December closed out a tough year for markets. The U.S. indices showed single-digit declines for the month, capping off drops for the year of about 7 percent for the Dow, more than 18 percent for the S&P 500, and 32 percent for the Nasdaq. The primary drivers were rising inflation and Fed rate increases. Still, job growth remained healthy, and consumer spending and business investment rose.
Commonwealth
Economic Release Snapshot: A Busy Start to 2023
Each week, we break down the latest U.S. economic reports, including what the results mean for the overall health of the economy. Here, you will find how economists’ forecasts compare with actual results, key takeaways to consider, as well as a list of what’s on tap for the week ahead.
A Fresh Start: How I Will Invest in 2023
Earlier this week, I discussed what 2022 taught us about risk. Today, I want to talk about what I will be doing to manage risk in 2023, given those lessons.
What 2022 Taught Us About Risk
For investors, 2022 has been a tough year. We had bear markets in both stocks, which is fairly common, and bonds, which is not common at all. They both happened at the same time, so rather than being saved by diversification, portfolios got hit twice. Even portfolios that were designed to weather market storms, such as a typical 60 percent stocks and 40 percent bond allocation, were hit harder than anyone expected. 2022 was an exceptional year and not in a good way.
2023 Outlook: The Fed Vs. Inflation
Since March 2022, the Fed has continued to hike rates in an effort to control red-hot inflation. Equity and fixed income markets, both at home and abroad, struggled as a result, with markets down in the high double-digits year-to-date. But the tide may be changing.
Economic Release Snapshot: Consumer Confidence Improves in December
Each week, we break down the latest U.S. economic reports, including what the results mean for the overall health of the economy. Here, you will find how economists’ forecasts compare with actual results, key takeaways to consider, as well as a list of what’s on tap for the week ahead.
Olivia has joined Riverstone Wealth Partners providing knowledge gained from her 15 plus years in management. Olivia has provided services within the financial industry, mortgage industry, and in the non-profit sector. Olivia thrives on providing stellar customer service, accomplishing all goals set before her, and doing the right thing. Olivia’s degree in Business Management allowed her to take on roles that ultimately led her to Riverstone Wealth Partners. Olivia is currently pursuing another degree with an emphasizes in Human Resources, which she has learned over time… is her passion!
Ashley has been working in the customer service field since she started her first job at age 16. For the past ten years she worked in an office setting handling accounts payable and receivable as well as some receptionist work. She is very excited to learn more about the investment field.
Alec joined Riverstone after starting out his post college career on the operations side of an international logistics company working as an account executive. Graduating with a BA in Economics from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, he quickly developed a strong interest in the financial world. A lifetime resident of the Chicagoland area, Alec is an avid fan of his hometown sports teams. He is also an enthusiast of outdoor activities like fishing, camping, and hiking whenever possible.
Director of Operations
Registered Relationship Assistant
Wealth Advisor Assistant
Wealth Advisor
Wealth Advisor
Wealth Advisor
Wealth Advisor / Registered Principal
Wealth Advisor / Registered Principal