Weekly Economic Update

Posted on December 1, 2014 by LSAConnect

Economic Update 12-01-2014

  • Despite a holiday-shortened week, there were several major releases—the more important of which surprised a bit on the upside. S. GDP was revised substantially higher from the first estimate while other releases, such as durable goods, PMI and claims were mixed.
  • Equity markets ticked higher with lower volatility than we’ve been used to in recent months. Interest rates fell, pushing domestic bonds higher as well.  The biggest news was the almost -15% drop in crude oil prices, which affected energy stocks, commodities and oil export-heavy nations.

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Weekly Economic Update

Posted on November 24, 2014 by LSAConnect

Economic Update 11-24-2014

  • A busy week of economic data releases: modest weaker industrial production and below consensus expected capacity utilization in October; absent deflationary risk, both domestic PPI and CPI in October came in slightly above the consensus expectation, but remained within the Fed’s inflation target.
  • Mixed housing market data in October showed disappointing housing starts with stronger building permits number and an upside in existing-home sales.
  • U.S. job markets continued to slowly improve as initial jobless claims stayed below 300k for the tenth week, the first such stretch since 2000.  The 4-week moving average of continuing claims fell to its lowest level since January 2001.
  • Fueled by major central banks’ further monetary easing commitments, global equity markets were generally up with EM outperforming domestic equity and EAFE stocks.

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Weekly Economic Update

Posted on November 17, 2014 by LSAConnect

Economic Update 11-17-2014

  • Economic figures last week were a bit better than expected, highlighted by a slight positive surprise in retail sales and decent sentiment surveys, which continued to post readings at high levels.
  • Equity markets were just slightly higher on the week in one of the less volatile set of sessions in several weeks. Domestic bonds were little changed.  Oil prices continued to fall—affecting commodities markets and raising questions about eventual impacts in other areas.

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2014 Estimated Capital Gains Announcement

Posted on November 14, 2014 by LSAConnect

2014 Estimated Capital Gains

 

For your reference, we have compiled a fund list of the year-end capital gains distributions in our models.

If you are looking to trade client accounts around those distributions, we are in the process of identifying several potential substitutes/alternatives for incoming non-taxable account purchases between now and year-end.

Also, there are several initial estimates that have not yet been released, so we will forward this information as it comes in if meaningful, but we wanted to send out this preliminary information to you as soon as possible.

The Capital Gains report can be found online under “Portfolio Management” in all the mutual fund pages.  If you need help finding them e-mail us at support@lsaportfolios.com. 

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Weekly Economic Update

Posted on November 11, 2014 by LSAConnect

Economic Update 11-10-2014

  • The headline-worthy ISM manufacturing survey came in better than expected, while other releases were mixed. The employment situation report was also decent, but not overwhelming.  The mid-term election that resulted in a Republican takeover of the Senate was a moderate boost to sentiment mid-week.
  • U.S. equity markets generally rose on the week, foreign markets were weaker. Bonds were generally flat as the yield curve flattened.  A continued strong dollar was a headwind for both foreign assets and commodities.

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Weekly Economic Update

Posted on November 3, 2014 by LSAConnect

Economic Update 11-4-2014

It was a headline week, but not necessarily dramatic, as the conclusion of the FOMC meeting resulted in the taper ending as planned, and results of 3rd quarter GDP showed that economic growth was a bit better than expected.  Confidence improved, while housing was again mixed. Continue reading →

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Fed Update

Posted on October 29, 2014 by LSAConnect

Fed Update

In their meeting that just concluded, the FOMC formally ended ‘the taper’ effective this coming month-end, closing a chapter of multiple quantitative easing programs totaling $3 trillion.  This was widely anticipated, though, so markets didn’t react too strongly to the announcement (although some probably would have enjoyed an extension, as hinted about/hoped by a lone committee member last week).

No other policy was changed and language was consistent with prior meetings (elaborated on below)—including keeping the controversial low rates for a ‘considerable time’ reference—although it did appear a bit less aggressively accommodative than before.  The key Fed mandate issues we feel are most pertinent continued to show improvement, but at a tempered pace. Continue reading →

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Weekly Economic Update

Posted on October 28, 2014 by LSAConnect

Economic Update 10-27-2014

  • The economic data of the week was focused on housing, which showed existing and new home sales outperforming expectations somewhat. Inflation came in just higher than flat, and tempered on a year-over-year basis, but the index of leading economic indicators was solidly higher.
  • While remaining volatile, markets fared a bit better on the week with U.S. stocks in the positive. Conversely, bonds gave back some of their gains as flows moved back into risk assets.

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4th Quarter 4-Pillars Newsletter

Posted on October 23, 2014 by LSAConnect

4th Quarter 4-Pillars Newsletter

October 22nd, 2014

pillar

LSA has posted the 4th Quarter 4-Pillars Newsletter. This newsletter provides advisors a client friendly update covering important topics around estate planning, tax planning, Insurance, and Investments.  To view the full newsletter simply log in to the LSA website and click on “Client Resources/Quarterly Newsletter”.  If you are not a member but would like to view the 4-Pillars Newsletter  e-mail us at support@lsaportfolios.com .

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Weekly Economic Update

Posted on October 20, 2014 by LSAConnect

Economic Update 10-20-2014

  • The important economic releases of the week were largely lackluster, with retail sales, and several regional fed surveys underwhelming, but not terrible. Perhaps more importantly, input from Europe and the Far East was more of a concern to world markets.
  • Equity markets experienced several of the most volatile days in several years, with +/- 1%-2% swings and reversals common. On net, the U.S. large cap market was among the worst performing globally, while smaller caps and emerging market equities held up much better.  Bonds gained on interest rates dipping to multi-year lows before recovering a bit.

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2014 Third Quarter Market Update with Bud Kasper & Dean Barber

Posted on October 19, 2014 by LSAConnect

Third Quarter Market Update with Bud Kasper & Dean Barber

October 15th, 2014

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LSA has posted the 3Q14 Market update call that Bud and Dean host live for their clients and prospects. This program allows Bud and Dean to communicate with their clients about what is happening in the market place today.  Hear what two leading advisors are saying to clients to keep them informed and confident in their retirement.  To listen to this recording simply log in to the LSA website and click on “Resources/FANN Radio”.  If you are not a member but would like to listen to the show e-mail us at support@lsaportfolios.com .

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Third Quarter 2014 LSA Economic Update

Posted on October 18, 2014 by LSAConnect

 3Q2014 Economic Update

October 18, 2014

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