October 2023 Newsletter

Posted by Drew Creekmur, MSPFP on 6:24 PM on October 9, 2023

Market Health Indicator
The Market Health Indicator (MHI) measures market health on a scale of 0 - 100, analyzing various market segments such as economics, technicals, and volatility. Higher scores indicate healthier market conditions.

It was another tough month for markets as the late-summer slump continued through September.

While the Fed held interest rates steady as expected, it left the door open for one more rate hike before the end of the year. Combined with newly released projections indicating fewer rate cuts than previously anticipated next year, the Fed appears to be leaning toward a higher-for-longer approach to interest rates. Fed Chair Jerome Powell acknowledged the progress that’s been made in the fight against inflation but wants to see more evidence before more permanently pausing rates.

Small-cap stocks again experienced the most downside pressure with the Russell 2000 falling 6.03%. Value stocks held up a bit better than growth stocks for the month, but all three of the major US indices slid with losses of 5.81%, 4.87%, and 3.49% for the Nasdaq, S&P 500, and Dow Jones Industrial Average respectively.

International stocks were also negative in September, but held up slightly better than their US counterparts as developed international stocks lost 3.78% and emerging markets fell 2.47%. More exposure to energy companies overseas helped international stocks as a whole, as energy was the only positive sector for the month riding oil prices higher

Despite no change for the Fed, broad interest rates spiked higher as markets priced in the possibility of rates remaining elevated for longer. The 10-year Treasury yield jumped from 4.09% to 4.59%, causing aggregate US bonds to lose 2.54%. This was the fifth consecutive monthly decline for traditional bonds as interest rates have remained a headwind.

As we move into the final quarter of the year, markets continue to send mixed messages. The tech-heavy Nasdaq has been pulling broad stock markets higher YTD thanks to the artificial intelligence buzz, but the simultaneous drop in both stocks and bonds in Q3 is reminiscent of what happened in 2022. When markets are volatile and uncertain, it’s important to tune out the noise and keep focused on your long-term plan. Market pullbacks can be unnerving when they occur, but over the long run they tend to turn into small speed bumps on the way to achieving your overarching goals.


That’s a lot of cheese…

Disney announced plans to spend $60 billion on its theme park and cruise businesses over the next decade, nearly doubling its investments in those avenues.

Parks have been a reliable source of profit for the company, helping offset losses in its streaming division which is expected to remain a loss leader until late next year.

Despite a drop-off in attendance, guests are reported to be spending 42% more at parks compared to 2019 as customers have been upgrading tickets and buying more merchandise.

In addition to increasing its cruise line capacity, the company is looking to incorporate the intellectual property from more of its newer films into the theme parks.

Across its six park locations, Disney has over 1,000 acres of land available for development.

 

She's Cheer Captain...

And I'm on the bleachers (or luxury box suite).

Taylor Swift’s presence has spilled over from Hollywood to the NFL. The singer was spotted in the stands of the Kansas City Chiefs - Chicago Bears game amid rumors of a romance with Chiefs’ tight end Travis Kelce.

The game drew 24.3 million viewers making it the most watched game of the week, thanks in large part to a 63% jump in female viewers between the age of 18-49. Additionally, Travis Kelce jersey sales shot up 400% in the 24 hours immediately following the game.

It’s not just the NFL that’s benefitting from her loyal fans. Estimates project Swift’s Eras Tour will boost the US economy by $5 billion when all is said and done.

To put that into perspective, if Taylor Swift were an economy, she’d be bigger than 30 countries.

Schedule a Call Today

 

The information presented is not investment advice - it is for educational purposes only and is not an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any securities or investment advisory services. Investments involve risk and are not guaranteed. Be sure to consult with a qualified financial adviser when making investment decisions.

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Topics: Financial Planning, market risks, market volatility, Retirement, Stock Market

August Market and Economic Update

Posted by Drew Creekmur, MSPFP on 1:48 PM on September 11, 2023

Markets took a breather from the summer rally as major indices pulled back in August.

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Topics: Financial Planning, market risks, market volatility, Retirement, Stock Market

July Market and Economic Update

Posted by Drew Creekmur, MSPFP on 3:46 PM on August 7, 2023

Stocks continued to have fun in the sun as markets extended their summer rally.

Broadly positive sentiment throughout the month helped major US indices climb higher. Small-cap stocks led the way for the second straight month with the Russell 2000 soaring 6.06%. Powered by stronger-than-expected earnings and improving economic data, the Nasdaq, Dow Jones Industrial Average, and S&P 500 posted gains of 4.05%, 3.41%, and 3.30% respectively. The Dow even decided to party like it was 1987, logging its longest winning streak in decades with 13 consecutive positive days.

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Topics: Financial Planning, market risks, Market turbulence, Retirement, Stock Market

How Much Are Markets Really Up in 2023?

Posted by Drew Creekmur, MSPFP on 12:03 PM on June 7, 2023

Coming off one of the worst years in recent history, it’s no question 2023 has been a better year for the markets so far than 2022. Overall, we’ve seen a positive skew among most asset classes, compared to mostly negative data last year. However, as is often the case, not everything is up equally. But it may come as a surprise as to the significant discrepancy between the leaders and laggards this year, a situation that can make being a smart, well-diversified investor frustrating in the short-term.

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Topics: Financial Planning, market risks, Market turbulence, Retirement, Stock Market

Social Security Claiming Checklist

Posted by Andrew Pisel on 12:17 PM on March 30, 2023

 

Social Security plays a major role in cash flow for retirees and we will help you understand how the benefits work and what you should do before you start claiming Social Security. A married couple could have over 70+ different ways to claim Social Security! In order to maximize a major cash flow for your retirement it is key to understand your options. This checklist will help you ensure that you are maximizing your benefits and will help lower stress levels going into this decision.

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Tips for Women Investors

Posted by Stacy Creekmur on 1:48 PM on March 13, 2023

At Creekmur Wealth Advisors we have learned that everyone benefits from having a financial plan in place. Our financial planning and investing process is well established to help individuals and couples define and progress toward their own unique goals. This process is effective for men and women. However, there are some unique situations that make financial planning for women even more important.

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Topics: Financial Planning, Investing, Women Investors

3 Steps To Help you Accomplish your Goals

Posted by Andy Anderson, CFP® on 4:25 PM on December 29, 2022

 

2022 has been a year for the record books in many ways - The financial world and investment markets have experience numerous record breakers, and many of those have not been good. Even in a year like this with lots of negative noise and news, we still want to stay on track toward our financial goals. As a financial advisor, there are several key steps I recommend that every one should consider each year.

3 Simple Steps to Stay on Track Toward your Goals!

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Topics: Financial Planning, Goals, Certified Financial Planner, CFP

10 Events That Drove 2022

Posted by Connor Creekmur, MBA on 9:00 AM on December 12, 2022

World events that impacted this year.

"Those who fail to learn from history are destined to repeat it." 
Winston Churchill

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Topics: Investing, Investments

Your Year-End To-Do List 2022

Posted by Creekmur Wealth Advisors on 1:34 PM on November 14, 2022

Before you start on your holiday to-do list, check these financial to-do's!

Experience tells us that those who run through these items annually are well set up to reach financial goals in the new year!

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Topics: Financial Planning

How Being Average Can Help You Thrive!

Posted by Connor Creekmur, MBA on 3:58 PM on November 10, 2022

Volatility is a word that we have heard a lot this year. Here are 5 Tips to help you survive & thrive in any financial environment.

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Topics: Financial Planning, Market turbulence, market volatility, volatility

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