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Posts Tagged ‘Financial’
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 »
Investing With Confidence – FREE REPORT
Posted in Uncategorized, tagged atlanta financial advisor, atlanta wealth manager, bernie madoff, Calandra, Calandra Financial Group, Financial, financial advisor, Financial Planner, income for life, Investing Advice, invetment scams, retirement, Wealth Management on May 8, 2011 | Leave a Comment »
Avoid investment scams and protect yourself from Ponzi schemes like Bernie Madoff.
Weekly Market Commentary – March 7, 2011
Posted in Uncategorized, tagged advisor, atlanta financial advisor, atlanta wealth manager, Calandra Financial Group, estate planning, Financial, financial advisor, Financial Planner, income planning, Investing Advice, Kennesaw financial planner, Money, Phil, Phil Calandra, planning, retirement, tax preparation, Wealth Management on March 10, 2011 | Leave a Comment »
Weekly Market Update
Week of March 07, 2011
THE MARKETS:
As of late, the big question on everyone’s mind has been: Will the recovery stick? And while the talking heads have been debating their positions on the issue, the chief talking head himself – Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke – appeared before the House Financial Services Committee and a Senate panel last week to offer his semiannual report on the state of the economy. What was the word? Bernanke said the economy is gaining traction and stressed that the Fed is prepared to act if higher commodity prices start to have a negative effect on U.S. growth.[i] His comments also offered a brighter outlook on the status of rising energy costs, inflation risk, and job creation. Good news indeed!
While acknowledging that a prolonged rise in oil prices could pose a danger to the economic recovery, the Fed chief countered that other risks to the economy, including rising commodity prices, were more likely to affect consumer spending. At the same time, Bernanke reiterated his commitment to keeping inflation low, and added: “I recognize that the increases in gas prices are very troubling… but they are not inflation per se. Inflation is an increase in the overall price level, which is very low. The inflation rate right now is 1.2% for all goods and services”.[ii]
As for jobs, Bernanke expressed confidence that growth would increase this year.[iii] Supporting his view, the Labor Department announced on Friday that the nation’s unemployment rate fell to 8.9% in February, the lowest level in two years. The report suggests that companies are gaining confidence in the economy and their own financial prospects. It also strengthens hopes that businesses will shift into a more aggressive hiring mode to heighten momentum for the ongoing recovery.[iv]
Against the backdrop of geopolitical turmoil that has packed the headlines in recent weeks, the Fed chairman’s testimony offered a positive perspective on the improving state of the American recovery.
ECONOMIC CALENDAR:
Monday – Consumer Credit Tuesday – ICSC-Goldman Store Sales, Redbook Wednesday – EIA Petroleum Status Report
Thursday – BOE Announcement, International Trade, Jobless Claims, Treasury Budget Friday – Retail Sales, Consumer Sentiment, Business Inventories
| Data as of 03/04/2011 | 1-Week | YTD | 1-Year | 5-Year | 10-Year |
| Standard & Poor’s 500 | 0.10 | 5.05 | 17.6 | 0.53 | 0.70 |
| Dow | 0.33 | 5.12 | 16.5 | 2.08 | 1.63 |
| NASDAQ | 0.13 | 4.97 | 21.5 | 4.19 | 3.15 |
| MSCI EAFE | 0.38 | 5.27 | 14.3 | -0.26 | 2.46 |
| 10-year Treasury Note (Yield Only) | 3.42 | 3.31 | 3.61 | 4.68 | 4.94 |
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:
On Tuesday, Apple Chief Steve Jobs introduced the world to the iPad2, a sleeker, faster follow-up to the original. The market sent shares of Research in Motion down 0.3%, and Motorola was down by over 4%. The new iPad2 sports front and back facing cameras, more memory, and a faster processor, but despite the upgrades, the iPad2 starts at $499, while Xoom tablets will run between $599 and $799.[v]
President Barack Obama said Saturday that he is willing to offer deeper spending cuts if it means Republicans and Democrats can work out their differences and reach an agreement on the federal budget. The standoff over government spending intensified this past week as Republicans ripped the White House’s offer to make $6.5 billion in budget cuts this fiscal year, and the threat of a government shutdown lay over the horizon. Government operations are now running on a stopgap funding measure that expires on March 19.[vi]
U.S. manufacturers expanded at the fastest pace in nearly seven years last month, but a sudden rise in the price of raw materials could threaten their profits. The Institute for Supply Management said its index of manufacturing activity rose to 61.4 in February, the highest reading since May 2004. But prices paid for steel, plastics, rubber and other raw materials rose for a third straight month, a sign that increasing production costs could spark higher inflation.[vii]
National Football League owners and players agreed Friday to a seven-day extension to contract talks in an effort to resolve the league’s labor dispute. The agreement means the CBA will remain in force until the night of March 11 and averts the threat of a lockout by the owners or a lawsuit by the players for at least a week. The owners were due to earn about $4 billion in TV money this coming season, even in the event of a lockout.[viii]
QUOTE OF THE WEEK:
“I know of no more encouraging fact than the unquestioned ability of a man to elevate his life by conscious endeavor.” – Henry David Thoreau
RECIPE OF THE WEEK:
Baked Brie
From: Better Homes and Gardens
The topping of tomato preserves or mango chutney over a round of baked Brie keeps this buffet table favorite lightweight and fresh flavored.
Servings: Makes 8 servings.
Prep: 25 mins
Total: 35 mins
Ingredients:
1 small onion, cut into thin wedges
2 teaspoons butter or margarine
1/3 cup tomato preserves or mango chutney
1/2 teaspoon snipped fresh rosemary or 1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed
1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper
1 8-ounce round Brie cheese (about 4 inches in diameter)
Breadsticks, assorted crackers, or French bread slices
Directions:
1. For caramelized onions, cook onion in hot butter or margarine in a small saucepan, covered, over low heat about 15 minutes or until tender and golden, stirring occasionally. Meanwhile, stir together tomato preserves or mango chutney (cut up any large pieces of chutney), rosemary, and crushed red pepper in a small bowl.
2. Cut off a thin slice from the top of the Brie to remove the rind; discard. Place the Brie in an ungreased 9-inch pie plate. Top with tomato or chutney mixture, then with caramelized onions.
3. Bake, uncovered, in a 325 degree F oven about 10 to 12 minutes or until Brie is softened and warmed but not runny. Serve with breadsticks, crackers, or bread slices. Makes 8 servings.
GOLF TIP OF THE WEEK:
Logo Lineup
One of the most common errors in putting is poor alignment. Specific sources of trouble can be posture, head position, or ball position. Many golfers have not trained their eyes to see the line correctly and are aiming their putter to the right or left of the hole without being aware of it.
The next time you head out to play or practice, try experimenting with lining up the logo or marked line. Start by practicing 2 or 3 footers to ensure that your aim is true. If you have aligned properly, you will see the logo turning straight over the top of the ball as it falls into the hole. Once you are comfortable with these short putts, begin to practice from longer distances.
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.
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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 – 2/7/2011
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 – 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).
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 – 12/13/2010
Posted in Uncategorized, tagged 3 Phases, 30144, ACCUMULATION, advice, analyst, Atlanta, Calandra, Calandra Financial Group, DISTRIBUTION, Financial, Financial Planner, GA, investing, Kennesaw financial planner, Money, Phil, Phil Calandra, tax, tax preparation, Wealth Management, Your Financial Life on December 14, 2010 | Leave a Comment »
THE MARKETS:
Many economic indicators have shown gradual improvement in recent months, and this seems to be reflected by a growing sense of optimism on Wall Street.
Despite an unusually flat stretch for the markets, stocks gained on Friday and the S&P 500 closed at its highest level since September 2008.[1] Gains came after newly released government data showed a narrowing U.S. trade deficit, thus boosting hopefulness about further economic growth early in 2011. A separate report on consumer sentiment also came in better than expected, helping the Dow lock in a gain of 0.4%, the S&P 500 add 1.3%, and the Nasdaq rise 1.5% for the week.[2]
If things continue as they are, the Dow and S&P 500 are on track to finish 2010 with 10% gains each, while the Nasdaq is up 16% year to date. Alec Young, equity strategist at Standard & Poor’s, was quoted by CNN Money on Sunday and said, “The market has been doing pretty well. The recovery continues nice and steady in the U.S. and the market looks like it could go higher if that stays intact.”[3] And regarding the economy, John Canally, chief economist at LPL Financial was quoted by MarketWatch as saying, “Long term, the economy has turned the corner.”[4] Hopefully these gentlemen are right, but of course, this paragraph did start with the word “if”. And when it comes to the stock market, few things are certain.
With the holiday shopping season well under way, much attention will be focused on retail sales figures due this Tuesday. Many analysts predict they will confirm a strong start to the post-Thanksgiving shopping season, and since consumer spending represents the single biggest component of U.S. economic growth, positive sales figures bode well for the overall health of the economy.
Also this week, eyes will be turned to Washington for signs a compromise has been reached regarding extending Bush-era tax cuts. The final outcome of the tax debate has been a major source of uncertainty for the markets, and putting the issue to bed is likely to have a stabilizing effect.
Each week, it may seem this commentary introduces new factors that affect the stock market, the economy, and our perception of how well things are going in the world. But regardless of what we report to you, rest assured that our goal is always the same – to educate you and to remain ever alert to the various challenges and opportunities that exist in the framework of working toward your goals. We hope you have a great week!
ECONOMIC CALENDAR:[5]
Tuesday – Producer Price Index, Retail Sales, Business Inventories, FOMC Meeting Announcement
Wednesday – Consumer Price Index, Empire State Manufacturing Survey, Industrial Production
Thursday – Housing Starts, Jobless Claims, Philadelphia Fed Survey
Friday – Leading Indicators
| Data as of 12/10/2010 | 1-Week | Y-T-D | 1-Year | 5-Year | 10-Year |
| Standard & Poor’s 500 | 1.28 | 11.2 | 12.5 | -0.30 | -0.95 |
| Dow | 0.25 | 9.42 | 9.65 | 1.17 | 0.65 |
| NASDAQ | 1.78 | 16.2 | 20.4 | 3.37 | -0.96 |
| MSCI EAFE | 0.38 | 2.68 | 3.81 | -0.31 | 0.92 |
| 10-year Treasury Note (Yield Only) | 3.02 | N/A | 3.48 | 4.54 | 5.34 |
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:
Higher food prices continue to be the main driver of inflation in China, raising the likelihood of an imminent interest rate hike as the country tries to reel in its red-hot economy.[6]
American homes are expected to be worth $1.7 trillion less in 2010 than they were worth last year, according to a report released Thursday by real estate website Zillow. This year’s drop in home values is 63% bigger than the $1 trillion dip in 2009, and brings the total value lost since the housing market’s peak in 2006 to a whopping $9 trillion.[7]
Sadly, Mark Madoff, the oldest son of convicted swindler Bernard Madoff, committed suicide on Saturday, two years to the day after his father’s arrest.[8]
A powerful, gusty storm dumped mounds of snow across the upper Midwest on Sunday, closing major highways in several states, canceling more than 1,600 flights in Chicago and collapsing the roof of the Minnesota Vikings’ stadium.[9]
Credit card offers are surging again after a three-year slowdown, as banks seek to revive a business that brought them huge profits before the financial crisis wrecked the credit scores of so many Americans. HSBC mailed more than 16 million card offers to this group in the third quarter of this year, Citigroup 14 million and Discover 10 million, all roughly tenfold increases over the same period last year, according to Synovate Mail Monitor, a market research firm. Capital One’s rate rose fiftyfold, to 22 million.[10]
QUOTE OF THE WEEK:
“The best use of life is to spend it for something that outlasts life.” – William James
RECIPE OF THE WEEK:
Perfect Cranberry Spread
Prep time for this delicious recipe is only 10 minutes.
Ingredients:
1 package (8 oz.) cream cheese, softened*
2 tablespoons frozen orange juice concentrate, thawed
1 tablespoon sugar
2 teaspoons grated orange peel
1/8 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 cup finely chopped dried cranberries
1/4 cup finely chopped pecans
Keebler® Town House® Original Crackers
Directions:
1. In a small mixing bowl, beat cream cheese, orange juice concentrate, sugar, orange peel and cinnamon on medium speed of electric mixer until fluffy.
2. Stir in cranberries and pecans. Refrigerate at least 1 hour. Garnish as desired. Serve with crackers.
*Soften cream cheese in microwave at high for 15 to 20 seconds.
GOLF TIP OF THE WEEK:
Golf Ball Temperature Can Affect Your Shots
In order to get maximum distance from a golf ball, you must compress it fully. It is generally accepted that a fully compressed golf ball is one that is half flattened at impact. To get full distance with any golf ball, the golfer must supply enough force to half flatten the ball they are using.
In the cold, golf balls don’t compress as easily, and thus won’t travel as far as they would in warmer weather. An easy way to avoid losing distance is to keep a ball in your pocket and alternate playing holes with that one and another ball in play. This way, your ball stays warm until it’s time to hit it on the next hole, enabling you to get more distance. This is especially important when the temperature drops below 50 degrees.
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.
Last Minute Tax Tips
Posted in Uncategorized, tagged 30144, ACCUMULATION, advisor, Atlanta, Financial, investing, Kennesaw financial planner on December 4, 2010 | Leave a Comment »
As the end of 2010 approaches we know you are busy with holidays, family, and travel, but it is also a good time to do some last minute tax planning. As a courtesy, we want to provide you with a few eleventh-hour tax tips you may find useful. Although tax planning is rarely fun, these strategies could help you keep more of your hard earned money.
- Go Green: There is still a tax break available for the purchase or lease of certain hybrid vehicles.[i] In addition, energy-efficient home improvements to your principal residence such as insulation qualify for credit of 30% of the cost, up to $1500 and can be claimed on your 2010 taxes. There is also a renewable-energy credit that lets you deduct expenses for items like geothermal heat pumps, solar panels, and wind-energy systems. (Note: Some of these devices need to be installed this year to earn the credit).[ii]
- Accelerated Payments: Accelerating your mortgage payments into the new year allows for an itemized deduction of the interest. You may also want to pay property taxes this year in order to claim the added standard amount on your 2010 return.[iii]
- Charitable Donations: If you have stock you would like to donate, you can deduct the full market value and skip paying capital-gains (the charity doesn’t pay either).[iv] Remember to get a receipt and an acknowledgment from the charity for gifts of $250 or more.
- IRA Contributions and Distributions: You may want to consider IRA withdrawals to pay for education, including that of your grandchildren without owing the 10% penalty.[v] Depending on your income, you may be able to deduct your IRA contribution as well.[vi]
- Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT): If your income is above $75,000 and you have significant write-offs for personal exemptions, state and local income and property taxes or interest on a home equity loan not used to improve a house, you may want to discuss whether you are subject to the AMT with your tax professional.[vii]
- Possible Deductions: This is an excellent time of year to get organized. Gathering cash receipts will help you calculate possible deductions and miscellaneous payments. Examples:
- Do you have a hobby or activity that might also qualify as for-profit income? If so, these losses might also be eligible for deduction.5
- Prepaying college tuition for your children or grandchildren, could allow you to qualify for the American Opportunity Credit,[viii] Lifetime Learning credits, or other deductions.[ix] Paying ahead for next year’s tuition costs could provide a nice write-off this year.
A few extra notes for those of you who are still working:
- 401(k): If you are still working, maximize your 401(k) contributions, up to $16,500 or $22,000 if you will be age 50 or older in 2010.[x]
- Making Work Pay Credit: In July of 2009, you may have noticed an increase in your earned income thanks to this credit. Earned income went up by 6.2%, though certain AGI amounts will affect the amount you can claim. You may have received the credit, but earned too much to be entitled to it. Unless you adjust withholding before the end of the year, you may have to give the money back, either in the form of a smaller tax refund or a higher tax bill next spring.10
- Withholding Adjustments: You may also want to adjust your withholding if you have more than one job, both you and your spouse work, you can be claimed as a dependent, or you have taxes withheld from a pension check.10
- Flexible Spending Accounts: This time of year is when you probably need to specify how much salary you’ll contribute to your flexible spending accounts. Not only is it appropriate to review your changing needs, but tax-free withdrawals can then be taken from these accounts for medical, dental and child-care costs.5 You will forfeit any balance left in these accounts at the end of the year, so take advantage now by filling prescriptions early, making medical or dental appointments, or scheduling elective surgeries.6
We hope you will find some of these strategies useful as you go through your tax planning process. One of the primary ways we help our clients is by working hard to provide tax-smart investment strategies to minimize the impact Uncle Sam can have. In addition, we consider it our responsibility to educate you about things that could affect your financial future. As always, feel free to contact us with any questions, and to discuss points of interest with your tax professional as there may be crucial details in making your plan effective. It is an honor and a privilege to serve you!
Atlanta, GA Investing – Phil Calandra
Posted in Videos, tagged 30144, advice, Adviser, advisor, analyst, Atlanta, Calandra, Financial, GA, Group, investing, Phil, Planner, planning, preparation, tax, The Calandra Group on September 10, 2010 | Leave a Comment »
Kennesaw, GA Retirement Advisor, Phil Calandra, Helps Locals Overcome Financial Problems
Posted in Press Releases, tagged 30144, advice, Adviser, advisor, analyst, Atlanta, Calandra, Financial, GA, Group, investing, Phil, Planner, planning, preparation, tax, The Calandra Group on September 10, 2010 | Leave a Comment »
PRESS RELEASE: Kennesaw, GA, 29-JULY-2010 – Phil Calandra and The Calandra Group have gained renown for helping locals in Kennesaw to overcome their financial problems. When an individual is caught in a downward spiral of debt, they often are not sure what steps to take to take control of their financial life. Having Phil Calandra, a Kennesaw Financial Advisor can be invaluable in achieving your goal for financial security.
When Mr. Calandra assists an individual with financial problems, he uses a holistic approach that include immediate needs and long-term financial security. The unique approach that includes applying an integrated approach that includes wealth planning and management. After reviewing debts, assets, and other types of income, Mr. Calandra creates a list of immediate financial concerns and future needs and desires.
After analyzing the data collected, the Kennesaw financial advisor provides options for emerging from debt and establishing a plan for investments, tax, retirement, and estate planning. He includes in his presentation of the options the important facts that are needed to understand how each investment strategy and product will affect your financial future and the length of time that is involved to create the financial freedom that is desired.
The plan that is developed is individualized and tailored to meet the specific needs of of the individual who wants to meet their goals for the future. Mr. Calandra has the experience and expertise to provide quality service and give individuals seeking advice an objective assessment of the most effective steps they need to take to meet their goals.
You can find valuable information about the steps that Phil Calandra, Kennesaw Financial Advisor, takes to assure that individuals who want to take control of their finances and financial future by visiting http://www.thecalandragroup.com today. The following contact information is available to members of the press who would like additional information with regards to this specific release.
Contact Person: Phil Calandra, Kennesaw Financial Advisor
Company Name: The Calandra Group
Address: 1301 Shiloh Road, Suite 1240, Kennesaw, GA. 30144
Contact Number: 678.302.6621
Toll Free Number: 1.877.529.6501
Email: info@thecalandragroup.com
Website: http://www.thecalandragroup.com
Phil Calandra, Kennesaw Financial Advisor, and The Calandra Group, have been helping locals find solutions for their financial problems that work. When an individual is seeking assistance and advice on the best course of action to take control of their financial future, they will find that Mr. Calandra can provide the knowledge and experience that will give them the answers they need.
