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

  Continue reading →

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LSA 3Q Client Article

Posted on October 17, 2014 by LSAConnect

 The Return of Volatility

October 17, 2014

  Continue reading →

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Talking Points for Your Clients on the Recent Market Volatility

Posted on October 15, 2014 by LSAConnect

We normally (and still) don’t generally react to day-to-day market movements—in fact, as I write this, markets have fallen and reversed on the order of 1.5%.  But, as clients often see negative headlines first and call their advisor second, we wanted to share some items that could be of some help in framing recent volatility into a broader perspective. Continue reading →

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Weekly Economic Update

Posted on October 13, 2014 by LSAConnect

Economic Update 10-13-2014

  • It was a light week for domestic economic reports, generally focused on employment subtleties; however, global economic growth expectations were downgraded by the IMF, causing additional market tumult.
  • Typical October volatility returned to markets as domestic stocks experienced some of the widest day-to-day swings of the year and ended sharply negative. Conversely, bonds gained as yields fell to their lowest levels in over a year.

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Weekly Economic Update

Posted on October 6, 2014 by LSAConnect

Economic Update 10-5-2014

  • Economic reports were mixed in terms of improvement, but continue to show strength. The highest-profile report of the week, the government employment situation, came in much stronger than expected and featured an unemployment rate under 6%.
  • Equity markets experienced more volatility as investors worried about global growth and geopolitics, such as the demonstrations in Hong Kong. Bonds rose a bit on lower yields and ‘risk-off’ tendencies.

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