The Coronavirus pandemic continues to define 2020 as well as the economy and markets for good or for bad. It seems this volatility has been driven by “consumer market sentiment” (how people are feeling) vs economic factors such as unemployment and GDP (Gross Domestic Product).
The second quarter of 2020 will make history as will the first quarter albeit for different reasons. As we all painfully remember the Q1 marked nearly unprecedented volatility in the markets as the world dealt with the unfolding news of Covid-19. The S&P 500 plummeted to its lowest when it fell 33% from its high in less than 5 weeks. Beginning near the end of Q1 and sprinting straight through Q2 the market has come roaring back.
What should a business owner do to protect themselves and their business’ in the event of a market downturn? Here are 3 important aspects to keep in mind -- be aware, be lean, and be balanced.
One of the biggest challenges when saving for retirement is understanding how to invest your 401k. There are very few quick and easy ways to know for sure that you are making the right decisions
"It is all but certain that we are in a recession. The data is not out yet, but I would be very surprised if we are not in a recession. A recession is defined as two consecutive quarters of negative GDP growth. We all know that half the country was shut down for much of the first quarter and even more of the economy has been shut down for the second quarter."
"During this time of stimulus spending, tax cuts, and bond-buying by the federal reserve, I find myself wondering what the consequences of all of this debt will be? In this article, I will cover possible consequences of the debt we have accumulated (and continue to accumulate), as well as factors that will either help or hinder our ability to manage this debt load."
"Did you think three months ago that by the end of April the world as you know it would have changed drastically? That has become a reality for most people amidst the Coronavirus Pandemic and the drastic measures taken by federal, state, and local governments in an effort to protect the population. With so many people making huge sacrifices to protect their businesses and their families, at what point can we expect some normalcy?"
"I’ve had friends call me in recent weeks asking “Why in the world is the stock market up. Did you see the unemployment number?”. In case you are not aware, the number of new jobless claims is released each Thursday at 8:30 am EST. The last four weeks have been truly devastating. So why has the market responded positively or at least not horribly to record-breaking news of the terrible variety?"