Last Wednesday the FOMC (Federal Open Market Committee) led by Jerome Powell and attended by Dallas’ own Robert Kaplan, lowered rates by .25% to 1.75 to 2.00% Range…
FOMC Lowers rates once again
With a ton of information coming at you (Newsletter is full of interest rate talk) we will keep this short…
The FOMC lowered rates a second time, making for an unofficial change in this cycle from raising to lowering of rates….
While the chart above may seem extreme … let’s look longer term….
It’s ok… a .25% move is not that much, but we really would like room to lower when the inevitable recession comes…. who knows, if the tariff talks get fixed, raising of rates may be in the cards…. wouldn’t that be an interesting turn of events… hand tight, we have your back!
Today is a wet Friday, enjoy your weekend and grab that umbrella.
On Wednesday July 31, 2019 the FOMC (Federal Open Market Committee) led by Jerome Powell and attended by our own Dallas based Robert Kaplan, did something they have not done in over 10 years…. LOWER RATES.
While we crowed ‘Not Necessary” they walked a great tight rope…
In this post announcement article…. and somewhat funny CNBC article, over a dozen … so called “Expert” firms completely disagree in all directions on what the Fed will do next!
PERFECT!
With disagreement on what they will do next, no expectation will be ….. well … EXPECTED!
If I were a Fed official, that is exactly the way you want it … freedom to stay put, lower or raise without fussy Market Participants all weighing in on the same side of the fence.
They also stopped the winding down (selling reserves back to the market) of balance sheet reduction, which was a net tightening.
So let’s say they are in neutral now and have created the freedom to drive wherever they want! Nice..
Sorry we got a bit deep on this, this week, but we felt it important and wanted to keep you in the know!
Speaking of in the know – We have collected a few new examples of scamming that we will bring to your attention next week – One so clever it’s hard to believe!
Ahhh…but it is a Friday….
Care to guess what today and next week brings?
Last looong, big tournament of the summer…..
Thanks goodness for a new unlimited Cell plan and neat technology … Will be in touch!
Hello and Welcome to our January 2019 Financial Planning and Capital Market Update!
If you are too busy to read, feel free to listen as we describe our post and thoughts in friendly podcast format as well as Video!
Newbies – We like to articulate our thoughts and review on a Monthly basis our Financial Planning Tips, Capital Markets and current events!
January – 2019 Video
Financial Planning Tip (s) –
Get and Earlier than normal start on those Taxes
Here in this post, we remind everyone that due to the new tax laws, it will be a good idea to get your tax information to your professional as soon as possible.
If your using tax software, be sure to do the recommended updates as we feel certain there will be necessary updates to the tables along the way.
Corrected 1099’s are the usual, with only a few last year, we will give everyone the green light once we get our first round of corrected tax forms – but again go ahead and get started with your taxes!
Stunning Findings about your old employer 401k
We had long suspected as much, but in this post we review a Cerulli study that interviewed over 800 401k providers, only to find out that less than 30% really want your funds once you leave.
We have experienced less than stellar service over the years with former employees 401k plans – leading to our long suspicion of these findings.
Make Pension Changes/Decisions Carefully
While our favorite commencement benefit for pensions (100% jt survivor) is fairly straight forward, the simplicity ends there.
In this post, we review recent trends in buy outs and what to watch for, as well as the many scenarios we have experienced that are not always in our best interest.
Capital Market Comments –
Good News – Recovery without a Re-test – So far
What a different a month makes – WOW! We literally have gone from the sky is falling to sunshine!
In our summary post in December, we mentioned that fast moving slumps, such as the one we had, frequently do not last long….
Here, earlier in the month we also mentioned that we fully expected some type of retest of those lows before we gained our footing.
We still do expect some type of re-test, but as of this date we have had the following positives that have added to the markets better mood:
Federal Reserve (FOMC) have turned very cautious about raising rates further (We are happily surprised at their yielding, and even more surprised at market participants joy)
Tariff talks are making progress – Interestingly, China has seen a slow down in their economy making for slightly more urgent talks – with a little compromise and statesmanship a resolve looks more likely – again a positive for capital markets.
Earnings are still cranking along – For the prior 4-6 quarters, earnings were red hot and hitting on all cylinders, so hot, they were not sustainable. Companies are still reporting good earnings, just not the Red Hot, overheated earnings from prior quarters – this is good news as it avails the FOMC to not have to raise rates to slow the economy –
All in all a Win- Win!
Have a Great Day – Talk to you at the end of February!
Hello and Welcome to our December 2018 Financial Planning and Capital Market Update!
If you are too busy to read, feel free to listen as we describe our post and thoughts in friendly podcast format as well as Video!
Newbies – We like to articulate our thoughts and review on a Monthly basis our Financial Planning Tips, Capital Markets and current events!
December – 2018 Video
Financial Planning Tip (s) –
Staying Invisible on the Internet
With concerns of our personal information being constantly delivered/sold to others, we found this really neat chart, here in our post as a great guide on staying invisible on the internet.
The chart is HUGE, noting the many ways we are being tracked this day and age… lots of neat, stop tracking me techniques included…
Capital Market Comments –
Good News – Such Fast Movements May Not Last as Long
One time when being fast may be to our benefit …
Markets that throw a quick hissy fit frequently get their feet under themselves …
Using the Great Recession of 07-09 as a guide (below) – BTW we DO NOT think this is what we are experiencing… it took years for the drop to occur, not days…
We may be experiencing a slow motion 87, 91 or 99 like drop, which were faster, briefer, caused by outside worry and forces, but certainly concerning at the time!
Let’ all buckle up and be thankful we NEVER drive fast – time will tell!
Have a Great Day – Talk to you at the end of January!
Today at 2:30 Eastern time, Jerome Powell, the head of the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) will make the decision to hold to his earlier promise of raising rates a tiny .25% and more importantly signal possible future rate increases…
The New Normal
By looking at this multi-decade chart below, it is easy to see that rates are no where near their highs…
After being low so long, the new normal may be lower – market participants seem to think/want so …
From our perch, the best outcome today would be a raise once and “check the data” statement …
We will know in a few hours- do not forget, there are skeleton crews on much of Wall Street – making for a possible sloppy response….
Hello and Welcome to our November 2018 Financial Planning and Capital Market Update!
If you are too busy to read, feel free to listen as we describe our post and thoughts in friendly podcast format as well as Video!
Newbies – We like to articulate our thoughts and review on a Monthly basis our Financial Planning Tips, Capital Markets and current events!
November – 2018 Video
Financial Planning Tip (s) –
Clump – Maximizing the new standard deduction
With a $12k individual standard deduction and double that for joint filers it takes work to maximize the standard deduction threshold… Add the fact that SALT State and Local Tax deductions are now limited to $10k annually, clumping expenses into one year as mentioned here in our post and visually below may be the only way to get above the standard deductions for many …
Capital Market Comments –
Powell Signals a Slower Rate Increase
Current FOMC (Federal Open Market Committee) chairman Jerome Powell signaled the rate increases may be closer to over than just was stated just a month earlier… where a December increase, which is still almost certain, but three additional increases were promised in 2019 – not any more.
Given the long/lower rates of the last decade, it is not a surprise that the new normal may be lower –
Market Participants cheered this statement!
Have a Great Day – Talk to you at the end of December!
Welcome to our special year-end monthly Economic, Capital Market, and Financial Planning tip of the month.
Even though 2015 is gone, there are ways to reach back and help your tax situation.
For those new to our writings, we touch on the most pertinent Financial “stuff” along with a video of my mug that has even more specialized details of the latest month as well as this post.
These are just a few simple examples of HSA benefits — check with your health provider of you are uncertain of availability.
sEP – simplified Employee pension
Offset non w-2 income – think consulting or temporary
Pre-tax savings, up to 25% of adjusted income
Deadline is final tax filing date, INCLUDING extensions for the prior year – reaching back into last years tax liability
These are just a few of the benefits of a SEP !
Give us a call if you have any confusion/questions! Do not try any of these techniques without first visiting with you professional advisor!
Rates raised
December marked the first time in almost a decade that Federal Funds Rates were raised.
While looking dramatic at first:
A longer term view tells the story.
Markets have been jittery of late, and we think this is more of a time duration of our economic expansion, than anything else. Higher rates will eventually help, in our opinion! Some great proof coming soon, when more room is available !
The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. To determine which investments may be appropriate for you, please consult your financial advisor prior to investing!
Background
The is the vocal portion of J.K. Financial, Inc. a Dallas Texas Based Fee Only Total Wealth Financial Planning Firm. Founded by John Kvale, a Dallas Texas Fee only Financial Planner and Total Wealth Manager.
FED lowers again …. but only (.25%) – Longer Term View – Friday
Last Wednesday the FOMC (Federal Open Market Committee) led by Jerome Powell and attended by Dallas’ own Robert Kaplan, lowered rates by .25% to 1.75 to 2.00% Range…
FOMC Lowers rates once again
With a ton of information coming at you (Newsletter is full of interest rate talk) we will keep this short…
The FOMC lowered rates a second time, making for an unofficial change in this cycle from raising to lowering of rates….
While the chart above may seem extreme … let’s look longer term….
It’s ok… a .25% move is not that much, but we really would like room to lower when the inevitable recession comes…. who knows, if the tariff talks get fixed, raising of rates may be in the cards…. wouldn’t that be an interesting turn of events… hand tight, we have your back!
Today is a wet Friday, enjoy your weekend and grab that umbrella.
Have a Great “Interesting Rate Cycle” Day!
John A. Kvale CFA, CFP
Founder of J.K. Financial, Inc.
A Dallas Texas based fee only
Financial Planning Total Wealth
Management firm.
jkfinancialinc
street-cents
Share this:
Like this:
Leave a comment
Posted in FOMC, Interest Rates, Investing/Financial Planning, Market Comments
Tagged Fed Funds Rate, FOMC, Interest Rates, Robert Kaplan