Financial Planning & Wealth Management Blog

A look at equity performance in the past three decades does not show any reliable connection between periods of high (or low) inflation and US stock returns.

Understanding the range of potential outcomes can help you stick with a plan and ride out the inevitable ups and downs

Stocks have rewarded disciplined investors for decades, through Democratic and Republican presidencies. It’s an important lesson on the benefits of a long-term investment approach.

As companies grow to become some of the largest firms trading on the US stock market, the returns that push them there can be impressive. But not long after joining the Top 10 largest by market cap, these stocks, on average, lagged the market.

What does a century of economic cycles teach investors about investing? This interactive exhibit examines how stocks have behaved during US economic downturns.

When markets are rough, it’s tempting to want to make a quick change to your investments. But much like changing lanes in traffic, impulsive moves can add anxiety and risk with no guarantee you’ll benefit.

A top-heavy stock market with the largest 10 stocks accounting for over 20% of market capitalization and a marquee technology firm perched at No. 1? This sounds like a description of the current US stock market, dominated by Apple and the other FAANG stocks,1 but it is actually a reference to 1967, when IBM represented a larger portion of the market than Apple at the end of 2019 (5.8% vs. 4.1%).

Do you find it puzzling when a bleak economic report emerges from the press, only to be accompanied by a positive surge in the stock market? You’re not alone. The last few weeks have produced many examples of a stark contrast between stock market performance and economic indicators. So why the apparent disconnect?

Recessions understandably trigger worries. But a history of positive average performance following a recession can be a comfort for investors wondering about sticking with stocks.