ANNUAL MARKET REVIEW 2014

ANNUAL MARKET REVIEW 2014

The United States emerged from 2014 as the best house on a troubled block. Civil war in Ukraine, a slowing Chinese economy, a stagnant Europe worried about potential deflation, a new recession in Japan, the threat of a new Russian economic meltdown triggered by plummeting oil prices--it all made an improving situation at home look even brighter by comparison.

Even apart from the troubles overseas, the United States by almost any measure was stronger than it's been in years. The labor and housing markets improved, corporate profits were solid, Congress managed to avert another government shutdown, and the Ebola threat had little impact domestically. All in all, it was a Goldilocks economy: not too hot, which could have brought on higher interest rates from the Federal Reserve, and not too cold, which let the Fed end the QE3 bond purchases begun in the wake of the 2008 financial crisis.

That domestic strength fueled more gains for domestic equities than had been envisioned for the fifth year of this bull market. The S&P 500 ended 2014 up more than 200% from its March 2009 low, and the Dow saw its sixth straight yearly gain. However, in the coming year, investors will almost certainly be faced with the start of long anticipated interest rate increases. Though the Fed has promised patience in implementing rate hikes, higher borrowing costs and a strong dollar that makes U.S. goods more expensive overseas could create a headwind for domestic corporations. The question is whether that wind might blow the economy off its current promising course or will merely keep the game interesting.

IRA and Retirement Plan Limits for 2015

IRA and Retirement Plan Limits for 2015

IRA contribution limits

The maximum amount you can contribute to a traditional IRA or Roth IRA in 2015 is $5,500 (or 100% of your earned income, if less), unchanged from 2014. The maximum catch-up contribution for those age 50 or older remains at $1,000. (You can contribute to both a traditional and Roth IRA in 2015, but your total contributions can't exceed these annual limits.)

QUARTERLY MARKET REVIEW: JULY-SEPTEMBER 2014

QUARTERLY MARKET REVIEW: JULY-SEPTEMBER 2014

Volatility returned to equities markets in Q3. A strong August was followed by losses in September, when any rallies began to focus around selected winners rather than benefitting stocks across the board. Investors exhibited a decided preference for large caps; the S&P 500 closed above 2,000 for the first time ever and the Dow industrials also set new all-time highs. The Nasdaq returned to a level it hadn't seen since March 2000 and regained the lead for 2014. However, the Russell 2000, which has struggled for most of the year, fell deeper into negative territory year-to-date, while the Global Dow suffered from political conflicts abroad and concerns about global growth.

Bond investors continued to demonstrate surprising resilience. In early September, the yield on the benchmark 10-year Treasury fell to 2.35%--a level it hadn't seen in more than a year--as prices rose. However, as the Federal Reserve continued to taper its economic support and ramped up discussion of how and when to increase rates, demand began to taper off (though geopolitical anxieties and a strengthening dollar kept the decline in check). Gold, which started the quarter at roughly $1,320, ended below $1,220. It was hurt in part by a stronger U.S. dollar, which by the end of the quarter had hit its highest level against the euro in almost two years. Dollar strength coupled with weaker global demand also meant lower oil prices; a barrel fell from $107 a barrel to roughly $93 during the quarter, a level it hasn't seen since January.

IRS Clarifies Rules for Rollover of After-Tax Dollars from 401(k) Plans

IRS Clarifies Rules for Rollover of After-Tax Dollars from 401(k) Plans

Here's the dilemma. You have a traditional 401(k) that contains both after-tax and pre-tax dollars. You'd like to receive a distribution from the plan, convert only the after-tax dollars to a Roth IRA, and roll the pre-tax dollars into a traditional IRA. (By rolling over/converting only the after-tax dollars to a Roth IRA, you avoid paying any income tax on the conversion.)

QUARTERLY MARKET REVIEW: JANUARY-MARCH 2014

QUARTERLY MARKET REVIEW: JANUARY-MARCH 2014

The Markets

Profit-taking from 2013's strong run as well as currency and credit problems in several emerging markets threatened to derail the stock market as 2014 began. Those factors, combined with the prospect of less support from the Federal Reserve, a slowing Chinese economy, and renewed Cold War tensions, led to a volatile quarter for equities.