Wealth and Wisdom: Week of October 30, 2023

We are now living in a world of 5% interest – and no one knows how long it will last.

The yield on the 10-year Treasury note – a key benchmark for mortgage rates, automobile and other consumer loans – recently climbed above 5% for the first time since the financial crisis of 2007. Higher bond yields also make stocks seem riskier and less attractive, which at least partially explains their recent mediocre performance.

When it comes to inflation, the fire is no longer blazing but far from extinguished. Both inflation and rising interest rates are putting more stress on consumers, but Fed chair Robert Powell recently signaled that it might be time to just sit back and see what happens next.

That should be interesting.

Is the Fed losing control?

It’s possible that the Federal Reserve has done about as much as it can do when it comes to combating inflation. (Reading time: 3 minutes)

Mortgage rates hit 8%...

It takes a six-figure income to afford a median priced home today. The problem: median household income is only $75,000. (Reading time: 4 minutes)

…and credit card rates are close to 30%

If that’s not enough to convince you to pay off this debt each month, I’m not sure what will. (Reading time: 2 minutes)

Tax relief could be coming in 2024

Inflation will likely prompt the IRS to adjust tax brackets next year, helping you avoid “bracket creep.” Here’s what’s in the works. (Reading time: 4 minutes)

Should you invest differently when war breaks out?

An encyclopedic review of the data showing how different investments have performed during times of armed conflict. (Reading time: 10 minutes)

SEC head: AI could cause a financial crash

Gary Gensler says it’s time for new regulations to limit how Wall Street banks are using artificial intelligence. (Reading time: 2 minutes)

Investing’s latest fad is fading fast

U.S. investors seem less enamored with the idea that ESG strategies can make them money and save the world at the same time. (Reading time: 4 minutes)

Did the pandemic actually make us wealthier?

The typical American’s net worth jumped 37% between 2019 and 2022, thanks to real estate appreciation and rising stock prices. (Reading time: 3 minutes)

How boomers will drive the economy

The U.S. population is aging rapidly – and it’s causing big economic changes that will likely only increase in the years ahead. (Reading time: 3 minutes)

An investment approach that goes beyond the headlines

Goals-based investing aligns your portfolio based on when you will need money from it – as we explain to our clients in this recent webinar. (Running time: 62 minutes)

Words to the Wise

“There is always a disposition in people’s minds to think that existing conditions will be permanent.”

– Charles Dow

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