Wed, Feb 22, 2012 | 0 Comments
According to our research, the last time the Fed held an explicitly capped interest rate policy [i.e. “rates held low until mid-2014”] was in 1945-51 [which ended with the Federal Reserve-Treasury Accord]. During this period, the 100 S&P 500 stocks with the highest dividend yield well outperformed the 100 with the lowest yields, as well as a good portion of the group with no yield. 2011 witnessed a run in strong dividend payers [utilities, health care, etc.]. Now in 2012, many have stated that these stocks will become laggards.
Fri, Feb 3, 2012 | 0 Comments
Friday’s January Employment Situation report showed strong gains. Across most measures the release told an encouraging story in U.S. labor. On the surface, 234,000 jobs were added last month with the prior two months [combined] enjoying a bonus of 60,000 more jobs than previous thought. We have been and continue to be sanguine on continued upward revisions as economic history tells us that they typically follow broad labor trends. Meanwhile, the unemployment figure dipped to 8.3%, the lowest in 3 years. The 234,000 net gain was the best addition since last April and marks the 16th straight month of job gains.
Thu, Jan 26, 2012 | 0 Comments
Deciding what social security benefits to take can be a complex decision for your family. Understanding the trade-offs for taking one benefit verse the other is an important evaluation before electing your benefit.
Mon, Jan 9, 2012 | 0 Comments
The wild stock market volatility of 2011 has been difficult for many long-term investors to stomach. It would be a mistake, however, to overreact. Volatility in and of itself does not automatically foretell a downtrend in the market. Using history as our guide, the sharp volatility will likely ease at some capricious point, and provides investment opportunities in the interim.
Tue, Dec 20, 2011 | 0 Comments
Evaluating your investment options is critical to financial success. Below, Albion Wealth Advisor Devin Pope explores a strategy that could prove beneficial; a strategy that many may not even know exists.
Jason Ware
Market Strategist, Analyst
(801) 487-3700; (877) 487-6200
Fri, Dec 2, 2011 | 0 Comments
The economy continued along its modest recovery path with the BLS’s November Employment Situation report. Out in front was the headline 8.6% unemployment statistic boasting a 0.4% drop from October. More important is its psychological significance – the rate fell under the 9% line for the first time in 26 months [March 2009]. While that may sound like a whiz-bang report, not everything contained in it was so strong.
Thu, Dec 1, 2011 | 0 Comments
The below entry was penned by Devin Pope, a financial advisor here at Albion. I found the information concise and insightful speaking on a topic that is often anything but – bond taxation.
Tue, Nov 29, 2011 | 0 Comments
Given the incessant focus thrust upon Europe, and with an inflection point seemingly imminent, I thought it worthwhile to take a moment to explore the blocs two options: break-up or backstop.
Wed, Nov 23, 2011 | 0 Comments
With the end of the year fast approaching I found this advice timely and useful. It was written by Debbie Knotts, one of our many astute Financial Advisors here at Albion. It’s a quick and insightful piece highlighting a topic with a commendable message.
Tue, Nov 22, 2011 | 0 Comments
“Once we realize that imperfect understanding is the human condition, there is no shame in being wrong, only in failing to correct our mistakes.” — George Soros