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The 4 Pillars of Perpetual Portfolio Planning
Posted in Uncategorized, tagged Atlanta, atlanta financial advisor, atlanta wealth manager, Calandra Financial Group, Financial, financial advisor, find a financial advisor in atlanta, investing, newstalk 1160 am, safe money, Wealth Management on May 15, 2011 | Leave a Comment »
Weekly Commentary – May 9, 2011
Posted in Uncategorized, tagged Atlanta, atlanta financial advisor, atlanta wealth manager, Calandra Financial Group, financial advisor, find a financial advisor in atlanta, income for life, retirement, safe money, senior annuity, Wealth Management on May 9, 2011 | Leave a Comment »
THE MARKETS:
More jobs and more oil – two things we have to be thankful for. When Americans are gainfully employed, they spend more and the economy grows. When there’s extra oil supply, its value drops and gas prices usually follow.
The employment picture has been improving since the beginning of the year, with a total of 768,000 jobs added since January. This momentum was carried through the month of April with the economy adding 244,000 jobs, the Labor Department reported Friday.[i] April was the strongest month for business hiring since February 2006, and the job gains were distributed across multiple business sectors. In fact, 73% of the nation’s industries have added jobs in the last six months alone. That’s the most broad-based job gain on record since 1998.[ii]
Last week finally gave us a break from the recent run-up in oil prices as crude tumbled 15% to its biggest weekly decline in more than two years.[iii] In just one week, light, sweet crude fell from a close of $113.93 to a close of $97.18 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange.[iv] After nearing $114 a barrel as fears about supplies took hold following escalating violence in Libya, a close below $100 is more than welcome.
The 15% drop in oil prices revives hope that lower gas prices will follow. And while oil usually needs to hover in this price range for a couple weeks before gas prices will fall, some analysts are predicting that prices will drop to an average of $3.75 per gallon by Memorial Day, and $3.50 by mid-summer.[v] Some areas of the country have already seen a decrease in prices. Nigel Gault, chief economist for IHS Global Insight was quoted by USA Today as saying that “If this sticks, it’s worth about 20 cents off the price at the pump.”[vi]
These are two areas of the economy that we have been watching closely, and it is nice to see these positive trends. If things continue moving in this direction, it will probably have a positive impact on the American financial system.
ECONOMIC CALENDAR:
Tuesday – Import and Export Prices, Redbook
Wednesday – International Trade, Treasury Budget
Thursday – Producer Price Index, Retail Sales, Jobless Claims, Business Inventories
Friday – Consumer Price Index, Consumer Sentiment
| Data as of 05/06/2011 |
1-Week |
YTD |
1-Year |
5-Year |
10-Year |
| Standard & Poor’s 500 |
-1.72 |
6.56 |
18.8 |
0.22 |
0.58 |
| Dow |
-1.34 |
9.17 |
20.1 |
1.83 |
1.54 |
| NASDAQ |
-1.60 |
6.58 |
21.9 |
4.14 |
2.90 |
| MSCI EAFE |
-2.93 |
5.81 |
26.0 |
-0.64 |
2.45 |
| 10-year Treasury Note (Yield Only) |
3.30 |
N/A |
3.40 |
5.11 |
5.18 |
Notes: All index returns exclude reinvested dividends, and the 5-year and 10-year returns are annualized.
Sources: Yahoo! Finance, MSCI Barra. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.
Indices are unmanaged and cannot be invested into directly. NA means not available.
HEADLINES:
News of Bin Laden’s death led U.S. stocks to trade higher on Monday morning, but the so-called “Bin Laden Rally” quickly fizzled after investors concluded his death does little to ease global economic and political risks.[vii]
G.M. Reported that their earnings tripled in the first quarter, as revenue jumped 15%. The company’s profit was more than triple what it achieved in the same period a year ago, and its fifth consecutive profitable quarter.[viii]
U.S. born radical Anwar al-Awlaki is expected to become Al Qaeda leader Bin Laden’s successor. It’s understood that he survived a U.S. drone attack on a car in Yemen on Thursday. U.S. born radical al-Awlaki is widely believed to be the mastermind behind a number of terror atrocities and the leader of Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula.[ix]
Fannie Mae reported a net loss of $6.5 billion for the first quarter as a weakening housing market dashed hopes that the company had stabilized. Fannie said Friday it would ask the government for a fresh taxpayer infusion of $6.2 billion after paying dividends to the Treasury. The loss follows net income of $73 million during the previous quarter. [x]
Eurozone members are debating milder recovery terms for debt-hit Greece as it struggles to stick to a harsh austerity plan, Greek media said Saturday after emergency talks in Luxembourg. The reports said Finance Minister George Papaconstantinou had flown to a “secret” meeting among G20 eurozone states that debated giving Athens more time to repay a 110-billion-euro ($157 billion) EU-IMF loan and easier deficit reduction targets.[xi]
QUOTE OF THE WEEK:
“A mind that is stretched by a new experience can never go back to its old dimensions.” – Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr.
RECIPE OF THE WEEK:
Coffee and Cookies Brownies
From: Better Homes and Gardens
Use refrigerated sugar cookie dough to create the crust for this simple coffee-flavored brownie dessert.
Ingredients:
1 16.5 to 18-oz pkg. refrigerated sugar cookie dough
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1 19.5 oz. pkg. milk chocolate brownie mix
1/2 cup cooking oil
1/3 cup coffee liqueur or cooled strong coffee
1 cup semisweet or bittersweet chocolate pieces
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Press sugar cookie dough into bottom of a 13x9x2-inch baking pan; set aside.
2. In a large bowl combine the eggs, brownie mix, cooking oil, and coffee liqueur until just combined. Spread batter over sugar cookie dough. Sprinkle with chocolate pieces.
3. Bake for 40 minutes or until edges are set. Cool in pan on a wire rack. To serve, cut into bars. Makes 24 brownies.
GOLF TIP OF THE WEEK:
Hooking problem? Maybe it’s your grip.
A hook occurs when the club face is closed in relation to your swing path, causing counterclockwise side spin and resulting in a hook to the left or right depending on whether you are left or right handed.
It could be that a simple repositioning of your hands on the club could help. When you hold your club, your non dominant hand should show the thumb and index knuckles. If you start seeing the back of your hand angling up, and/or you see the fingers of your dominant hand, your grip is too strong. To fix this, roll your hands forward towards the target so that the back of your hand faces the hole.
Share the Wealth of Knowledge!
Please share this market update with family, friends, or colleagues. If you would like us to add them to our list, simply click on the “Forward email” link below. We love being introduced!
Investment advisory services offered through Calandra Wealth Management, LLC – A Registered Investment Advisor
Investing involves risk including the potential loss of principal. No investment strategy can guarantee a profit or protect against loss in periods of declining values.
The Standard & Poor’s 500 (S&P 500) is an unmanaged group of securities considered to be representative of the stock market in general.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average is a price-weighted average of 30 significant stocks traded on the New York Stock Exchange and the Nasdaq. The DJIA was invented by Charles Dow back in 1896.
The MSCI EAFE Index was created by Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) that serves as a benchmark of the performance in major international equity markets as represented by 21 major MSCI indexes from Europe, Australia and Southeast Asia.
The 10-year Treasury Note represents debt owed by the United States Treasury to the public. Since the U.S. Government is seen as a risk-free borrower, investors use the 10-year Treasury Note as a benchmark for the long-term bond market.
Google Finance is the source for any reference to the performance of an index between two specific periods.
Opinions expressed are subject to change without notice and are not intended as investment advice or to predict future performance.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
You cannot invest directly in an index.
Consult your financial professional before making any investment decision.
Fixed income investments are subject to various risks including changes in interest rates, credit quality, inflation risk, market valuations, prepayments, corporate events, tax ramifications and other factors.
These are the views of Platinum Advisor Marketing Strategies, LLC, and not necessarily those of the named representative or named Broker dealer, and should not be construed as investment advice. Neither the named representative nor the named Broker dealer gives tax or legal advice. All information is believed to be from reliable sources; however, we make no representation as to its completeness or accuracy. Please consult your financial advisor for further information.
By clicking on these links, you will leave our server as they are located on another server. We have not independently verified the information available through this link. The link is provided to you as a matter of interest. Please click on the links below to leave and proceed to the selected site.
Weekly Market Commentary – April 25, 2011
Posted in Uncategorized, tagged ACCUMULATION, annuities, annuity, Atlanta, atlanta financial advisor, atlanta wealth manager, Calandra Financial Group, financial advisor, income for life, income planning, Investing Advice, Kennesaw financial planner, pension, safe money, senior annuity, tax preparation, Wealth Management on April 26, 2011 | Leave a Comment »
Weekly Market Update
Week of April 25, 2011
THE MARKETS:
Do you want to pay higher taxes? I know I don’t! But if you happen to be among the fortunate few that earn more than $250,000 a year, new polls suggest your neighbors want you to pay up.
According to the latest New York Times/CBS News poll, 72% of adults approve of increasing federal taxes on households making more than $250,000 starting in 2013.[i] At the same time, a separate poll from ABC News and the Washington Post showed that 72% of respondents want to raise taxes on the rich to help reduce the federal deficit.[ii] The desire to see America’s wealthiest citizens paying higher taxes even spans political boundaries, with 55% of Republicans, 74% of independents and 83% of Democrats all calling for an increase.[iii]
So will increasing taxes on the rich fix the budget? This is not a question we will even try to answer in this brief commentary. It is worth noting however, that less than 3% of all American households earn more than $250,000 per year,[iv] and as it stands today, the U.S. tax system is already highly disproportionate. The top 1% of income earners pay 40% of all federal income taxes, the bottom 50% pay only 3%, and more than one-third of U.S. earners pay no federal income tax at all.[v]
As new data from the Congressional Budget Office shows, raising all six income tax rates by 1 percentage point would yield an additional $480 billion over 10 years, while raising the top two rates by 1 percentage point would yield only $115 billion.[vi] So what is better: Increasing taxes a little bit for everyone or a lot for just a few? Perhaps another question to ask is whether America has a spending problem or a revenue problem? Again, these are not questions we can answer in this forum.
The point of sharing this information with you is not to fuel a political debate. The nation is already sharply divided on this issue. The reason we draw your attention to this matter is because directly or indirectly, it affects every American. And, at the rate things are going, there is a good chance we will see higher taxes in the future. Taking into consideration how taxes can affect your investments, both now and in the future, is an important element to preparing sound financial strategies. As always, we will monitor how the landscape changes and do our best to help you adapt to changing conditions.
ECONOMIC CALENDAR: Tuesday – S&P Case-Shiller Home Price Index, Consumer Confidence
Wednesday – Durable Goods Orders, FOMC Meeting Announcement
Thursday – GDC, Jobless Claims, Pending Home Sales Index Friday – Personal Income and Outlays, Chicago PMI, Consumer Sentiment, Ben Bernanke Speaks
| Data as of 04/21/2011 |
1-Week |
YTD |
1-Year |
5-Year |
10-Year |
| Standard & Poor’s 500 |
1.74 |
6.34 |
10.9 |
0.40 |
0.76 |
| Dow |
1.80 |
8.02 |
12.4 |
2.04 |
1.82 |
| NASDAQ |
2.17 |
6.31 |
12.6 |
4.07 |
3.04 |
| MSCI EAFE |
1.69 |
6.61 |
10.8 |
0.30 |
2.62 |
| 10-year Treasury Note (Yield Only) |
3.48 |
N/A |
3.74 |
5.01 |
5.26 |
Notes: All index returns exclude reinvested dividends, and the 5-year and 10-year returns are annualized.
Sources: Yahoo! Finance, MSCI Barra. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.
Indices are unmanaged and cannot be invested into directly. NA means not available.
HEADLINES:
U.S. stocks advanced for a third straight session Thursday, with the Dow closing at almost a 3-year high following a slew of strong earnings.[vii]
Sales of existing homes increased in March. Home sales rose at an annual rate of 5.1 million in March, up 3.7% from February, the National Association of Realtors said Wednesday. However, sales were 6.3% lower than in March 2010.[viii]
With a 4% gain so far this month, following March’s 10% rise, benchmark oil futures are keeping up with a long-running trend – advancing in March, April and May before taking a breather in June.[ix]
Toyota Motor Corp.’s global car production, disrupted by parts shortages from Japan’s earthquake and tsunami, won’t return to normal until November or December, imperiling its spot as the world’s top-selling automaker.[x]
QUOTE OF THE WEEK:
“Don’t judge each day by the harvest you reap but by the seeds that you plant.” – Robert Louis Stevenson
RECIPE OF THE WEEK:
Orange Snowdrops
From: Better Homes and Gardens
Frozen orange juice concentrate imparts sunshine-fresh flavor to these cookies. For thorough orange flavor, use the juice concentrate in the dough as well as the frosting.
Servings: 36 cookies
Ingredients:
½ cup butter (no substitutes)
½ cup shortening
1 cup sifted powdered sugar
½ teaspoon baking soda
1 egg
½ of a 6-ounce can (1/3 cup) frozen orange juice concentrate, thawed
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 recipe orange frosting
Finely shredded orange peel (optional)
Directions:
1. In a large mixing bowl beat butter and shortening with an electric mixer on medium to high speed for 30 seconds. Add powdered sugar and baking soda; beat until combined, scraping sides of bowl occasionally. Beat in egg, orange juice concentrate, and vanilla until combined. Beat in as much of the flour as you can with the mixer. Using a wooden spoon, stir in any remaining flour.
2. Drop dough by rounded teaspoons 2 inches apart onto an ungreased cookie sheet.
3. Bake in a 375 degree F oven about 8 minutes or until edges are lightly browned. Cool on cookie sheet for 1 minute. Transfer to wire racks: cool completely. Spread cookies with Orange Frosting. If desired, sprinkle with finely shredded orange peel. Makes about 36 cookies.
Orange Frosting
Stir together 1/2 of a 6-ounce can (1/3 cup) frozen orange juice concentrate, thawed; 1/2 teaspoon finely shredded orange peel; and 3 cups sifted powdered sugar till smooth.
GOLF TIP OF THE WEEK:
Play by Intelligence, Not Ego
Ego involvement affects many golfing situations. We may elect to shoot over a dog-leg instead of around it. We may use a high-compression ball because hard hitters do, although we could get more distance with less compression. We may shoot for the pin when our general accuracy can only justify shooting at the green.
One of the secrets to better play is not allowing your ego to affect your choices on the course. If your opponent uses a six iron, don’t hesitate to use a four wood if “your game” calls for it. In other words, play your game and not your ego.
There are some ego involvements which can be beneficial, such as pride in improvement. In general though, ego involvements prevent us from doing what a given situation calls for, and this is unfortunate. Nothing can be solved if pride produces wishful thinking or otherwise prevents us from seeing the problem as it is. Let intelligence and not ego drive your golf game and your scores will improve.
Share the Wealth of Knowledge!
Please share this market update with family, friends, or colleagues. If you would like us to add them to our list, simply click on the “Forward email” link below. We love being introduced!
Insert your broker/dealer disclosures here. i.e. Securities offered through “Your B/D Name Here,” Member FINRA/SIPC.
Investing involves risk including the potential loss of principal. No investment strategy can guarantee a profit or protect against loss in periods of declining values.
The Standard & Poor’s 500 (S&P 500) is an unmanaged group of securities considered to be representative of the stock market in general.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average is a price-weighted average of 30 significant stocks traded on the New York Stock Exchange and the Nasdaq. The DJIA was invented by Charles Dow back in 1896.
The MSCI EAFE Index was created by Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) that serves as a benchmark of the performance in major international equity markets as represented by 21 major MSCI indexes from Europe, Australia and Southeast Asia.
The 10-year Treasury Note represents debt owed by the United States Treasury to the public. Since the U.S. Government is seen as a risk-free borrower, investors use the 10-year Treasury Note as a benchmark for the long-term bond market.
Google Finance is the source for any reference to the performance of an index between two specific periods.
Opinions expressed are subject to change without notice and are not intended as investment advice or to predict future performance.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
You cannot invest directly in an index.
Consult your financial professional before making any investment decision.
Fixed income investments are subject to various risks including changes in interest rates, credit quality, inflation risk, market valuations, prepayments, corporate events, tax ramifications and other factors.
These are the views of Platinum Advisor Marketing Strategies, LLC, and not necessarily those of the named representative or named Broker dealer, and should not be construed as investment advice. Neither the named representative nor the named Broker dealer gives tax or legal advice. All information is believed to be from reliable sources; however, we make no representation as to its completeness or accuracy. Please consult your financial advisor for further information.
By clicking on these links, you will leave our server as they are located on another server. We have not independently verified the information available through this link. The link is provided to you as a matter of interest. Please click on the links below to leave and proceed to the selected site.
Weekly Market Commentary – February 28, 2010
Posted in Uncategorized, tagged Atlanta, atlanta financial advisor, atlanta wealth manager, Calandra Financial Group, DISTRIBUTION, estate planning, Financial, financial advisor, Financial Planner, GA, income planning, Investing Advice, Kennesaw financial planner, Money, Phil Calandra, PRESERVATION, retirement, tax, tax planning, Wealth Management on March 1, 2011 | Leave a Comment »
Weekly Market Update
Week of February 28, 2011 – SPECIAL EDITION
Oil and Gas on Higher Ground
As turmoil in the Middle East continues to roil the markets, it is no coincidence that “oil” is at the root of economic concerns. From an investment perspective, analyzing oil’s relationship to the markets is crucial, but the reality is that nearly everyone (investors and non-investors alike) are affected by oil prices. So what exactly is affecting the rise in oil costs? And, more importantly, do oil prices have the potential to derail America’s economic recovery?
After the fall of dictatorial governments in Tunisia and Egypt, unrest has spread throughout the Middle East, with Libya dominating the spotlight this week. The International Energy Agency reported late Friday that Libya is probably producing about 850,000 barrels of oil daily, down from its normal capacity of 1.6 million barrels, which represents just under 2% of the world’s oil supply. While the sudden oil shortage hits European refiners the hardest,[i] oil fears still caused the stock market to suffer its first weekly loss in a month. For the week, the S&P 500 slid 1.7%; the Dow dropped 2.1%, and the Nasdaq fell 1.9%.[ii] Happily, fears were eased somewhat on Friday when Saudi Arabia reported it has increased its crude oil production to 9 million barrels a day to make up for supplies lost in Libya.[iii]
What we’re seeing right now is a tug of war between worry and economic fundamentals. While most U.S. economic data looks good, investors are focused on the potential implications of interruptions in oil production. For the moment, this issue will dominate the headlines regardless of how attractive other data looks.
*Graph courtesy of http://money.cnn.com/2011/02/25/markets/oil/index.htm
U.S. drivers have already been feeling the pinch at the pump, with gas prices spiking 6 cents on Friday, the biggest one-day jump in two years. The national average price for a gallon of regular gas rose to $3.29, according to AAA, marking the fourth day in a row that prices have risen and bringing the national average to the highest level since October 2008. In general, every $1 increase in the price of oil costs consumers $1 billion over the course of a year.[iv] Higher oil prices also weigh on the U.S. economy by increasing the costs of moving goods,[v] thus transferring rising costs to manufacturers, wholesalers, retailers, and eventually the American public.
*Graph courtesy of http://money.cnn.com/2011/02/25/news/economy/gas_price_spike/index.htm
If gas prices continue to rise as some analysts predict, how will this affect the economic recovery? Put simply, there is no way to know for sure. Granted, when gas prices go up, Americans have less to spend on everything else. And since consumer spending makes up over 70% of the U.S. economy[vi], a drop in spending could slow the recovery down. At the same time though, modest increases in fuel prices do not inevitably cause economic slowdowns. What they more often do is cause alarm, thus affecting consumers’ perceptions about what they can afford and causing them to react by tightening their belts.
So while the natural reaction may be to retreat to conservative investments and cut-off all spending on nonessentials, it is important to avoid overreacting. The coming week promises to shed more light on the true status of our domestic economy as various data related to jobs, payrolls, and manufacturing are released.[vii]
ECONOMIC CALENDAR:
Monday – Personal Income and Outlays, Chicago PMI, Pending Home Sales
Tuesday – Redbook, Construction Spending
Wednesday – ADP Employment Report, EIA Petroleum Status Report, Beige Book
Thursday – ECB Announcement, Jobless Claims, Productivity and Costs, ISM Non-Mfg Index Friday – Employment Situation, Factory Orders
| Data as of 02/25/2011 | 1-Week | YTD | 1-Year | 5-Year | 10-Year |
| Standard & Poor’s 500 | -1.72 | 4.95 | 19.7 | 0.47 | 0.59 |
| Dow | -2.10 | 4.78 | 17.5 | 1.93 | 1.62 |
| NASDAQ | -1.87 | 4.83 | 24.5 | 4.32 | 2.29 |
| MSCI EAFE | -1.49 | 4.77 | 17.7 | 1.44 | 2.40 |
| 10-year Treasury Note (Yield Only) | 3.59 | N/A | 3.64 | 4.57 | 5.08 |
Notes: All index returns exclude reinvested dividends, and the 5-year and 10-year returns are annualized.
Sources: Yahoo! Finance, MSCI Barra. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.
Indices are unmanaged and cannot be invested into directly. NA means not available.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK:
“The secret of happiness is freedom. The secret of freedom is courage.”– Thucydides
RECIPE OF THE WEEK:
Lemon Verbena Cookies
From: Better Homes and Gardens
Lemon verbena adds pleasant tang to these simple sugar cookies.
Servings: 36 cookies
Prep: 20 mins
Total: 28 mins
Ingredients
2-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons dried lemon verbena leaves, crushed
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup butter (no substitutes), softened
1-1/2 cups sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
Directions
1.Combine flour, lemon verbena leaves, baking powder, and salt; set aside. Beat butter in a large bowl with an electric mixer on medium speed for 30 seconds. Add sugar, eggs, and vanilla. Beat until well combined. Add half of the flour mixture. Beat until combined. Stir in remaining flour mixture with a wooden spoon until combined.
2. Drop dough by rounded teaspoonfuls 2 inches apart on an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake in a 350 degree F oven for 8 to 10 minutes or until edges are lightly browned. Remove to wire racks and cool. Makes 36.
GOLF TIP OF THE WEEK:
Maintain Your Balance
Maintaining your balance is important in all sports. In golf, better balance throughout your swing insures a solid shot. Here are two ways to improve your balance, which in turn will improve your ball contact and control, thus leading to lower scores.
1) Limit the amount of force you use when hitting the ball. Too many golfers think they need to use all their strength to hit the ball and this causes severe control problems. The majority of golf professionals will tell you they only use about 75% of their strength when hitting and/or swinging at the ball.
In order to practice this, simply go to the driving range and try to develop the feeling you are only hitting and/or swinging at the ball with 75% of your power by:
A. Hitting balls with a 3/4 back swing
B. Hitting balls shorter distances, say 25% shorter.
2) Wear the slickest soled regular street shoes or boots possible whenever you practice (NOT spikes or golf shoes). It’s amazing how fast you learn to swing within yourself, keep in balance and maintain control when NOT doing so could cause you to lose your balance.
Share the Wealth of Knowledge!
Please share this market update with family, friends, or colleagues. If you would like us to add them to our list, simply click on the “Forward email” link below. We love being introduced!
Insert your broker/dealer disclosures here. i.e. Securities offered through “Your B/D Name Here,” Member FINRA/SIPC.
*Stock investing involves market risk including loss of principal. The fast price swings of commodities will result in significant volatility in an investor’s holdings. Government bonds and Treasury Bills are guaranteed by the US Government as to the timely payment of principal and interest and, if held to maturity, offer a fixed rate of return and fixed principal value.
Investing involves risk including the potential loss of principal. No investment strategy can guarantee a profit or protect against loss in periods of declining values.
[i]http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hYoyif7KWMVcuNnmsT9eJ7tcTxtw?docId=09faacc3557c4a43999d1d9e7f84a960
[iii] http://www.nasdaq.com/aspx/stock-market-news-story.aspx?storyid=201102270952dowjonesdjonline000207&title=saudi-arabia-producing-9-million-b/d-officials
Weekly Market Commentary – 2/14/2011
Posted in Uncategorized, tagged ACCUMULATION, Adviser, Atlanta, atlanta wealth manager, Calandra, Calandra Financial Group, DISTRIBUTION, estate planning, financial advisor, Financial Planner, income planning, investing, Investing Advice, Kennesaw financial planner, Money, Phil Calandra, tax planning, Wealth Management, Your Financial Life on February 15, 2011 | Leave a Comment »
Weekly Market Update
Week of February 14, 2011
THE MARKETS:
Wall Street started last week holding its breath while waiting to see whether Hosni Mubarak would step down as Egypt’s president. Bowing to pro-democracy protests, Mubarak resigned on Friday, ending 30 years of authoritarian rule in the Middle East’s most populous country.[1]
As fireworks burst over Cairo’s Tahrir Square, there was a collective sigh of relief on Wall Street, while the benchmark averages rose to finish Friday’s session with weekly gains. U.S. stocks climbed to fresh 2 1/2-year closing highs after the resignation of Mubarak removed a layer of uncertainty from global markets.[2] The Dow had a weekly advance of 1.5%, while the S&P 500 rose 1.4% and the Nasdaq added 1.5%.
Analysts and investors agree that Mubarak’s resignation dramatically reduces geopolitical risk and uncertainty from the region.[3] Reflecting this, oil prices fell following the news in Egypt, with crude dropping to $85.16 a barrel in midday trading Friday. Other dollar-denominated commodities, including gold and silver, also drifted lower following Mubarak’s resignation. Gold prices slid $5.30, settling at $1,357.20 an ounce.[4]
On another topic, how does starting a new week on St. Valentine’s Day traditionally affect the markets? Interestingly, the “day of love” hasn’t customarily shown much “love” to investors; at least when using the S&P 500 index as a gauge. According to Howard Silverblatt, a senior index analyst at S&P Indices, going back to 1928, February 14 trading days only notched gains on the S&P 38.7% of the time against a historical daily rate of 52.03%. Here’s an interesting caveat though – in looking at the 11 Valentine’s Days that occurred on the first trading day of the week, the S&P 500 logged a gain 63.4% of the time.[5] While we’re certainly not trying to make a prediction, it is interesting to see what history can teach us about market behaviors.
From war and peace one week, to love and chocolates the next, it just goes to show that almost any world event has potential to affect people’s investments. Like everything in life, weathering all the little ups and downs requires intelligence, patience, and a cool head.
ECONOMIC CALENDAR:
Tuesday – Retail Sales, Empire State Mfg. Survey, Import and Export Prices, Redbook, Treasury International Capital, Business Inventories, Housing Market Index Wednesday – Housing Starts, Producer Price Index, Industrial Production, EIA Petroleum Status Report, FOMC Minutes
Thursday – Consumer Price Index, Jobless Claims, Industrial Production, Leading Indicators, Philadelphia Fed Survey
| Data as of 02/11/2011 | 1-Week | YTD | 1-Year | 5-Year | 10-Year |
| Standard & Poor’s 500 | 1.39 | 5.69 | 23.2 | 0.98 | 0.11 |
| Dow | 1.50 | 6.01 | 20.9 | 2.48 | 1.38 |
| NASDAQ | 1.45 | 5.90 | 29.0 | 4.84 | 1.37 |
| MSCI EAFE | 0.07 | 4.48 | 17.6 | 1.71 | N/A |
| 10-year Treasury Note (Yield Only) | 3.65 | N/A | 3.73 | 4.58 | 5.02 |
Notes: All index returns exclude reinvested dividends, and the 5-year and 10-year returns are annualized.
Sources: Yahoo! Finance, MSCI Barra. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.
Indices are unmanaged and cannot be invested into directly. NA means not available.
HEADLINES:
Pandora Media Inc., filed papers Friday to raise as much as $100 million in an initial public offering of stock. Pandora offers an Internet service that creates playlists of songs based on user feedback. The Oakland, Calif.-based company said it now has more than 80 million registered users, and “a more than 50% share of all Internet radio listening time among the top 20 stations and networks in the United States.”[6]
The euro fell to a three-week low against the dollar as speculation increased that Portugal will follow Ireland in tapping the European Financial Stability Facility. Yields on 10-year Portuguese debt climbed on Feb. 10 to 7.64 percent, the highest level since the introduction of the euro in 1999.[7]
U.S. consumer sentiment rose to its highest level in eight months in early February, boosted by recent tax cuts and optimism about the economy. The preliminary February reading for the overall index on consumer sentiment came in at 75.1, up from 74.2 in January, the highest level since June 2010.[8]
The Commerce Department says the deficit in December increased 5.9% to $40.6 billion. It grew because the 2.6% gain in imports outpaced the 1.8% rise in exports. For 2010, the U.S. trade deficit rose to $497.8 billion, a 32.8% surge and the biggest annual percentage gain since 2000.[9]
QUOTE OF THE WEEK:
“A loving heart is the beginning of all knowledge.” – Thomas Carlyle
RECIPE OF THE WEEK:
Six-Layer Brownie Bars
From: Betty Crocker
Layers of decadence over easy-mix brownie batter create this ultimate brownie bar.
Servings: 36 bars
Prep: 20 mins
Total: 3 hrs 10 mins
Ingredients:
1 box Betty Crocker® Original Supreme brownie mix (1 pound 6.5 ounces)
1/3 cup butter or margarine, melted
1 egg
1 cup coconut
1 cup toffee bits
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
1 cup chopped pecans
1 can sweetened condensed milk (not evaporated, 14 ounces)
Directions:
1. Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease bottom only of 13×9-inch pan with cooking spray or shortening. (For easier cutting, line pan with foil, then grease foil on bottom only of pan.)
2. In large bowl, stir brownie mix, pouch of chocolate syrup, butter and egg until well blended. Press into pan. Bake 10 minutes.
3. Top with coconut, toffee bits, chocolate chips and pecans. Drizzle evenly with condensed milk. Bake 35 to 40 minutes longer or until edges are bubbly and center is set. Cool completely, about 2 hours. For bars, cut into 9 rows by 4 rows.
GOLF TIP OF THE WEEK:
SET YOUR ALIGNMENT
Many shots that are hit to the right or left get blamed on the swing when they are actually a product of poor alignment. In order to hit the ball at a target, you must line up correctly.
Before hitting, stand behind your ball about 3 to 5 feet so it is between you and your intended target. Now pick an object on the ground no more than two feet in front of the ball, (a golf tee, blade of grass, leaf, or anything else) that lies on the imaginary line that goes from your ball to your intended target.
Walk up and address the ball while pretending the object on the ground is your target. Align the lines on your club face so they are perpendicular to the object. Do not even look at your real target until you have established your address, and then be sure not to change your stance.
Share the Wealth of Knowledge!
Please share this market update with family, friends, or colleagues. If you would like us to add them to our list, simply click on the “Forward email” link below. We love being introduced!
Insert your broker/dealer disclosures here. i.e. Securities offered through “Your B/D Name Here,” Member FINRA/SIPC.
*Stock investing involves market risk including loss of principal. The fast price swings of commodities will result in significant volatility in an investor’s holdings. Government bonds and Treasury Bills are guaranteed by the US Government as to the timely payment of principal and interest and, if held to maturity, offer a fixed rate of return and fixed principal value.
Investing involves risk including the potential loss of principal. No investment strategy can guarantee a profit or protect against loss in periods of declining values.
The Standard & Poor’s 500 (S&P 500) is an unmanaged group of securities considered to be representative of the stock market in general.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average is a price-weighted average of 30 significant stocks traded on the New York Stock Exchange and the Nasdaq. The DJIA was invented by Charles Dow back in 1896.
The MSCI EAFE Index was created by Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) that serves as a benchmark of the performance in major international equity markets as represented by 21 major MSCI indexes from Europe, Australia and Southeast Asia.
The 10-year Treasury Note represents debt owed by the United States Treasury to the public. Since the U.S. Government is seen as a risk-free borrower, investors use the 10-year Treasury Note as a benchmark for the long-term bond market.
Google Finance is the source for any reference to the performance of an index between two specific periods.
Opinions expressed are subject to change without notice and are not intended as investment advice or to predict future performance.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
You cannot invest directly in an index.
Consult your financial professional before making any investment decision.
Fixed income investments are subject to various risks including changes in interest rates, credit quality, inflation risk, market valuations, prepayments, corporate events, tax ramifications and other factors.
These are the views of Platinum Advisor Marketing Strategies, LLC, and not necessarily those of the named representative or named Broker dealer, and should not be construed as investment advice. Neither the named representative nor the named Broker dealer gives tax or legal advice. All information is believed to be from reliable sources; however, we make no representation as to its completeness or accuracy. Please consult your financial advisor for further information.
[2] http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-02-12/dollar-advances-as-egypt-european-debt-stoke-demand-for-safety.html
Weekly Market Commentary – 2/7/2011
Posted in Uncategorized, tagged ACCUMULATION, Adviser, analyst, Atlanta, Calandra, Calandra Financial Group, DISTRIBUTION, estate planning, Financial, Financial Planner, GA, income planning, Investing Advice, Kennesaw financial planner, Money, Phil, Wealth Management on February 7, 2011 | Leave a Comment »
Weekly Market Update
Week of February 7, 2011
THE MARKETS:
In spite of ongoing turmoil in Egypt and the Middle East, the markets continued their gain last week. For the period ending February 4th, the Dow rose 2.3%, the S&P 500 gained 2.7%, and the Nasdaq climbed 3.1%[1] reflecting elevated optimism in the markets. The AAII Sentiment Survey for last week shows that 51.5% of investors are feeling bullish, up 9.5% from the week of January 24th. That’s well above the historical average of 39%.[2]
Indeed, this optimism is even more remarkable in light of last week’s jobs report which has been subject to conflicting opinions and interpretations. Case in point: According to a MarketWatch headline from Friday, the “job crisis isn’t over”,[3] while a cnnmoney.com headline from the same day touted that, “the job market is getting better.”[4] Each headline could be considered accurate, but clearly they offer different slants. Though the rate of hiring did not show a notable increase, the unemployment rate still fell to 9.0%[5] – bad news and good news at the same time. Some analysts predict that bad weather across the U.S. is partially to blame, with more than 850,000 workers prevented from working at the time the survey was conducted.[6] Other explanations have also been cited, and as a result, it appears that many are waiting for February’s report for clarification before jumping to conclusions.
Recent events, both within the U.S. and internationally, illustrate a noteworthy aspect of investing: It is impossible to predict how the stock market will react to news. Such an optimistic week in light of Egyptian strife and a conflicting jobs report is a pleasant surprise. It seems that the market has had time to price in geopolitical risks in Egypt and sluggish jobs growth and found such factors to be no immediate threat.[7] Clearly, the headlines and the stock market do not always move in tandem. This is a good fact to remember when evaluating how much credence should be given to sensational news reports.
ECONOMIC CALENDAR
Tuesday – Redbook
Wednesday – Bank Reserve Settlement, EIA Petroleum Status
Thursday – BOE Announcement, Jobless Claims, Wholesale Trades, Treasury Budget Friday – International Trade, Consumer Sentiment
| Data as of 02/04/2011 | 1-Week | YTD | 1-Year | 5-Year | 10-Year |
| Standard & Poor’s 500 | 2.71 | 4.23 | 23.3 | 0.74 | -0.29 |
| Dow | 2.27 | 4.45 | 20.9 | 2.41 | 1.13 |
| NASDAQ | 3.07 | 4.39 | 30.3 | 4.48 | 0.41 |
| MSCI EAFE | 3.16 | 3.93 | 15.7 | -0.41 | 1.56 |
| 10-year Treasury Note (Yield Only) | 3.33 | N/A | 3.61 | 4.53 | 5.14 |
Notes: All index returns exclude reinvested dividends, and the 5-year and 10-year returns are annualized.
Sources: Yahoo! Finance, MSCI Barra. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.
Indices are unmanaged and cannot be invested into directly. NA means not available.
HEADLINES:
The Green Bay Packers won its fourth Superbowl title in a 31-25 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Vince Lombardi Trophy is headed back to Titletown for the first time in 14 years.[8]
Super Bowl-related consumer spending will reach $10.1 billion this year, the National Retail Federation says. The Washington-based trade group cites a survey conducted by its Retail Advertising and Marketing Association division that says the average consumer will spend $59.33 on game-related merchandise, apparel and snacks, up from $52.63 last year.[9]
Hackers have repeatedly penetrated the computers running Nasdaq during the past year. Though the exchange’s trading platform was not violated and no information has been compromised, a federal investigation is underway.[10]
Businesses’ unemployment-insurance payments rose 37% in 2010. Last year, the amount employers paid into state unemployment-insurance funds rose 34%. Combined with the increase in total wages, businesses paid out $43 billion.[11]
On Friday, Bank of America appointed a new foreclosure and loan modifications czar, and created a new unit to oversee problem home loans. The new unit creates a seventh major division at the bank and will be overseen by Terry Laughlin. The move splits the largest U.S. bank by assets’ mortgage business: one focused on new and current mortgages, and another dedicated to foreclosures.[12]
QUOTE OF THE WEEK:
“A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.” –Winston Churchill
RECIPE OF THE WEEK:
Roasted Pepper and Artichoke Pizza
From: Diabetic Living
Artichoke hearts and goat cheese make this chicken pizza good for entertaining. It’s meant to be a main dish but it could also be a party appetizer.
Servings: 8 servings
Prep: 15 mins
Total: 35 mins
Ingredients:
1 6- to 6-1/2-ounce package pizza crust mix
1 teaspoon dried oregano or basil, crushed
1/2 cup pizza sauce
1 cup coarsely chopped or shredded cooked chicken (about 5 ounces)
1 6-ounce jar marinated artichoke hearts, drained and coarsely chopped
1 cup roasted red and/or yellow sweet peppers, cut into strips
1/4 cup sliced green onions or chopped red onion
1/2 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese (2 ounces)
4 ounces semisoft goat cheese (chevre), crumbled
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Grease a large baking sheet; set aside. Prepare pizza crust according to package directions, except stir oregano into dry mix. With floured hands, pat dough into a 15×10-inch rectangle on prepared baking sheet, building up edges slightly (crust will be thin). Bake for 7 minutes.
2. Spread pizza sauce evenly over crust. Top with chicken, artichokes, roasted peppers, and green onion. Top with mozzarella cheese and goat cheese.
3. Bake for 13 to 15 minutes more or until edges of crust are golden brown. Makes 8 servings.
GOLF TIP OF THE WEEK:
WRIST ACTION
Be careful not to flex the wrists when chipping and putting. Golfers usually do not even realize they are flexing their wrists during these shots. When this happens, controlling distance becomes almost impossible, loft will be incorrect at impact, and putts lose true roll and consistent distance control.
Always keep your wrist solid and avoid flexing them for putts or chip shots. This is imperative to achieve consistency.
Share the Wealth of Knowledge!
Please share this market update with family, friends, or colleagues. If you would like us to add them to our list, simply click on the “Forward email” link below. We love being introduced!
Insert your broker/dealer disclosures here. i.e. Securities offered through “Your B/D Name Here,” Member FINRA/SIPC.
*Stock investing involves market risk including loss of principal. The fast price swings of commodities will result in significant volatility in an investor’s holdings. Government bonds and Treasury Bills are guaranteed by the US Government as to the timely payment of principal and interest and, if held to maturity, offer a fixed rate of return and fixed principal value.
Investing involves risk including the potential loss of principal. No investment strategy can guarantee a profit or protect against loss in periods of declining values.
The Standard & Poor’s 500 (S&P 500) is an unmanaged group of securities considered to be representative of the stock market in general.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average is a price-weighted average of 30 significant stocks traded on the New York Stock Exchange and the Nasdaq. The DJIA was invented by Charles Dow back in 1896.
The MSCI EAFE Index was created by Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) that serves as a benchmark of the performance in major international equity markets as represented by 21 major MSCI indexes from Europe, Australia and Southeast Asia.
The 10-year Treasury Note represents debt owed by the United States Treasury to the public. Since the U.S. Government is seen as a risk-free borrower, investors use the 10-year Treasury Note as a benchmark for the long-term bond market.
Google Finance is the source for any reference to the performance of an index between two specific periods.
Opinions expressed are subject to change without notice and are not intended as investment advice or to predict future performance.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
You cannot invest directly in an index.
Consult your financial professional before making any investment decision.
Fixed income investments are subject to various risks including changes in interest rates, credit quality, inflation risk, market valuations, prepayments, corporate events, tax ramifications and other factors.
These are the views of Platinum Advisor Marketing Strategies, LLC, and not necessarily those of the named representative or named Broker dealer, and should not be construed as investment advice. Neither the named representative nor the named Broker dealer gives tax or legal advice. All information is believed to be from reliable sources; however, we make no representation as to its completeness or accuracy. Please consult your financial advisor for further information.
Weekly Market Commentary – Jannuary 24, 2011
Posted in Uncategorized, tagged ACCUMULATION, advice, Adviser, advisor, Atlanta, Calandra, Calandra Financial Group, estate planning, financial advisor, Financial Planner, income planning, investing, Investing Advice, Money, preparation, retirement, tax, Wealth Management, Your Financial Life on January 31, 2011 | Leave a Comment »
Weekly Market Update
Week of January 24, 2011
THE MARKETS:
While the recovery continues to burn brighter, it’s no thanks to the rising cost of gasoline. Most consumers are cringing over prices at the pump and, as a nationwide economic marker, it affects nearly everyone.
Gas prices hit almost $3.12/gallon on Friday, less than a dollar below the all-time high of about $4.11/gallon in July 2008.[1] Current prices have risen 12 cents a gallon (4%) in the last month alone and 39 cents (14%) over the last year. Crude oil has risen on a similar track and is currently trading at just under $90 a barrel.[2]
Though American consumers are paying the price, international oil demand and lack of supply are primarily responsible for the rising cost. Last year, worldwide demand hit a record of more than 87 million barrels a day, largely driven by strong growth in India, China, and the Middle East. Simultaneously, supply was constricted by the drilling moratorium in the Gulf of Mexico following the BP disaster, slow production growth in non-OPEC countries, and OPEC production controls.[3]
Gas prices are proving to be a critical, but unpredictable element in the economic recovery. Analysts are predicting prices to range from $3.20 to $3.75/gallon by spring, just when Americans typically hit the road.[4] Just as positive consumer sentiment can be tempered by the daily reminders of rising prices, there is also an unknown tipping point for when those prices take a toll on spending.[5]
While all this talk about rising gas prices may have you feeling less than enthusiastic, the overall economic outlook is still positive and the stock market is performing well. While some indexes fell slightly for the week, the Dow climbed 0.72%, continuing its longest winning streak since April of last year.[6] At least for now, rising gas prices aren’t creating a significant drag on the economic recovery.
ECONOMIC CALENDAR:
Tuesday – Redbook, S&P Case Shiller HPI, Consumer Confidence
Wednesday – New Home Sales, EIA Petroleum Status Report
Thursday – Durable Goods Orders, Jobless Claims, Pending Home Sales Friday – GDP, Employment Cost Index, Consumer Sentiment
| Data as of 01/21/2011 | 1-Week | YTD | 1-Year | 5-Year | 10-Year |
| Standard & Poor’s 500 | -0.76 | 2.04 | 14.9 | 0.35 | -0.44 |
| Dow | 0.72 | 2.54 | 14.3 | 2.26 | 1.21 |
| NASDAQ | -2.39 | 1.38 | 18.7 | 3.93 | -0.29 |
| MSCI EAFE | -0.35 | 1.83 | 7.12 | -0.43 | 1.32 |
| 10-year Treasury Note (Yield Only) | 3.33 | N/A | 3.61 | 4.36 | 5.17 |
Notes: All index returns exclude reinvested dividends, and the 5-year and 10-year returns are annualized.
Sources: Yahoo! Finance, MSCI Barra. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.
Indices are unmanaged and cannot be invested into directly. NA means not available.
HEADLINES:
Facebook raised $1.5 billion from Goldman Sachs and Digital Sky Technologies, giving the company an estimated value of $50 billion. Facebook confirmed that it will begin filing public financial reports by April 2012, a move likely indicative of an IPO.[7]
A 1963 Pontiac ambulance that supposedly carried the body of President John F. Kennedy after his assassination was sold at a Scottsdale, Ariz., auction Saturday night for $132,000.[8]
Existing home sales jumped 12% in December, the fifth month of gains in the past six months. While the rates are higher than expected, the median price of homes has fallen by 1% and is still down 2.9% from a year ago.[9]
Thirty-second advertising spots for 2011’s Super Bowl XLV will cost about $3 million each. This year’s ads contain a record number from the auto industry, while the largest advertisers include Anheuser-Busch and Dot-com firms. Many will include online features with contest components.[10]
QUOTE OF THE WEEK:
“There is no such thing in anyone’s life as an unimportant day.” – Alexander Woollcott
RECIPE OF THE WEEK:
Gorgonzola and Toasted Walnut Spread
From: Betty Crocker
The fabulous flavor of toasted walnuts infuses every bite of this rich and creamy spread.
Servings: 16 servings (2 tablespoons spread and 2 bread or fruit slices each).
Total: 10 mins
Ingredients:
1 cup crumbled Gorgonzola cheese
1 package cream cheese, softened (8 ounce)
3 tablespoons half-and-half
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
1/2 cup chopped walnuts, toasted
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
French bread slices
Apple and pear slices
Directions:
1. Reserve 1 tablespoon of the Gorgonzola cheese for garnish. In food processor, place cream cheese, remaining Gorgonzola cheese, half-and-half and pepper. Cover and process until blended.
2. Reserve 1 tablespoon of the walnuts for garnish. Stir remaining walnuts into cheese mixture. Spoon into shallow serving bowl. Sprinkle with reserved Gorgonzola cheese, walnuts and the parsley. Serve with bread slices and apple slices.
GOLF TIP OF THE WEEK:
Cut the Tension
Tension in your golf swing can cause you to lose distance and accuracy. By executing certain fundamentals correctly, tension is avoided.
At a basic level you can decrease tension by working on a proper grip. A grip that has proper tension is achieved by doing the following: Place the grip in the fingers of both hands. With the bottom hand, start the grip in the middle of the fingers. Avoid the palm. Also, place the thumb of the top hand off to the side, away from the target, and place the bottom thumb on the other side of the grip, closest to the target. The thumbs have many nerves at the tips. If the thumbs run directly down the center of the grip, you trigger those nerves. The arms tense up and you now have tension.
Your goal should be to achieve a light grip. If you maintain a light grip during the swing, you will avoid any swing characteristics that cause tension. If you use a tight grip then you also tense your forearm muscles, and this automatically opens the face of the club causing pushed shots.
Parting thought… RELAX.
Share the Wealth of Knowledge!
Please share this market update with family, friends, or colleagues. If you would like us to add them to our list, simply click on the “Forward email” link below. We love being introduced!
Insert your broker/dealer disclosures here. i.e. Securities offered through “Your B/D Name Here,” Member FINRA/SIPC.
Investing involves risk including the potential loss of principal. No investment strategy can guarantee a profit or protect against loss in periods of declining values.
The Standard & Poor’s 500 (S&P 500) is an unmanaged group of securities considered to be representative of the stock market in general.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average is a price-weighted average of 30 significant stocks traded on the New York Stock Exchange and the Nasdaq. The DJIA was invented by Charles Dow back in 1896.
The MSCI EAFE Index was created by Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) that serves as a benchmark of the performance in major international equity markets as represented by 21 major MSCI indexes from Europe, Australia and Southeast Asia.
The 10-year Treasury Note represents debt owed by the United States Treasury to the public. Since the U.S. Government is seen as a risk-free borrower, investors use the 10-year Treasury Note as a benchmark for the long-term bond market.
Google Finance is the source for any reference to the performance of an index between two specific periods.
Opinions expressed are subject to change without notice and are not intended as investment advice or to predict future performance.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
You cannot invest directly in an index.
Consult your financial professional before making any investment decision.
These are the views of Platinum Advisor Marketing Strategies, LLC, and not necessarily those of the named representative or named Broker dealer, and should not be construed as investment advice. Neither the named representative nor the named Broker dealer gives tax or legal advice. All information is believed to be from reliable sources; however, we make no representation as to its completeness or accuracy. Please consult your financial advisor for further information.
Weekly Market Update – Special Edition
Posted in Uncategorized, tagged 30144, ACCUMULATION, advice, Adviser, analyst, Atlanta, Calandra, Calandra Financial Group, estate planning, financial advisor, Financial Planner, GA, income planning, investing, Investing Advice, Kennesaw financial planner, Money, Phil Calandra, planning, PRESERVATION, retirement, tax, Wealth Management on January 3, 2011 | Leave a Comment »
Weekly Market Update
SPECIAL EDITION – 2010 IN REVIEW
THE MARKETS:
2010 was truly a year for the history books! The Standard & Poor’s 500 began January at 1115, and then crisscrossed that line 165 times to eventually end the ride with its finest December performance in 19 years. The Dow’s second-straight annual increase was equally dramatic, with almost half of its climb (5.2%) occurring in December.[1]
The Standard & Poor’s 500 (S&P 500) is an unmanaged group of securities considered to be representative of the stock market in general. Indexes cannot be invested into. Chart is for illustration purposes only.
More than a few factors influenced the roller coaster ride of last year. Here are a few of the highlights: [2]
January – Stocks start out looking good at 15-month highs.
February – European debt concerns take center stage as investors fear Greece will default and trigger a landslide that continues into Portugal, Italy, Ireland and Spain. Anxiety about these areas tug at the markets all year.
April – In a series of left hooks, the SEC files charges against Goldman-Sachs related to improper sale of securities tied to subprime mortgages, the BP oil spill fiasco begins, and Greece requests a $53 billion bailout.
May – Wall Street experiences the infamous “Flash Crash” that sends the Dow plunging almost 1,000 points in just a matter of minutes.
July – Stocks sink to 2010 lows as June’s jobs report disappoints. President Obama signs the Frank-Dodd Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act into law, enacting the most far-reaching financial reform since the 1930s.
November – Republicans win back the House in mid-term elections – a shift in power that is generally seen as a win for Wall Street. The Fed unveils a $600 billion bond-buying stimulus program called quantitative easing, and the Dow and Nasdaq touch 2-year highs.
December – President Obama signs the $858 billion tax cut deal into law. Stocks end the year on a high note with the S&P up 12%, the Dow up 10%, and the Nasdaq up 17%.
As we ride a wave of optimism into 2011, there are still a number of challenges to face. The Fed’s QE2 policy has many experts increasingly worried about inflation. Home prices are falling again, leading to questions about a double-dip in the housing market recovery. And the economy continues to suffer from one of the longest job droughts in our nation’s history, with the monthly unemployment rate lingering above 9% for 19 straight months.[3]
Investors will also be paying attention to politics and global economics as the year begins. Congress will return this week with Republicans in control of the House, and while investors are hoping the new political landscape will deliver business-friendly policies, there’s also the chance of political gridlock. In addition, Euro zone debt and China’s attempts to rein in inflation without derailing progress pose potential hurdles to overcome.[4]
All things considered, the future looks bright for 2011. Bullish sentiment toward the stock market is spreading and investors are beginning to put more money into it than they are pulling out.[5] There has been a recent decrease in unemployment claims which are currently at their lowest level since July 2008.[6] And corporate earnings are strong, with a 32% growth rate estimated for S&P 500 companies in 2010’s fourth quarter.[7]
The new year is beginning on a more positive note than many investors could have predicted given the challenges of 2010. And while we hope the economy and the stock market maintains its positive momentum, history teaches us that ups and downs are part of life. Whatever we face in the year ahead, rest assured that we will maintain a watchful eye on any factors that have the potential to affect you. May a bright and prosperous 2011 be yours!
ECONOMIC CALENDAR:
Tuesday – Motor Vehicle Sales, Redbook, Factory Orders
Wednesday – ISM Non-Mfg Index, EIA Petroleum Status
Thursday – Jobless Claims, Fed Balance Sheet, Money Supply
Friday – Employment Situation, Consumer Credit
| Data as of 12/29/2010 | 1-Week | 1-Year | 5-Year | 10-Year |
| Standard & Poor’s 500 | 0.07 | 12.78 | 0.15 | -0.47 |
| Dow | 0.03 | 11.02 | 1.60 | 0.73 |
| NASDAQ | -0.48 | 16.91 | 4.06 | 0.74 |
| MSCI EAFE | 0.68 | 4.90 | -0.26 | 1.06 |
| 10-year Treasury Note (Yield Only) | 3.35 | 3.81 | 4.38 | 5.11 |
Notes: All index returns exclude reinvested dividends, and the 5-year and 10-year returns are annualized.
Sources: Yahoo! Finance, MSCI Barra. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.
Indices are unmanaged and cannot be invested into directly. NA means not available.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK:
“For last year’s words belong to last year’s language, and next year’s words await another voice, and to make an end is to make a beginning.” – T.S. Eliot
RECIPE OF THE WEEK:
Apple Fritters
From: Better Homes and Gardens
Servings: Makes 12 fritters.
Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients:
2 tart, medium cooking apples, such as Jonathan or Granny Smith
2/3 cup all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon finely shredded lemon peel
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1 egg
1/2 cup milk
1 teaspoon cooking oil
Shortening or cooking oil
Powdered sugar (optional)
Cinnamon sticks (optional)
Directions:
1. Core apples and cut each apple crosswise into 6 slices. Set slices aside.
2. In a large bowl combine flour, the 1 tablespoon powdered sugar, the lemon peel, and baking powder. In a medium bowl use a wire whisk or rotary beater to beat egg, milk, and the 1 teaspoon cooking oil until combined. Add egg mixture all at once to flour mixture; beat until smooth. Using a fork, dip apple rings into batter; drain off excess batter.
3. Fry 2 or 3 fritters at a time in deep hot fat (365 degrees F.) for 1 minute on each side or until golden, turning once with a slotted spoon. Drain on paper towels. Repeat with remaining fritters. Sprinkle warm fritters with sifted powdered sugar, if desired. Cool on wire racks. To serve, thread fritters onto cinnamon sticks, if desired. Makes 12 fritters.
GOLF TIP OF THE WEEK:
POINT OF IMPACT
Although there are many types of impact tape and gadgets you can put on the club face to show you where the ball hits, they have two things in common:
1. They are difficult to put on – especially when you are playing a round of golf.
2. They are expensive.
Here’s an easy, inexpensive way to know exactly where the ball is striking the face of your club:
Buy a small container of Johnson & Johnson baby powder. (The small plastic ones that moms carry in their purses are perfect because they fit anyplace in your golf bag.) When you are at the range or playing a round of golf and want to see the impact point, just pull out the powder and lightly dust the ball. After you hit, the point of impact will be marked on the face of the club.
Share the Wealth of Knowledge!
Please share this market update with family, friends, or colleagues. If you would like us to add them to our list, simply click on the “Forward email” link below. We love being introduced!
Insert your broker/dealer disclosures here. i.e. Securities offered through “Your B/D Name Here,” Member FINRA/SIPC.
Investing involves risk including the potential loss of principal. No investment strategy can guarantee a profit or protect against loss in periods of declining values.
The Standard & Poor’s 500 (S&P 500) is an unmanaged group of securities considered to be representative of the stock market in general.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average is a price-weighted average of 30 significant stocks traded on the New York Stock Exchange and the Nasdaq. The DJIA was invented by Charles Dow back in 1896.
The MSCI EAFE Index was created by Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) that serves as a benchmark of the performance in major international equity markets as represented by 21 major MSCI indexes from Europe, Australia and Southeast Asia.
The 10-year Treasury Note represents debt owed by the United States Treasury to the public. Since the U.S. Government is seen as a risk-free borrower, investors use the 10-year Treasury Note as a benchmark for the long-term bond market.
Google Finance is the source for any reference to the performance of an index between two specific periods.
Opinions expressed are subject to change without notice and are not intended as investment advice or to predict future performance.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
You cannot invest directly in an index.
Consult your financial professional before making any investment decision.
These are the views of Platinum Advisor Marketing Strategies, LLC, and not necessarily those of the named representative or named Broker dealer, and should not be construed as investment advice. Neither the named representative nor the named Broker dealer gives tax or legal advice. All information is believed to be from reliable sources; however, we make no representation as to its completeness or accuracy. Please consult your financial advisor for further information.
Weekly Market Commentary – 12/20/2010
Posted in Uncategorized, tagged ACCUMULATION, advice, Adviser, advisor, analyst, Atlanta, Calandra, Calandra Financial Group, estate planning, Financial, financial advisor, Financial Planner, income planning, investing, Investing Advice, Kennesaw financial planner, Money, Phil, Phil Calandra, Planner, Wealth Management, Your Financial Life on December 22, 2010 | Leave a Comment »
Weekly Market Update
Week of December 20, 2010
THE MARKETS:
After months of speculation about the future of Bush era tax cuts, closure finally came late Thursday when the House of Representatives approved an $858 billion tax package to extend them through 2012. The approval of the plan has been marked by an optimistic attitude in the markets and positive speculation about the future of the economic recovery. While the S&P 500 only edged up one point this week, it has gained nearly 6% since Obama agreed to compromise with Republicans on the tax plan[i], and all major indexes either closed at or touched 52-week highs at some point during the last five trading days.[ii]
The economy is also showing signs of gaining ground, as a slew of upbeat statistics – from rising retail sales to falling unemployment claims – indicate. The economy grew at an annualized pace of 2.5% in the third quarter, and expanded growth is expected into next year. In an interview late Friday, Former Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan told Bloomberg: “The U.S. economy unquestionably has some momentum. The fourth quarter looks good. The growth rate could be 3.5 percent or more.”[iii] He later expressed this pick up in the economy should lead to increased hiring, and that the unemployment rate should drop next year. This would certainly be a welcome development!
It will be interesting to see what affect the new tax bill has on stock market performance in the shortened trading week ahead. Regardless of how things go, we hope you will relax and enjoy some quality time off with your family and friends.
NOTE: We will be providing more information on the new Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization, and Job Creation Act of 2010 soon. Stay tuned.
ECONOMIC CALENDAR:[iv]
Tuesday – Redbook
Wednesday – GDP, Corporate Profits, Existing Home Sales, EIA Petroleum Status
Thursday – Durable Goods Orders, Personal Income and Outlays, Jobless Claims, Consumer Sentiment, New Home Sales, EIA Natural Gas
Friday – U.S. Holiday: Christmas Observed
| Data as of 12/17/2010 | 1-Week | Y-T-D | 1-Year | 5-Year | 10-Year |
| Standard & Poor’s 500 | 0.28 | 11.5 | 13.5 | -0.37 | -0.52 |
| Dow | 0.72 | 10.2 | 11.5 | 1.13 | 1.01 |
| NASDAQ | 0.21 | 16.5 | 21.2 | 3.47 | -0.04 |
| MSCI EAFE | -0.10 | 2.58 | 4.69 | -0.71 | 1.02 |
| 10-year Treasury Note (Yield Only) | 3.30 | N/A | 3.49 | 4.45 | 5.18 |
Notes: All index returns exclude reinvested dividends, and the 5-year and 10-year returns are annualized.
Sources: Yahoo! Finance, MSCI Barra. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.
Indices are unmanaged and cannot be invested into directly. NA means not available.
HEADLINES:
The largest forfeiture settlement in U.S. history has recovered about half of Bernard Madoff’s stolen money. Barbara Picower returned $7.2 billion from her deceased husband’s estate. Jeffry Picower was a Florida businessman who had been the single-largest beneficiary of the fraud.[v]
Bank of America said it will not process payments intended for WikiLeaks despite threats from the group that their next large documents release will be bank information. In related news, WikiLeaks founder, Julian Assange was released on bail this week from a jail in Britain, where he is fighting extradition to Sweden over alleged sexual offenses.[vi]
Americans spent $942 million online December 17, 61% more than they spent the same day last year, thanks to the more than 1,500 online merchants who participated in Free Shipping Day.[vii]
EU leaders outlined a plan for a new fund to fight future crises. Intended to take effect in 2013, the plan will replace the existing 750 billion euro ($998.8 billion) European Financial Stability Facility (EFSF). The meeting failed to create measures to limit borrowing costs which have forced rescues of Greece and Ireland and threaten other high-debt countries on the euro-zone periphery.[viii]
QUOTE OF THE WEEK:
“Keep steadily before you the fact that all true success depends at last upon yourself.” – Theodore T. Hunger
RECIPE OF THE WEEK:
Candy Crunch White Bark
From: Better Homes and Gardens
Servings: 1 pound
Prep: 20 mins
Total: 20 mins
Ingredients:
1 pound vanilla-flavor candy coating, cut up
3/4 cup crushed fruit-flavor candy canes
Directions:
1. Line a baking sheet with foil; set aside. Heat candy coating in a heavy medium saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly until candy is melted and smooth. Remove from heat.
2. Stir in 1/2 cup of the crushed candy canes. Pour mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Spread mixture to about 3/8-inch thickness. Sprinkle with the remaining crushed candies.
3. Chill candy about 30 minutes or until firm. (Or, let candy stand at room temperature for several hours until firm.) Use foil to lift firm candy from the baking sheet; carefully break candy into pieces.
Store tightly covered up to 2 weeks. Makes 1 pound.
GOLF TIP OF THE WEEK:
BALL BELOW YOUR FEET
The ball-below-your-feet on a side hill lie is the most difficult of all sloping lies. The biggest mistake made when faced with this type of shot is bending the knees too much to reach the ball. With the knees bent too far you will have the tendency to rise up as you swing through, causing you to top the ball. To correct this tendency, try these steps:
- Keep your normal knee flex, but bend a little more from the waist.
- Keep the back swing short – if you try to swing to your normal position there will be a tendency to rise up.
- Take one more club (use an 8 if you normally hit a 9 from that distance)
- Aim to the left as the ball will have a tendency to fade or go to the right (for right handed golfers).
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Insert your broker/dealer disclosures here. i.e. Securities offered through “Your B/D Name Here,” Member FINRA/SIPC.
Investing involves risk including the potential loss of principal. No investment strategy can guarantee a profit or protect against loss in periods of declining values.
The Standard & Poor’s 500 (S&P 500) is an unmanaged group of securities considered to be representative of the stock market in general.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average is a price-weighted average of 30 significant stocks traded on the New York Stock Exchange and the Nasdaq. The DJIA was invented by Charles Dow back in 1896.
The MSCI EAFE Index was created by Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) that serves as a benchmark of the performance in major international equity markets as represented by 21 major MSCI indexes from Europe, Australia and Southeast Asia.
The 10-year Treasury Note represents debt owed by the United States Treasury to the public. Since the U.S. Government is seen as a risk-free borrower, investors use the 10-year Treasury Note as a benchmark for the long-term bond market.
Google Finance is the source for any reference to the performance of an index between two specific periods.
Opinions expressed are subject to change without notice and are not intended as investment advice or to predict future performance.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
You cannot invest directly in an index.
Consult your financial professional before making any investment decision.
These are the views of Platinum Advisor Marketing Strategies, LLC, and not necessarily those of the named representative or named Broker dealer, and should not be construed as investment advice. Neither the named representative nor the named Broker dealer gives tax or legal advice. All information is believed to be from reliable sources; however, we make no representation as to its completeness or accuracy. Please consult your financial advisor for further information.
How did you do this year?
Posted in Uncategorized, tagged Atlanta, Calandra Financial Group, estate planning, financial advisor, income planning, Money, Phil Calandra, preparation, retirement, tax planning, Wealth Management on December 17, 2010 | Leave a Comment »
How did you do this year?
Dear Friend,
One of the best ways to evaluate progress toward achieving your financial goals is with an annual review. Late December and the beginning of the new year is an ideal time to conduct this appraisal. It shouldn’t be a time for regrets and second-guessing about the things you did or didn’t do. Instead focus on the investing experience you’ve gained. Here are some suggestions on how to make the most of the rest of this year and position yourself to move closer to your goals in the new year.
• Consider opening or adding to an IRA. Annual contributions limits are scheduled to increase in the coming years with additional “catch-up” contributions allowed for those 50 and over. Evaluate to see whether a traditional IRA or Roth IRA makes sense for you.
• If you haven’t already done so, you may wish to take some losses in your non-retirement portfolio accounts. The losses can offset profits earned from other investments in your portfolio.
• Consider donating cash and property to charity. Gifts to charity are tax-deductible. The date on the check or receipt is usually considered the date of the donation for tax purposes.
• Rebalance your portfolio. Uneven price movements in your investments can upset the balance over time. Is your actual asset allocation in line with the desired allocation mix, determined by your risk tolerance profile? Maybe an adjustment is necessary.
I can help with the experience and resources to make the most of your portfolio. Give me a call today at 678-218-5925 for a free and confidential portfolio checkup. Together, we can evaluate your situation and make sound investment decisions going forward. I welcome the opportunity and look forward to hearing from you.
