec

A Trip Down Memory Lane

With the S&P 500 Index flirting with a gain of 20% for the year, one technical formation took place in 2016 that was a clue that we could be in for solid gains. But before we get to that, below … Continue reading →

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