A few things you may want to think about before filing for benefits.
As the corporate earnings season ramps up, markets are shifting their focus from geopolitical concerns to tangible evidence of how businesses are performing. With the stock market hovering near all-time highs, questions around valuations and the sustainability of recent profitability trends have become increasingly important.
The start of the year was positive for stocks and bonds, continuing the rally from recent years. This might be surprising to some investors since there were several periods of volatility driven by geopolitics and Federal Reserve policy. While headlines created short-term swings, including the S&P 500's worst day since last October, markets rebounded quickly. Within days, major indices reached new all-time highs, driven also by healthy corporate earnings that have supported portfolios.
Gold, silver, and other precious metals have rallied over the past two years, capturing investor attention. Gold recently surpassed $4,700 per ounce while silver now trades above $90 per ounce, marking historic milestones for both metals. This strong recent performance may lead some investors to wonder whether they should be investing in these assets. As with all investments, it's important to maintain a broader perspective to understand their history and how they fit into a well-constructed portfolio.
The strong stock market performance of the past several years has been positive for investors and their financial plans. At the same time, these recent successes can lead to unrealistic expectations when it comes to long-term financial goals. This is because investing and financial planning occur through all parts of the cycle, in both good and bad markets. So, while benefiting from investment opportunities and managing risk are important, it’s just as critical to set proper expectations grounded in history, analysis, and tailored financial plans.
The arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro by U.S. forces represents an unexpected and significant geopolitical event. As has been widely reported, the U.S. military successfully conducted an operation that detained Maduro on charges related to drug trafficking and corruption. President Trump stated in a press conference that the United States will "run" Venezuela and work to expand its oil production.
