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With increased concerns about the Delta variant, high inflation, and recentmisses on economic data, it can be easy to forget that we’re still in the middleof a robust economic recovery and leading indicators continue to support apositive outlook. On Thursday, August 19, the Conference Board released itsJuly 2021 report detailing the latest reading of its Leading Economic Index(LEI), a composite of ten data series that tend to lead changes in economicactivity.

Monday’s big down day was a harsh reminder of how markets actually can produce volatility. It was the worst day of the year for the Dow and only the second drop of 1% or more for the S&P 500 Index in just over two months. As we noted recently in Three Things That Worry Us, there are many reasons to think that after more than a 90% rally (and virtually a double on a total return basis), the S&P 500 could finally be ready for a break.

The U.S. economy powered forward faster than nearly anyone had expected in the first half of 2021. As we were writing our Outlook for 2021 in late 2020, our economic views were significantly more optimistic than consensus forecasts—but in retrospect, not nearly optimistic enough. Our theme was getting back on the road again and powering forward.

Although there was some notable weakness in the middle of May, the S&P 500 Index was able to rally late in the month to finish with a modest gain. Incredibly, this was the eighth year out of the past nine that stocks gained during in May.

More than 2.3 million Americans currently receive Social Security spousal benefits. The average benefit is almost $800 per month, and some spouses receive significantly more. These valuable benefits can make a big difference in funding retirement for a married couple and might result in higher total benefits, even if both spouses have their own work records.

Historically, the middle part of May is when you tend to see the "Sell in May" thing me keep hearing. In other words, the next two weeks could be potentially dicey.

“You can’t time the market” is an old maxim, but you also might say, “You can’t always time retirement.”

Fed Day. The Federal Reserve (Fed) finishes their two-day Federal OpenMarket Committee (FOMC) meeting today with a decision on interest rates and policy statement, followed by a press conference with Chair Jerome Powell.

Many IRA and retirement plan limits are indexed for inflation each year. While some of the limits remain unchanged for 2021, other key numbers have increased.

Well, we can officially say goodbye to 2020. Although there still will be many challenges in 2021, we do see much better times ahead. Just how amazing was it? “2020 will go down in history as the first year to ever be down 30% at one point and still finish in the green,” explained LPL Financial Chief market strategist Ryan Detrick. “We’ve had some wild years for investors, but never one that was quite the roller coaster of 2020.”

“One of the most helpful things that anybody can learn is to give up trying to catch the last eighth—or the first. These two are the most expensive eighths in the world.” –Jesse Livermore

The Chinese New Year (often called the Lunar New Year) will kick off Friday, February 12, and with it will begin the Year of the Ox. Although we would never suggest investing based on the zodiac signs—itis important to note that the Year of the Ox has historically been quite strong for equities. Not to mention we are saying goodbye to the year of the Rat. Good riddance to the Rat, as the last two years of the Rat were 2008 and 2020, not the best years for many reasons!

“In the short term, the market is a popularity contest. In the long term, the market is a weighing machine.” -Warren Buffett The incredible action from some of the most heavily shorted names has investors everywhere wondering what it all means? GameStop (GME)specifically has taken the country's imagination by storm, as the stock started the year under $20 per share and this morning nearly hit $500.

2020 has been a tumultuous year, and as we near its close, we are pleased to present Outlook 2021: Powering Forward, which outlines our views on markets, the economy, and policy into 2021 and beyond.

Election years can be fraught with uncertainty as developments surrounding the candidates, their platforms, and their predicted effects on the economy and markets dominate the news. But should you let this stream of political information influence how you and I manage your investment portfolio? A lengthy history of empirical research suggests not. Elections matter, just not in all the ways you might think to an investor.

History suggests waiting until a new president's policies take shape hinders rather than helps long-term results.

As we approach the upcoming presidential election, how might the potential outcomes impact the economy and markets?

The S&P 500's .SPX record closing high on Tuesday confirmed that the coronavirus-fueled bear market of 2020 was by far the shortest ever.

"LPL Financial Research Chief Market Strategist Ryan Detrick talks about why gold is at all-time highs and we're bullish on gold." -LPLResearch

"LPL Research’s Midyear Outlook 2020 provides our updated views of the pillars for investing—the economy, bonds, and stocks. As the headlines change daily, look to these pillars, or trail markers, and the Midyear Outlook 2020 to help provide perspective on facing these challenges now and preparing to move forward together."

In response to the economic challenges posed by the pandemic, the CARES Act introduced a waiver for required minimum distributions (RMD) for owners of IRAs and retirement accounts for 2020.

Politics and investing have always been spoken about in the same breath. Commentators and candidates alike often frame the performance of the stock market as a sort of “barometer” of a president’s policies.

Although the fight against COVID-19 continues to dominate the headlines and our thoughts are with those affected, this is an election year and as we get closer to November it will begin to garner more attention.

This post will give you information on the Michigan Auto Insurance Reform and how it may affect your health insurance. Your health insurance may vary, so please be sure to check with your agent before making changes to your auto insurance.

While tens of millions of Americans were losing their jobs, the stock market in April produced its best monthly return in over 30 years. What’s behind this apparent disconnect?  

2020 is only five months old, but in many ways it is one of the most historic years we’ve ever seen. “2020 went from moving along nicely, to seeing the worst recession in a generation and the fastest bear market ever,” explained LPL Financial Senior Market Strategist Ryan Detrick...

The incredible rally off the March 23 lows continues for equities, with the S&P 500 Index now up more than 32% in 40 trading days. As impressive as the rally has been, we do have some near-term concerns, as we discussed in Downside Risk Remains...