Tag: investing
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My Thoughts on the Latest Economic Reports
The latest CPI report indicates a surprising drop in inflation to 2.7%, while GDP growth soared to 4.3%. Despite these positive numbers, consumer confidence has plummeted, suggesting a discrepancy in the economy’s health. The Fed faces a dilemma: rate cuts may be warranted, but could risk reigniting inflation amid strong spending and rising unemployment.
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The Fixed Income Market
When people talk about investing, attention is normally given to the stock market. But, the bond market, also called the fixed income market, is just as important. Two of the most common types are government bonds and corporate bonds, and understanding them helps beginners see the balance between safety and risk. Government and Corporate Bonds…
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Wall Street’s Fear Gauge
If you follow financial news, you’ve probably seen the term VIX pop up every now and then. But what exactly is it, and why is it important for investors like you and me? What is Volatility? Before you can understand VIX, you need to know what volatility is. Volatility is a way for us to…
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My Thoughts on the August CPI Report
The September CPI Report just came out today morning, and it could have major implications for the Fed’s rate decision next week. What the CPI Report Told Us August’s CPI report showed an increase of inflation by 0.4% MoM, up from July’s 0.2% uptick. Core CPI was also up 0.3%, up from 0.2% last month.…
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Insurance and Annuities
Investors often overlook insurance and annuities as investment options. Whole life insurance includes a cash value component that grows tax-deferred, while annuities let you invest and receive guaranteed future income. Both can enhance long-term financial security, balancing risk management with wealth growth, making them smart portfolio additions.
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How to Analyze a Stock
Investing in individual stocks starts with disciplined analysis and grounding your decisions in a set process. While there are many ways to do so, here’s how I would go about it. There are two main things that I like to look at when determining whether or not I should invest in a stock: Fundamentals and…
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What are the CPI and PPI?
Inflation affects everything from shopping costs to investment returns. The CPI tracks consumer prices while the PPI focuses on producer prices. Both are vital for smart investing and anticipating market shifts.
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My Thoughts on the July CPI Report
The July CPI Report painted a familiar portrait for investors. Headline inflation remains steadily above the Fed’s 2% goal, pushed by tariffs, while core measurements indicate continued stickiness. What You Missed Headline inflation rose 0.2% month-over-month and 2.7% YOY, matching the pace from last month. Core inflation is up 0.3% and 3.1% for those metrics,…
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Differences Between Stock Indexes
Stock indexes are great ways for investors to get snapshots and insights into different market segments. They act as lenses through which we can see trends in various sectors. By grasping the construction of each index, you gain a deep understanding of what you’re tracking and why it behaves the way it does. Dow Jones…
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The Differences Between Futures and Options
If you are getting deeper into investing, you have probably come across futures and options. Both are types of derivatives, meaning they get their value from something else, like a stock, commodity, or index. But they work very differently. When you trade options, you purchase the right to make a trade, but are not required…
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