The Latest on Inflation/Rates and Where We Go from Here
Without question, over the past year, the most common topic we have discussed with clients is inflation and rates. Whether you are in retirement, peak accumulation years, or just starting out, inflation has impacted everyone… from raised costs at the grocery store, to travel, to even attending a sporting event. Fortunately, there are increasing signs […]
Resources
We keep informed on the latest trends and market insights so we can offer you the best opportunities, support and expertise – whenever you need it. Topics Select Topic 401k & Benefits Asset Allocation Ballast News Budgeting Business Buying & Selling Business Decision Support Business Planning and Consulting Business Plans Career Counseling Cash Flow Center […]
Silicon Valley Bank, Likely Implications, and Client Action
Friday morning started on a positive note. Markets rejoiced with a favorable labor report showing wage inflation falling below expectations signaling that the Federal Reserve’s efforts to contain inflation may be working. However, the New York Stock Exchange, before the market opened, announced that trading on Silicon Valley Bank (“SVB”) had been halted. Two days […]
Fed Rates, Inflation, Yields
What a difference a couple of years makes. Even the casual fan has likely heard the talk about interest rates and felt inflation during these past twenty-four months. Two years ago, in February 2021, the Federal Funds target rate was 0 – 0.25%. It remained there until just over a year ago in March 2022. […]
2022 Market Recap and 2023 Outlook
To kick off the new year, John Boardman (CEO, Founder) and Andy Reynolds (COO, Partner) sat down to recap the economic environment in 2022 and discuss the 2023 outlook. Click the play button below to watch. Topics include: Recent economic data and performance The 1% of market volatility on trading days Market fundaments […]
December Market Update 2022
During the Ballast Open House last week, the advisors led a brief market update and economic discussion for those in attendance. This video was recorded live in the Ballast Conference Room with a full audience. Listen as they share current market conditions, financial planning strategies, and updates. Advisors: John Boardman, CFP®, Founder and […]
The Driving Forces Behind the Closely Watched Consumer Price Index (CPI)
By: Brian Burton, CFP® Key Takeaways: CPI is the average change in the prices paid by consumers for a basket of goods and services over time that demonstrates price trends within the economy The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports index weights for eight major categories and many more specific items resulting in the […]
A History of the Individual Income Tax in America
Key Takeaways: Taxes have been part of our country’s history from the very beginning – No Taxation Without Representation! Some have said that the only two constants in life are death and taxes. Today, the tax code has become so complex that you could spend as much time as you wanted to be buried in resources […]
June Market Update
Listen as John Boardman (Founder and CEO) and Andy Reynolds (COO and Partner) discuss the current market environment. Additionally, John and Andy consider a few common questions and share their thoughts on the cyclical market, inflation, portfolio management, raised rates, and economic outlook. If you have any questions, please reach out to us: 859-226-0625 or […]
Markets Finally Believe Fed is Serious about Inflation
The Fed raised rates 0.75% last week, the biggest single move since 1994 Market participants imply that rates will move from 1.75% to 3.56% by year-end Perception of a hawkish Fed may help avoid a wage-price spiral & severe recession Last week the Federal Reserve raised rates by 0.75% or 75 basis points (bps). […]
A History of the Individual Income Tax in America
Key Takeaways: Individual income taxes are the largest source of revenue for the government The 16th Amendment gave Congress “the power to lay and collect taxes on incomes” History has shown that tax revenues increase when rates are cut Taxes have been part of our country’s history from the very beginning – No […]
Fighting Inflation – Why This Time Feels Different and Could Actually Be Successful
Key Takeaways There were 11.4 million job openings in April equaling 1.92 job openings per unemployed person, a huge benefit to a Fed attempting to bring down inflation without cratering the job market. The Fed’s ideal labor market resolution is that companies fill current openings while maintaining their current workforce. Friday’s jobs report showed a […]
