Posts by Marcus F. Johnson, CFPⓇ
Weekly Market Commentary – 01/02/2018
The Markets Last week, Wall Street closed a year that brought a series of record highs. The three major indexes achieved their best yearly performance since 2013. But there was little celebration Friday with stocks ending lower, thanks to losses in financial and technology stocks. For the week, the Dow fell 0.14 to close at…
Read MoreRemembering those who can’t be home for the holidays
You would think that snow-covered mountains, crisp cool air, and the smell of an open fire would signal that Christmas is close at hand. But for Air Force Captain Doug Neil, home and family seem very distant in spite of the wintry terrain that now surrounds him in Kabul, Afghanistan. Unless you have a loved…
Read MoreWeekly Market Commentary – 12/26/2017
The Markets The three major indexes slipped Friday in light holiday trading, but they all ended the week higher. The S&P has increased around 20 percent this year. For the week, the Dow rose 0.42 percent to close at 24,754.06. The S&P gained 0.30 percent to finish at 2,683.34, and the NASDAQ rose 0.34 percent…
Read MoreWeekly Market Commentary – 12/18/2017
The Markets The prospect of lower corporate tax rates have helped stocks reach record levels this year. With the passage of the long-awaited tax bill looking likely on Friday, the three major indexes closed at record highs. For the week, the Dow rose 1.34 percent to close at 24,651.74. The S&P gained 0.95 percent to…
Read MoreArizona Tax Credits for 2017
Taxpayers often wish they had greater control over how their tax dollars are allocated. The Arizona State Tax Credit program gives you the opportunity to direct how your money is spent by choosing which of the approved organizations you contribute to. (If you live outside Arizona, check with your state to see what programs they…
Read MoreWeekly Market Commentary – 12/11/2017
The Markets A positive November jobs report boosted the major indexes Friday. The S&P 500 and the Dow Jones Industrial Average closed at record highs. For the week, the Dow rose 0.46 percent to close at 24,329.16. The S&P gained 0.39 percent to finish at 2,651.50, and the NASDAQ fell 0.11 percent to end the…
Read MoreEnding Life on a Sweet Note
Phyllis Johnson (Phil’s mom and Marcus’ grandmother) passed away on October 17, 2017, at the age of 92. She was a colorful woman—inside and out—known for her red hair and lipstick. Above all, she loved her family and she was the matriarch of 11 grandchildren and 49 great-grandchildren. We have been responsible for overseeing her…
Read MoreMarket Commentary for the Week of December 4, 2017
The Markets Stocks fell Friday following ABC’s report that former National Security Adviser Michael Flynn would testify he was told to contact Russians during the 2016 presidential campaign. Stocks regained ground after Senator Mitch McConnell told reporters the Senate had enough votes to pass the tax bill. For the week, the Dow rose 3.00 percent…
Read MoreMarket Commentary for the Week of November 27, 2017
The Markets Wall Street broke several records during Friday’s half session. The S&P closed above 2,600 points for the first time. The NASDAQ ended at a record high and posted its best weekly performance since early September. The Dow also booked its first weekly gain in three weeks. For the week, the Dow rose 0.89…
Read More2017-Q3 Market and Economic Overview
In the 1950s, Timex hired Mickey Mantle to pitch their wristwatch with the phrase, “It takes a licking and keeps on ticking.” That marketing pitch was used for over four decades and is considered one of the best advertising campaigns of all time. Perhaps the stock market should adopt the Timex tagline. In spite of…
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