THE BLOG

Offering market updates from our partners at Commonwealth as well as knowledge and insight for our clients from Gallagher himself.

MARKET UPDATES

Market Update for the Month Ending January 31, 2023

Presented by Mark Gallagher Markets Rebound in January Markets rallied to start the year, with all three major U.S. indices seeing positive returns in January after experiencing declines in 2022. The S&P 500 rose 6.28 percent, the Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 2.93 percent, and the technology-heavy Nasdaq Composite led the way with a strong […]

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Weekly Market Update, February 6, 2023

Presented by Mark Gallagher                                   General Market News The Federal Reserve (Fed) increased its policy rate by 25 basis points (bps) at last week’s Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting, bringing the target range between 4.5 and 4.75 percent. This marks a slowdown in pace for the Fed’s rate hikes, but Chairman Jerome Powell aimed to […]

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Weekly Market Update, January 30, 2023

Presented by Mark Gallagher                                   General Market News The future path of interest rates is uncertain for 2023, but according to Bloomberg’s economic forecast, the average Bloomberg surveyed economist expects to see another half percent of increases in the first quarter of the year before levels remain stable through the second and third quarters. The Federal […]

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Weekly Market Update, January 23, 2023

Presented by Mark Gallagher General Market News As the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) enters the quiet period leading up to its next policy meeting (January 31–February 1), the average Bloomberg surveyed economist expects to see another half percent of increases in the first quarter before levels remain stable through the second and third quarters. […]

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MARKET OBSERVATIONS

Market Thoughts for January 2020

Brad McMillan, Commonwealth’s CIO, recaps the market and economic news for December. It was a great close to 2019, with U.S. markets up more than 20 percent and international markets showing double-digit gains. Job growth was strong, and, for the ninth month in a row, income and spending went up. New home sales were at […]

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Market Observations for February 2019

Brad McMillan, Commonwealth’s CIO, recaps the market and economic news for January. It was a great month for the financial markets. Despite the government shutdown, signs of an economic slowdown, and dropping consumer and business confidence, U.S. and international markets were up. Plus, job and wage growth were strong, and companies made more money than […]

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Market Observations for January 2019

Brad McMillan, Commonwealth’s CIO, recaps market and economic news for December. It was another bad month in a string of bad months, with U.S. markets down about 10 percent and international markets faring only a bit better, down 5 to 6 percent. A combination of bad news, from a government shutdown, to the ongoing trade […]

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Weekly Market Update, August 27, 2018

Presented by Mark Gallagher General market news   • On Monday morning, the 10-, 30-, and 2-year Treasuries opened at 2.81 percent, 2.96 percent, and 2.62 percent, respectively. The spread between the 2- and 10-year notes is again at its flattest level in this economic cycle. Historically, an inverted yield curve—where rates on the short end […]

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MARK'S MESSAGE

A 2023 Outlook: It Will Be Better Than It Looks

In 2022, we faced rising prices, market volatility, and recession fears. Can we expect some good news in the new year? We always strive to keep you informed and help you stay on track toward your long-term financial goals. Today, we present a 2023 outlook provided by Brad McMillan, CFA®, CAIA, MAI, chief investment officer […]

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2021 Tax Organizer

CLICK HERE -> Generic Tax Organizer 2021 <- FOR THE 2022 TAX SEASON   Another tax filing season is fast-approaching.  We hope your 2022 new year is off to a great start.  Our entire staff appreciates having you among our good and loyal clients – thank you! As was the case last year, Gallagher Financial […]

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2020 Tax Organizer

Click here -> Generic Tax Organizer 2020 for the 2021 Tax Season After a rollercoaster year, the 2021 tax filling season is fast-approaching once again. Without a doubt, the Covid-19 pandemic has introduced a paradigm shift in our daily routines! As we all adapt to what’s been deemed “the new normal”, Gallagher Financial Services is […]

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Charitable Giving Incentives Under the CARES Act

Presented by Mark Gallagher With many individuals and families facing catastrophic hardships because of the COVID-19 pandemic, charitable giving to those most adversely affected has become increasingly important. The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, enacted in March 2020, included tax provisions designed to incentivize individuals and companies to make charitable contributions in […]

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