Market Commentary

In this month's "Mark on the Markets" September 2023 Newsletter we discuss market forces, we takea look at a few tax tidbits, and finally notes on faith-based investing.

In this month's "Mark on the Markets" August 2023 Newsletter we discuss the YTD performance differences between the DOW Jones Industrial Average, the S&P 500, and the NASDAQ. We take a look at a few tax tidbits, and finally notes on the Schwab conversion that takes place over the Labor Day weekend.

A bull or bear market is defined as a 20% or greater rise or drop in a major market index, usually the S&P 500 Index. But that’s not the only index that technicians follow. And it is important to look at the time frame when the move takes place.

Recession Aversion: A quote we mentioned in May’s “Mark on the Markets” is worth repeating: “Usually, recessions sneak up on us. CEOs never talk about recessions,” said economist Mark Zandi at the end of 2022. “Now it seems CEOs are falling over themselves to say we’re falling into a recession. …Every person on TV says recession. Every economist says recession. I’ve never seen anything like it.”

The word “retire” is common in the lexicon of our culture. We plan for retirement because we know that we may not be able to work forever, at least not in the traditional sense of a regular job or business.

Have you ever reflected on the foundation of the financial system? What comes to mind? Banks, investors, the stock market, the bond market, or the credit markets? That's partially true.