Most economic charts we look at in the LPL Research Department look alike. Many segments of the US economy came to an abrupt halt in March when the lockdowns and business closures began, making most economic charts covering March and April look like a steep drop on a roller coaster. Two months later, the economy … Read more
Whether your business has been temporarily closed by a state shelter-in-place order or is still operating as a provider of essential services, balancing your revenue needs with protecting the safety of your employees and customers can be an unprecedented challenge. Learn more about some of the resources available to help small businesses survive this pandemic, as well as … Read more
As stocks rallied 30% off the March 23 lows and earnings expectations were cut dramatically, valuations have become increasingly concerning for many investors (including some high-profile hedge fund managers being quoted in the financial press). As shown in the LPL Chart of the Day, the forward (next 12 months) price-to-earnings (PE) multiple for the S&P … Read more
It was January 2000 and Joseph Boeing just landed his dream job at his dream company, headquartered in his hometown of Seattle. Joe just turned 40 and as a mechanical engineer, married to Jill, with three kids, the Boeings were looking forward to the last chapter of Joe’s career, before he retired at age 60. … Read more
Recent economic data confirms that the US economy has entered a recession, led by the consumer, which accounts for more than two-thirds of the economy based on gross domestic product (GDP). The consumer spending collapse was evident from March’s personal consumption expenditures data released last Wednesday, which showed a record 7.5% month-over-month drop in consumer … Read more
The Federal Reserve (Fed), the European Central Bank (ECB), and the Bank of Japan (BOJ) all met in the last week and while the show of power was minimal compared to recent weeks, they collectively reasserted their resolve to do whatever is necessary to support the global economy through the COVID-19 economic crisis. Rates are … Read more
As a physician, you understand your medical specialty inside and out, but at the same time, you also need to be able to handle the financial challenges associated with your industry. That may include juggling a lot of student and professional debt, running your own clinic, saving for the future, and creating contingency plans for … Read more
With 20% of S&P 500 Index companies having reported first quarter results so far, earnings season has been a mixed bag. In our April 13 earnings preview, we noted that S&P 500 Index earnings for the quarter were expected to decline 10% year over year, based on FactSet’s consensus estimates from analysts. That number is minus 15% … Read more
As the coronavirus crisis hit a fever pitch in late March 2020, Congress passed an unprecedented $2.2 trillion relief package known as the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. While much of the CARES Act focuses on keeping businesses afloat in these troubled times, certain provisions are intended to provide direct aid to … Read more
The economic data keeps getting worse, yet stocks have been in the midst of one of the greatest multi-week rallies ever. As the LPL Chart of the Day shows, the S&P 500 Index gained 27.2% in the 15 days after the March 23 lows, the greatest three-week rally since 1933. Take note, this rally took place … Read more
From the financial pressures of running a small practice to the repayment of hefty student loans, these three careers (and the people who pursue them) can have more in common than you may think. Those working in the medical, legal, and accounting fields can have complex financial needs, and a financial professional who doesn’t regularly deal with … Read more
Cybercriminals are using the pandemic for commercial gain, deploying a variety of ransomware and other malware. Both APT groups and cybercriminals are likely to continue to exploit the COVID-19 pandemic over the coming weeks and months. Threats observed include: Malicious cyber actors rely on basic social engineering methods to entice a user to carry out … Read more
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