Blog
This blog offers our weekly perspectives from the investment world and a variety of concepts from the financial industry. We also follow the news and expound upon events that have the potential to impact investors. We’re glad to have you reading along!
Planning Matters When Retirees Start Traveling
Retirees often have the time, freedom, and desire to explore new destinations and make the most of their golden years. With careful planning and attention to...
Read MoreInvesting in Your 60s and Beyond
Once you are in your 60s, you are likely to focus less on growing your retirement funds than answering, "When do I retire?" And once you crack open your nest egg, how should you allocate its contents?
Read More3 Golf Tips to Keep Your Retirement Plan on Course
In golf, as in finances, there are a few rules of thumb that may improve your game: keep a level head, avoid traps, practice before trying something new and stay the course...
Read MoreTiming Your Earnings in Retirement to Optimize Your Social Security Retirement Benefit
If you work after you begin receiving Social Security retirement benefits, all or part of your retirement benefit may be withheld if your earnings exceed the retirement earnings test exempt amount...
Read MoreTake a Swing at Investing Like a Golfer
Golfing and investing may not seem to share much common ground at first glance. But the more you think about it, a successful golfer and a successful investor share a number of traits such as patience, perseverance, attention to detail...
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Independent and Thriving: What to Consider In Your Later Years
While you never know your needs as you age, the first step is thinking about your financial situation and health today so you can plan for your later years...
Read More6 Tennis Tips To Help Make Your Retirement a Grand Slam
Whether you make tennis one of your leisure activities during retirement or just enjoy watching the sport, you may not realize that the same strategies used in a tennis match may also translate into retirement.
Read MoreA Beginner's Guide to Investing After Retirement
You may be retired and considering investing some of your retirement nest egg. Depending on your situation, it is crucial that investing in the stock market, bond market, or other investments does not jeopardize your retirement savings...
Read MoreGetting Ready for a Hurricane
At Fross & Fross Wealth Management we are committed to taking care of more than just your investments. As we prepare for the coming storm, we want to help you be prepared too. In anticipation of the coming hurricane we want to share a...
Read MoreApril 22, 2019 - A Mild Week for the Market
The Week on Wall Street A short and relatively placid trading week wrapped up Thursday, with the major indices turning in mixed performances. The S&P 500 retreated 0.08%, the Nasdaq Composite advanced 0.17%, and the Dow Jones...
Read MoreDecember 31, 2018 - Year-End Special Edition: A Look Back at 2018
The close of the year provides an opportunity for investors to step back and consider the wider financial landscape. This week, we're reviewing some key issues that defined 2018, as well as some factors that may influence financial...
Read MoreDecember 24, 2018 - Turbulence Continues
Last week, domestic markets had some of their worst performance in 10 years.[1] The S&P 500 lost 7.05%, the Dow declined 6.87%, and the NASDAQ dropped 8.36%. All three indexes have now lost at least 8% in 2018.[2] On Friday, December...
Read MoreDecember 17, 2018 - Stocks Down, Change Ahead?
Last week brought more volatility to the markets. While domestic indexes had some rallies as positive trade news emerged earlier in the week, by Friday, December 14, they had erased any gains. The last time major U.S. indexes ended in...
Read MoreDecember 10, 2018 - Volatility Continues
Markets went for another wild ride last week, as major domestic indexes swung back and forth. By Friday, December 7, markets had posted their worst weekly performance since March - and the S&P 500 and Dow both moved into negative...
Read MoreDecember 3, 2018 - Markets Rebound
U.S. markets ended a volatile month on a high note Friday. All three major indices posted impressive increases for the week, buoyed by news from the Fed Reserve and international trade.[1] The S&P 500 jumped 4.85%, and the NASDAQ...
Read MoreNovember 26, 2018 - Why Did Stocks Drop?
Last week was a tough one for markets. The S&P 500 dropped 3.79% and experienced its worst results during a Thanksgiving week since 1939.[1] While the index officially entered correction territory on Friday, it closed 10.2% below its...
Read MoreNovember 19, 2018 - Analyzing Data Amid Declines
Markets experienced more volatility last week, as perspectives on trade, tech, and retail pulled investor sentiment back and forth. Although domestic indexes were up on Friday, November 16, they still posted losses for the week.[1] In...
Read MoreNovember 12, 2018 - The Impact of Oil and Elections
Last week, markets experienced a 4-day winning streak before dropping on Friday, November 9. Despite those losses, domestic indexes posted gains for the week.[1] The S&P 500 increased 2.13%, the Dow added 2.84%, and the NASDAQ was up 0...
Read MoreNovember 5, 2018 - Markets Bounce Back
Markets posted strong gains last week after struggling for much of October. The S&P 500 had its best weekly performance since May, and the NASDAQ had its first positive week since September.[1] Despite domestic markets dropping on...
Read MoreOctober 29, 2018 - Why Did Stocks Drop?
Last week did nothing to dispel October's reputation as a tough month for the markets. The S&P 500 lost 3.94%, the Dow declined 2.97%, and the NASDAQ dropped 3.78% during what was one of 2018's most volatile weeks so far. All three...
Read MoreOctober 22, 2018 - Examining October
Stock performance was mixed last week as investors considered the impact of interest rates, international affairs and corporate earnings.[1] The S&P 500 gained 0.02%, and the Dow added 0.41% to post its first weekly gains in October....
Read MoreOctober 15, 2018 - Stocks Take a Ride
Volatility was back in full force last week. The three major domestic indexes posted several days of losses before experiencing wide swings on Friday. By week's end, the Cboe Volatility Index (VIX), which investors use to help measure...
Read MoreOctober 8, 2018 - Examining Economies
Although new data continued to show strength in the U.S. economy, markets stumbled across the globe last week.[1] The S&P 500 lost 0.98%, the Dow dropped 0.04%, and the NASDAQ declined 3.21%.[2] International stocks in the MSCI EAFE...
Read MoreOctober 1, 2018 - Special Update: Quarterly Report
Friday, September 28, was the last trading day in 2018's 3rd quarter, and the S&P 500 posted its strongest quarterly return in nearly 5 years.[1] The Dow also showed impressive returns by beating expectations for the quarter, while...
Read MoreSeptember 24, 2018 - New Records and Changes
Last week brought new tariffs and data, and another look at changes coming to equity classifications. Overall, the S&P 500 gained 0.85% and the Dow was up 2.25%, while the NASDAQ dropped 0.29%.[1] International stocks in the MSCI EAFE...
Read MoreSeptember 24, 2018 - New Records and Changes
Last week brought new tariffs and data, and another look at changes coming to equity classifications. Overall, the S&P 500 gained 0.85% and the Dow was up 2.25%, while the NASDAQ dropped 0.29%.[1] International stocks in the MSCI EAFE...
Read MoreSeptember 17, 2018 - Stocks Up as Milestone Passes
Last week, the East Coast prepared for Hurricane Florence, which roared through the Carolinas and Georgia. As investors kept their eyes on the weather and its potential for destruction, estimates emerged of up to $27 billion in...
Read MoreSeptember 17, 2018 - Stocks Up as Milestone Passes
Last week, the East Coast prepared for Hurricane Florence, which roared through the Carolinas and Georgia. As investors kept their eyes on the weather and its potential for destruction, estimates emerged of up to $27 billion in...
Read MoreSeptember 10, 2018 - A Shaky Start to September
Domestic markets fell last week due to negative trade news and declining tech stocks, with the S&P 500 and Dow both breaking their multi-week winning streaks. Meanwhile, the NASDAQ posted losses for 4 days in a row for the first time...
Read MoreSeptember 10, 2018 - A Shaky Start to September
Domestic markets fell last week due to negative trade news and declining tech stocks, with the S&P 500 and Dow both breaking their multi-week winning streaks. Meanwhile, the NASDAQ posted losses for 4 days in a row for the first time...
Read MoreSeptember 4, 2018 - Markets Up Again
Trade continued to dominate the news last week and cause market volatility as investors monitored discussions of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and tension with China. While Mexico and the U.S. reached a new trade...
Read MoreSeptember 4, 2018 - Markets Up Again
Trade continued to dominate the news last week and cause market volatility as investors monitored discussions of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and tension with China. While Mexico and the U.S. reached a new trade...
Read MoreAugust 27, 2018 - The Bull Market Continues
Last week marked a noteworthy milestone in our economy: On Wednesday, August 22, the bull market entered its 3,453rd day, the longest such run in U.S. history. In the past 9 plus years, domestic indexes have come quite a ways since...
Read MoreAugust 27, 2018 - The Bull Market Continues
Last week marked a noteworthy milestone in our economy: On Wednesday, August 22, the bull market entered its 3,453rd day, the longest such run in U.S. history. In the past 9 plus years, domestic indexes have come quite a ways since...
Read MoreAugust 20, 2018 - Trade & Turkey Drive Markets
Challenges in emerging markets affected both U.S. and global stock performance last week, with the S&P 500 experiencing several down days.[1] By market close on Friday, however, two of the three major domestics posted gains for the...
Read MoreAugust 20, 2018 - Trade & Turkey Drive Markets
Challenges in emerging markets affected both U.S. and global stock performance last week, with the S&P 500 experiencing several down days.[1] By market close on Friday, however, two of the three major domestics posted gains for the...
Read MoreAugust 13, 2018 - Mixed Results as Turkey Stumbles
Stocks ended the week in mixed territory as trouble with Turkey's currency affected U.S. equity performance on Friday, August 10.[1] For the week, the S&P lost 0.25%, the Dow declined 0.59%, and the NASDAQ increased 0.35%.[2]...
Read MoreAugust 13, 2018 - Mixed Results as Turkey Stumbles
Stocks ended the week in mixed territory as trouble with Turkey's currency affected U.S. equity performance on Friday, August 10.[1] For the week, the S&P lost 0.25%, the Dow declined 0.59%, and the NASDAQ increased 0.35%.[2]...
Read MoreAugust 6, 2018 - Stocks Up as Data Comes In
Domestic markets ended last week in positive territory, as the S&P gained 0.76%, the Dow was up 0.05%, and the NASDAQ increased 0.96%.[1] This performance marked the 5th week in a row that the S&P 500 and Dow posted gains.[2]...
Read MoreAugust 6, 2018 - Stocks Up as Data Comes In
Domestic markets ended last week in positive territory, as the S&P gained 0.76%, the Dow was up 0.05%, and the NASDAQ increased 0.96%.[1] This performance marked the 5th week in a row that the S&P 500 and Dow posted gains.[2]...
Read MoreJuly 30, 2018 - Examining Economic Growth
Markets experienced a push-and-pull last week between data indicating strong economic growth and lagging performance from several tech stocks' earnings reports.[1] Domestic indexes had mixed results, as the S&P 500 gained 0.61%, the...
Read MoreJuly 23, 2018 - Earnings Season Continues
On Friday, July 20, stocks lost a small amount of ground after President Trump escalated his threats of increasing tariffs on China. However, strong quarterly earnings reports from several large companies helped provide balance in the...
Read MoreJuly 16, 2018 - Special Report: Quarterly Update
Last week, trade tensions with China lessened somewhat, while the 2nd quarter corporate earnings season started with mixed results. Against this backdrop, domestic stocks experienced sizable growth. By market's close on Friday, July...
Read MoreJuly 9, 2018 - Jobs Push Stocks Up
Domestic stocks only traded for 4 days last week, due to the Independence Day holiday. In that time, all 3 major domestic indexes posted positive results for the week. The S&P 500 added 1.52%, the Dow gained 0.76%, and the NASDAQ...
Read MoreJuly 2, 2018 - Trade and Tariffs Rattle Markets
International trade concerns continue to create uncertainty in markets around the world.[1] Despite the markets' slight rises on Friday, June 29, they recorded losses for the week.[2] The S&P 500 fell 1.33%, the Dow gave back 1.26%,...
Read MoreJune 25, 2018 - The Power of Corporate Earnings
Stocks stumbled across the globe last week as trade tensions continued to escalate. Despite rebounding somewhat on Friday, the S&P 500 experienced its first weekly loss in a month, and the Dow posted its worst week since March.[1] The...
Read MoreJune 18, 2018 - Trade and Interest Rates
Last week stocks showed mixed results as political headlines continued to dominate the news. The Dow lost 0.89% and the S&P 500 was almost flat with a 0.02% gain.[1] The NASDAQ, on the other hand, reached a record high on Thursday and...
Read MoreJune 11, 2018 - Strength, Growth, and Tension
As last week ended, tension between the U.S. and some of its greatest allies was on the rise. Trade remained a hot-button topic ahead of the G-7 meeting in Canada, but investors seemed largely unfazed by the drama.[1] In fact, all 3...
Read MoreJune 4, 2018 - Jobs Report Calms Volatility
Markets experienced heightened volatility this week, with the S&P 500 rising 0.49% and Dow dropping 0.48%. Meanwhile, the NASDAQ rose 1.62%, as international markets took a small dip, with the MSCI EAFE losing 1.10%.[1,2] The markets'...
Read MoreMay 29, 2018 - Stocks Up, Signals Mixed
Geopolitical uncertainty affected stocks last week, as the historic summit between the U.S. and North Korea began to look less likely. On Thursday, May 24, President Trump announced that the summit was off, and stocks stumbled in...
Read MoreMay 21, 2018 - Tackling Trade & Treasuries
Major domestic indexes went down last week after all three gained more than 2% the previous week.[1] The S&P 500 dropped 0.54%, the Dow gave back 0.47%, and the NASDAQ lost 0.66%.[2] International stocks also stumbled; the MSCI EAFE...
Read MoreMay 14, 2018 - Markets Post Week of Growth
On Friday, the markets closed the week gaining traction. The Dow had 7 days of consecutive growth, rising 2.34% - its largest weekly gain since March.[1] Meanwhile, the S&P 500 rose 2.41%, the NASDAQ jumped 2.68%, and the MSCI EAFE...
Read MoreMay 7, 2018 - Examining Employment
Domestic indexes posted strong results on Friday, May 4, as the latest labor report data lessened investors' concerns about inflation and interest rates. Nonetheless, stocks had mixed results last week.[1] The S&P 500 dropped 0.24%...
Read MoreApril 30, 2018 - Earnings Rise, Stocks Stumble
We just finished the busiest week of 1st quarter earnings season, and although many companies shared positive results, stock indexes experienced modest declines.[1] The S&P 500 lost 0.01%, the Dow dropped 0.62%, and the NASDAQ gave...
Read MoreApril 23, 2018 - Examining Earnings & Yields
Stocks posted moderate gains last week, as the S&P 500 added 0.52%, the Dow increased 0.42%, and the NASDAQ rose 0.56%.[1] International stocks in the MSCI EAFE followed suit, gaining 0.41%.[2] We received numerous new data updates...
Read MoreApril 16, 2018 - Earnings Season Begins
Market volatility continues. Stocks slid on Friday, April 13, but still held on to gains for the week.[1] The S&P 500 increased 1.99%, the Dow added 1.79%, and the NASDAQ was up 2.77%.[2] International stocks in the MSCI EAFE also...
Read MoreApril 9, 2018 - Special Update: Quarterly Report
Domestic stocks lost ground last week as trade war concerns continued to rattle investors. With these declines, the Dow officially moved back into correction territory.[1] For the week, the S&P 500 lost 1.43%, the Dow dipped 0.95%,...
Read MoreApril 2, 2018 - Markets Increase
Markets were closed on March 30 for Good Friday, but in the four days of trading, stocks recovered some of this year's losses.[1] For the week, the S&P 500 added 2.09%, the Dow gained 2.67%, and the NASDAQ increased by 1.03%.[2]...
Read MoreMarch 26, 2018 - Stocks Drop as Tariffs Rise
Markets experienced significant declines last week. The S&P 500 lost 5.95%, the Dow dropped 5.66%, and the NASDAQ declined 6.54%.[1] With these losses, all 3 domestic indexes had their worst weekly performance in more than 2 years.[2]...
Read MoreA Look Back - March 19, 2018
Markets were up on Friday, but domestic stocks lost ground for the week as political turmoil and potential trade wars weighed on investors' minds.[1] The S&P 500 dropped 1.24%, the Dow gave back 1.54%, and the NASDAQ decreased 1.04%...
Read MoreMarch 12, 2018 - Goldilocks Returns
Domestic stocks leapt ahead last week as the latest jobs report inspired renewed confidence in our economic standing. The S&P 500 added 3.54%, and the Dow gained 3.25%.[1] The NASDAQ erased its losses from February's market correction...
Read MoreMarch 5, 2018 - Volatile Markets Continue
Volatility continued last week as markets posted their 1st weekly loss in 3 weeks.[1] Despite some recovery on Friday, the S&P 500 dropped 2.04%, the NASDAQ slipped 1.12%, and the Dow lost 3.05% for the week.[2] Internationally, the...
Read MoreFebruary 26, 2018 - Interest Rates, Treasuries, and Inflation
Last week, the Presidents' Day holiday meant markets were only open for 4 trading days, and during that time, we received comparatively few economic reports. Nonetheless, major domestic indexes showed considerable volatility and...
Read MoreFebruary 20, 2018 - Stocks Rebound
Markets rebounded last week, posting sizable gains and moving back into positive territory for the year. All three domestic indexes experienced their largest weekly growth in years, despite losing some ground on Friday after news of...
Read MoreFebruary 12, 2018 - Special Update: Understanding Volatility
After months of relative calm, market fluctuations are causing many investors to wonder what is happening to the economy. Last week, the S&P 500 lost 5.16%, the Dow dropped 5.21%, and the NASDAQ declined 5.06%.[1] The MSCI EAFE also...
Read MoreFebruary 5, 2018 - Markets Slide as Bond Yields Rise
After 4 straight weeks of gains, the markets have slipped. As of Friday, the S&P 500 lost 3.85%, the Dow dropped 4.12%, and the NASDAQ decreased by 3.53%.[1] International stocks in the MSCI EAFE also took a 2.78% hit.[2] Domestically...
Read MoreJanuary 29, 2018 - Stocks Jump Again
Stocks had an impressive week yet again, as each of the domestic indexes reached record highs and gained at least 2%.[1] The S&P 500 added 2.23%, the Dow increased 2.09%, and the NASDAQ grew 2.31%.[2] International stocks in the MSCI...
Read MoreJanuary 22, 2018 - Stocks Up as Shutdown Looms
We're only a few weeks into 2018, and stocks are showing quite a strong performance so far. Last week, major domestic indexes posted gains yet again, with all 3 up at least 5% this year. By Friday, the S&P 500 had added another 0.86%,...
Read MoreJanuary 16, 2018 - Equities and Inflation Climb
Domestic markets continued their strong start to 2018, posting gains across the board for their 2nd week. The S&P 500 added 1.57% and closed at a new record high on Friday. The index just posted its best 10-day beginning to a year...
Read MoreJanuary 8, 2018 - Stocks Start 2018 With Jump
The first week of 2018 is behind us, and across the globe, stocks experienced a strong start to the year. International stocks in the MSCI EAFE gained 2.44% last week.[1] In the U.S., our major indexes also leapt forward, hitting a...
Read MoreJanuary 2, 2018 - Special Update: 2017 in Review
In the final trading days of a strong 2017, U.S. indexes lost some ground. During the holiday-shortened week, the S&P 500 dropped by 0.36%, the Dow lost 0.14%, and the NASDAQ gave back 0.81%.[1] A selloff toward the end of the day on...
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