Blog

Lesson Learned?

Vantage Financial welcomes guest contributions.  Please know the information, opinions and forecasts expressed in the article below are presented from unassociated parties and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Vantage Financial Partners Limited. ​

by Bob Veres with Inside Information

Investors who reacted emotionally to market movements have been humbled yet again.  When U.S. stocks (measured by the S&P 500 index) fell 13.97% in last year’s fourth quarter, most of us felt in our gut like the market was in the midst of a major bear market collapse.  The downturn would continue into the new year, and take some or (worst case scenario) all of the 9+ year bull market profits with it.

 by Tom Rueger, CFP®​

By now everyone is aware of President Trump’s Tax Cuts and Jobs Act that overhauled the tax code and generally lowered corporate and individual income tax rates beginning with the 2018 tax year. Following is an update of those changes as they will apply to the 2019 tax year (to be filed in April of 2020).

by Dan Zalipski, CFA 

The Fed raised interest rates as expected in December.  Investors were expecting the Fed to pause any additional rate increases after December’s move, but the Fed forecasted two more rate increases in 2019.  Investors were concerned that continued rate increases could spell trouble for the economy as it was already starting to show some potential signs of slowing. 

by Scott Rosenquist, CFA

2018 Recap

The financial markets finished down last year across almost every major asset class.  You know it was a difficult year when cash was the best performing asset.  The year 2018 was almost the exact opposite from 2017, when all asset classes were positive, and cash was the worst performer.  This is quite unusual to say the least. 

Making sure your kids are prepared to make smart financial decisions may be one of the last lessons you can teach them. Entering the workforce in a full-time position is one of the most exciting and nerve-racking times for a young adult (and their parents, too!).