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Every month Notes Along the Path will include an update on the markets and analysis of major developments in Washington that may impact your investments such as tax law changes or regulations that relate to specific industries, investments in general, or other areas of financial planning.  We will also dive into a different topic each month and include updates on my quotations in the media.

Occaisinally, I write longer form articles for my subscribers.  These will be posted here as well.

Monday, November 28, 2022

Growing optimism that the Fed may be ready to ease future interest rate hikes sent stocks higher in a quiet trading week. The S&P 500 added 1.53%, the Dow gained 1.78%, & the Nasdaq improved 0.72% for the week.

Monday, November 21, 2022

Stocks dropped after Fed comments about future rate hikes. The more hawkish comments dashed investor hopes for easing rates, a prospect that fueled the market rally last week. Lower Producer Prices show inflation continues to fade.

Monday, November 14, 2022

A cooling inflation number ignited a powerful rally on Thursday, sending stocks to strong gains for the week.The S&P 500 added 5.90%, while the Dow gained 4.15%. The Nasdaq rose 8.10%. Plus my take on the reporting of inflation numbers.

Monday, November 7, 2022

Hawkish comments by Powell, following the announcement of another 75 basis points interest rate hike last week, cast a pall over financial markets, sending yields higher and stocks lower. My Take? Not much has changed in 3 months, but...

Monday, October 31, 2022

Stocks overcame poor earnings results from some of America’s largest companies to post gains last week as investors cheered positive earnings surprises, easing inflation and a rebound in economic growth. The S&P 500 advanced 3.95%.

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Monday, October 24, 2022

A positive start to a new earnings season and late-week hopes for a near-term easing in Fed rate hikes lifted investor spirits and powered stocks for the week. The S&P 500 advanced 4.74%, while the Dow jumped 4.89%. The Nasdaq added 5.22%.

Wednesday, October 19, 2022

Hello Friends, I am pleased to report that my collaboration with Consumer Reports has been published in their print magazine. You can view a PDF of the work here. Thanks to Beth Braverman at CR for contacting me for this fun project.

Monday, October 17, 2022

Stocks were mixed last week amid wide intra- and inter-day price swings, as technology shares bore the brunt of the downdraft. The S&P 500 slipped 1.55%, the Dow gained 1.15%, and the Nasdaq dropped 3.11%. The MSCI EAFE index lost 2.48%.

Tuesday, October 11, 2022

A powerful two-day stock rebound cemented a positive week for investors as a new trading month began.The Standard & Poor’s 500 added 1.51%, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 1.99%. The Nasdaq Composite index...

Monday, October 3, 2022

Rising recession fears and uncertainty in the bond and currency markets sent stocks to new 2022 lows last week. The S&P 500 slumped 2.91%, while the Dow declined 2.92%. The Nasdaq fell 2.69%. Here are some highlights of the data I'm seeing:

Monday, September 26, 2022

Last week, Fed Chair Powell said the U.S. would not tame inflation without economic pain. This week heightened recession fears and sent stocks broadly lower. The S&P 500 lost 4.65% - is the pain nearly over for stocks? See my take inside...

Monday, September 19, 2022

A hotter-than-expected inflation report sent stocks sharply lower as investors faced the prospect of more aggressive interest rate hikes by the Fed for perhaps a longer period. The S&P lost 4.77%, the Dow fell 4.13%, and Nasdaq fell 5.48%.

Wednesday, September 7, 2022

Beginning next week, I will send this update only to clients with assets managed by Your Best Path Financial Planning. However, if you would like to continue to receive it, please drop me an email and I will add you to the list.All...

Monday, August 29, 2022

A comprehensive sell-off on Friday following comments by Fed Chair Jerome Powell drove stocks to losses for the week.The S&P 500 dropped 4.04%.No one should be surprised that Powell is focused exclusively on inflation. I would not be sur...

Monday, August 22, 2022

Stocks tumbled Friday, sending indexes to their first weekly loss in 5 weeks after an otherwise quiet week of trading. The S&P 500: -1.21%, the Dow: -0.16%, the growth-stock-heavy Nasdaq: -2.62%. In my opinion, lower gas prices raise the...

Monday, August 15, 2022

An improving inflation outlook buoyed investors’ spirits last week, helping lift stocks to solid gains. The S&P 500 rose 3.26%, while the Dow advanced 2.92%, at least partially in response to 0.00% inflation for the month of July.

Monday, August 8, 2022

Stocks turned in a mixed performance last week as investors struggled with headlines suggesting that the Fed was unlikely to soon ease up on its current monetary tightening policy.The S&P 500 rose 0.36%, plus my take on mortgage rates.

Monday, August 1, 2022

Undaunted by Fed rate hikes and news of a contracting economy, markets rallied last week on better-than-expected corporate earnings. The S&P 500 up 4.26%, the Dow was up 2.97% and NASDAQ up 4.70%. Gas is down 16% from the June 14 peak.

Monday, July 25, 2022

Stocks rallied as investor spirits lifted thanks to a better-than-expected start to the 2Q earnings season. The S&P 500 added 2.55%, while the Dow gained 1.95%. Housing starts were down sharply. I suspect firms will do well who serve the...

Monday, July 18, 2022

A record-high inflation report, the prospects of a more aggressive Fed, & growing recession fears sent stocks lower– though pared by a Friday rally. For the week the S&P lost 0.93%, but stronger dollar signals potential easing inflation.

Monday, July 11, 2022

Stocks rallied despite mixed economic data and vacillating energy prices and bond yields.The S&P 500 rose 1.94%, while the Dow increased 0.77%, and the tech-heavy NASDAQ rose 4.56%.Strong Employment report hints the economy may withstand...

Thursday, July 7, 2022

Welcome to another edition of Notes Along the Path! This month’s topics: 2022 - A Rocky First Half. "In reality, it's a timing issue since the index hit its peak..." Plus, Considering a Financial Caregiver for a Loved One or Yourself.

Tuesday, June 21, 2022

The S&P 500 sustained substantial losses last week and entered bear market territory (down 20% or more) on the heels of last week's surprise CPI numbers, fueled by fears that accelerating rate increases by the Federal Reserve...

Monday, June 13, 2022

On a personal note, I have been battling flu-like symptoms for a few days, so there is no additional commentary from me. If you seek guidance on today's market action, please do not hesitate to reach out directly to me via email.

Monday, June 6, 2022

Stocks gave up previous gains. Investors seemed conflicted when interpreting the data, some viewing economic strength as a negative since it may mean more aggressive rate hikes from the Fed. Plus, What I'm Hearing and a Crypto update.

Monday, June 6, 2022

Welcome to another edition of Notes Along the Path! This month’s topics:Top of Mind,What's Going On in the Markets today? Estate planning and gift-giving taxes and strategies. China's Covid lock-down may be ending for the following two...

Friday, May 27, 2022

I was recently interviewed by a writer at Bloomberg news for an article on investing. You can find it here:  https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-05-16/should-you-sell-your-stocks-and-crypto-plunging-markets-hit-retail-investors

Monday, May 23, 2022

Weekly Market Insights: Recession Concerns Rising, but we need to keep this in perspective.

Monday, May 16, 2022

In a volatile trading week, stocks extended their losses as economic growth and inflation concerns soured investor sentiment. Commentary on what signals I am waiting for.

Monday, May 9, 2022

With the Fed acting markets experienced wide price swings over the course of last week, as technology companies led the market lower. I have some new charts for historical context.

Monday, May 9, 2022

Monday, May 2, 2022

Friday, a sharp sell-off sent stock market indices down for the week, capping a volatile April. The economy shrank Q1, dented by a slowdown in inventory investment by business, a jump in the trade deficit, & a decline in defense spending.

Monday, April 25, 2022

The S&P 500 down 2.75% pushing it into correction territory; my expectations for the week; where the focus will shift this week. Despite Netflix's earnings miss, profits appeared better than expected with 81% (of 17% in) above expectations

Monday, April 18, 2022

High consumer and producer price inflation reports were shrugged off by the stock & bond markets, with bond yields slipping despite the hot inflation numbers. Core inflation comes in lower than expected.

Tuesday, April 12, 2022

Fed signals aggressive action on interest rates to combat inflation, drives stocks down last week, plan is more aggressive than investors had previously anticipated. Growth stocks continue to get punished, large-cap value is lone positive.

Monday, April 4, 2022

The S&P 500 closed fractionally higher for the week, extending its winning streak to a third week, as a last gasp to the upside made up for early losses that were tied to lingering concerns about a global recession and the ongoing war.

Monday, March 28, 2022

With growing confidence in the economy’s resilience, stocks posted another week of solid gains. Value stocks continue their advantage and labor market are staying strong. Investors seem more comfortable with planned interest rate rises.

Monday, March 21, 2022

With the Fed embarking on a new course of monetary tightening amid continued fighting in Ukraine, stocks staged a powerful, broad-based rally last week. Click for the numbers and the context of the week.

Monday, March 14, 2022

Intensifying hostilities in Ukraine continued to unsettle markets, as investors grappled with the war’s impact on global economies. The S&P 500 dropped 2.88%, the Dow lost 1.99%, and the Nasdaq fell 3.53% for the week.

Monday, March 7, 2022

Weekly Market Insights: Ukrainian War Stresses Economy. Volatility and Powell's testimony discussed. All indexes down with Nasdaq hit hardest - down 2.78% for the week. War in Europe crushing their stock markets.

Friday, March 4, 2022

Notes Along the Path: March 2022 Editions This month’s topics: When Worlds Collide - Russia Invades, The Murky Crystal Ball, Focus on What You Can Control, Your job (when you are the executor of a will)

Monday, February 28, 2022

Investors rode a rollercoaster of emotions, rising hostilities in Ukraine sent stocks sharply lower before a powerful late-week rally erased early losses. S&P 500 up 0.82%, Dow down 0.06%, MSCI EAFE (developed countries non-US) down 5.72%

Tuesday, February 22, 2022

Weekly Market Insights: Inflation and Ukraine Rattle Investors Another Week

Monday, February 14, 2022

A hot inflation print and the growing concern of a Russian invasion of Ukraine sent stocks tumbling late in the week, leaving major indices lower for the five-trading days. Plus: My Take, What Does The Bond Market Think? Tax tips, and more.

Monday, February 7, 2022

Stocks gained ground last week, but what is the outlook for the near to medium term? Some sectors looking strong, others weak. Covid, the Fed, Inflation, Unemployment, and Ukraine discussed.

Monday, February 7, 2022

This month’s topics: Scam Alerts: 2022 Edition, A Bumpy January: Down a Lot Then Up a Little, What is Real Financial Advice? Please consider sharing this with someone you know who might be asking themselves (or you!) questions about ...

Monday, January 31, 2022

An exceptionally volatile week, whipsawed investors with stocks ending higher after a surge up on Friday. This week I am noticing Real Estate is down 9.46% already this year and recommending a shift toward value funds.

Monday, January 24, 2022

Stocks extended their January retreat as worries over inflation and rising bond yields continued to exert downward pressure on prices. Plus, why rates matter, and matter most to growth stocks.

Tuesday, January 18, 2022

Weekly Market Update for January 18, Fed Speak - what is is and how translate.

Monday, January 10, 2022

A jump in yields sparked by a more aggressive sounding Federal Reserve sent the market lower to start the new year. My Take: We have known this was coming for quite a while. There are only two situations that can be happening in the stock..

Friday, January 7, 2022

This month’s topics: What Issues Should I Review at the Start of Each Year, 2021 – A Brief Market Review and some thoughts on 2022, How to Follow Through on New Year's resolutions.

Thursday, January 6, 2022

Stocks closed out the year on a mostly positive note, adding to the year’s gains as concerns about the economic issues of Omicron infections receded. The market got off to a good start last week in part due to a strong holiday sales report.

Monday, December 20, 2021

Stock prices retreated last week as global central banks joined the Federal Reserve in taking steps to tighten monetary policy. The S&P 500 fell 1.94%, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 1.68%. The Nasdaq tumbled 2.95%.

Tuesday, December 14, 2021

A more benign reassessment of the possible economic risk posed by Omicron sent stocks sharply higher last week, plus, my take on the inflation outlook.

Tuesday, December 7, 2021

Stocks took investors on a wild ride last week as the Omicron variant and Fed comments upended market expectations. Plus small growth gets whacked, unemployment report looks wrong, and a lot more.

Saturday, December 4, 2021

This month’s topics: Looking Ahead (to the Year’s End), Tax facts and tips to save you money, Planning moves to consider, What’s Driving the Market (it’s the virus)

Tuesday, November 30, 2021

News of a new, highly virulent COVID variant triggered a market sell-off on Friday, sending stocks into negative territory for the week. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slid 1.97%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 slumped 2.20%....

Monday, November 22, 2021

Stocks were mixed last week in choppy trading as investors battled the crosscurrents of good economic data and a troubling rise in COVID-19 infections globally. The Standard & Poor’s 500 added 0.32%, while the Dow Jones...

Monday, November 15, 2021

Stocks posted small declines last week as investors digested recent stock market gains and an unexpectedly high inflation read. The Standard & Poor’s 500 retreated 0.31%, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average slid 0.63%. The...

Monday, November 8, 2021

Dear Friends, Welcome to another edition of Notes Along the Path! This month's topics: Estate Planning, Big Mistakes to Avoid What's Driving the Market (to New Highs) Please consider sharing this with someone you know who might be...

Monday, November 1, 2021

A fresh wave of positive corporate earnings surprises sent markets to new record highs last week. The Standard & Poor’s 500 rose 1.33%, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average increased 0.40%. The Nasdaq Composite index picked up...

Tuesday, October 26, 2021

Stocks rallied last week on a stream of positive corporate earnings surprises. Remember, earnings, and nothing else, drive stock prices. Other metrics are mostly useful in proportion to their predictive power about future earnings....

Thursday, October 7, 2021

Dear Friends, Welcome to another edition of Notes Along the Path! This month's topics: There's Something about... September? Tax Law Changes may be coming Please consider sharing this with someone you know who might be asking...

Monday, October 4, 2021

Higher bond yields and a legislative stalemate in Washington, D.C., added up to losses for the week. The Standard & Poor’s 500 lost 2.21%, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average declined 1.36%, and the Nasdaq Composite index...

Wednesday, September 29, 2021

Stocks prices were whipsawed last week, dragged initially lower by financial contagion worries and later lifted by a supportive Fed policy statement.The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 0.62%, while the Standard & Poor’s...

Wednesday, September 8, 2021

In late 2019, the president signed the SECURE (Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement) Act. The starting age for required minimum distributions (RMDs) for employer-sponsored plans and IRA accounts was raised from 70...

Saturday, August 7, 2021

Dear Friends, Welcome to another edition of Notes Along the Path! This month's topics: The Covid (recession and) Recovery Market Update: Stocks Reach New Highs Are You On Track? A Change at Your Best Path Please consider sharing this...

Monday, July 19, 2021

Despite a good start to earnings season and some solid economic data, worries of slower second-half economic growth led to a pullback in stock prices last week. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.52%, while the Standard &...

Thursday, July 8, 2021

Dear Friends, Welcome to another edition of Notes Along the Path! This month's topics: How to Manage a Financial Windfall Market Update: A Halfway-Point Assessment In the News Please consider sharing this with someone you know who...

Wednesday, July 7, 2021

As we head into the Summer of '21, here are a few dates that may be meaningful for your situation. Please have a look, and then mark your calendar with the items that apply to you. Not sure, don't hesitate to give me a call. Summer...

Tuesday, July 6, 2021

Strong employment reports and rising consumer confidence sent the stock market broadly higher last week.The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 1.02%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 picked up 1.67%. The Nasdaq Composite index...

Monday, June 21, 2021

New messaging from the Federal Reserve on interest rates and inflation last week led to a broad retreat in stock prices. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 3.45% while the Standard & Poor’s 500 lost 1.91%. The Nasdaq...

Monday, June 14, 2021

Stocks ended the week mixed as investors appeared to shrug off a hotter-than-expected inflation report. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 0.80%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 advanced 0.41%. The Nasdaq Composite index...

Wednesday, June 2, 2021

Dear Friends, Welcome to another edition of Notes Along the Path! This month's topics: When Is It Time to Downsize Your Home, and Will This Cycle Reverse? May Market Update: Thinking About the Markets and the Economy

Monday, May 24, 2021

Stock prices fluctuated amid inflation concerns and bargain hunting, leaving stocks mixed for the week.The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 0.51%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 dropped 0.43%. The tech-heavy Nasdaq...

Tuesday, May 11, 2021

The Case Against Bitcoin and other Cryptocurrencies: I have four categories of objections to Bitcoin: Financial, Practical, Civic, and Moral. Before I get to these objections, a brief bit of context. I don't think Bitcoin is doomed to go...

Wednesday, May 5, 2021

Dear Friends, Welcome to another edition of Notes Along the Path! This month's topics: 7 Charitable Giving Missteps to Avoid Higher Taxes on Capital Gains, Should You Be Worried? April's Stock Market: Pleasant as a Sunny Spring Day,...

Tuesday, May 4, 2021

Stocks meandered around a flatline in a busy week of corporate earnings, ending the trading week slightly higher. The Standard & Poor’s 500 was flat (+0.02%), while the Dow Jones Industrial Average slid 0.50%. The Nasdaq...

Monday, April 26, 2021

The crosscurrents of strong corporate earnings, rising global cases of COVID-19, and the specter of higher capital gains taxes led to a choppy week of trading that left stock prices slightly lower for the week. The Dow Jones...

Monday, April 19, 2021

Stocks reached record highs last week, riding the tailwind of improving economic data and a strong start to the earnings season.The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 1.18%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 gained 1.37%. The...

Monday, April 12, 2021

Strong economic data and a resurgent technology sector propelled stocks to solid gains last week.The Dow Jones Industrial Average advanced 1.95%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 picked up 2.71%. The tech-heavy Nasdaq...

Thursday, April 8, 2021

Dear Friends, Welcome to another edition of Notes Along the Path! This month's topics: Covid—A Year Later Big Picture Market Update Avoiding 7 Retirement Traps Please consider sharing this with someone you know who might be...

Monday, March 22, 2021

Rising bond yields and improving economic conditions led to a choppy week of trading that ended in modest losses for investors.The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.46%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 declined 0.77%. The...

Friday, March 19, 2021

Welcome to the inaugural edition of "Your Best Path: Gordon Achtermann on Investing" 50,000-foot View My Outlook for Stocks: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Bearish -------------------------X-------- Bullish (8+) The Fed's Current Position:...

Thursday, March 4, 2021

Dear Friends, Welcome to another edition of Notes Along the Path! This month's topics: The Psychology of Money, Not Your Typical Economic Recovery, Couples' Money Problems: 6 Traps to Avoid, Tax Changes to review as you file your 2020...

Wednesday, March 3, 2021

Key Tax Law Changes Here are all the major changes to our tax laws you need to know as you work on your 2020 tax return. I hope you found this information useful. Please share and join the conversation using the social media icons All...

Monday, March 1, 2021

Stocks dropped amid rising long-term bond yields, with sharp declines in high-valuation growth stocks leading the overall market lower.The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 1.78%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 declined...

Monday, February 22, 2021

Rising bond yields dampened investor enthusiasm for high-multiple growth companies last week, sending market averages mostly lower in a holiday-shortened week of trading.The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 0.11% for the week. But...

Monday, February 8, 2021

Stocks notched strong gains last week, paced by a string of solid economic reports and consensus-beating corporate earnings.The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 3.89%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 advanced 4.65%. The...

Friday, February 5, 2021

Dear Friends, Welcome to another edition of Notes Along the Path! This month's topics: In the News, The Worst Scams, Revenge of the Nerds? (Market Update)

Thursday, February 4, 2021

This is an update to an original post from August 13, 2020 ARE YOU SAVING ENOUGH FOR RETIREMENT? Financial Advisors get asked this question all the time: Am I (or are we) saving enough? Maybe you have heard of the concept of a...

Friday, January 8, 2021

January 8, 2021 Dear Friends, Welcome to another edition of Notes Along the Path! Please consider sharing this with someone you know who might be asking themselves (or you!) questions about their financial future. This month's topics:...

Saturday, January 2, 2021

Congress passed the budget and we finally know that this data is valid for 2021. Please let me know if you would like a .pdf file sent to your email.

Tuesday, December 29, 2020

The end of the year is upon us, so instead of the usual weekly market recap, I offer this metaphor to end the month. Your investment strategy is a lot like a marriage. One day you may feel like everything’s going swimmingly. The...

Friday, December 11, 2020

My Fiduciary Oath Potential clients sometimes wonder about the difference between a 100% fiduciary (like me) vs. a part-time fiduciary (also known as a fee-based advisor). As your 100% fiduciary my oath and code of ethics applies all...

Monday, December 7, 2020

December 7th, 2020 Dear Friends, Welcome to another edition of Notes Along the Path! As always, I hope you will consider sharing this with someone you know who might be asking themselves (or you) questions about their financial picture...

Friday, November 6, 2020

Dear Friends, Welcome to another edition of Notes Along the Path! November 6, 2020. Thoughts on the election aftermath and outlook, October 2020 market performance, and 7 financial planning steps you can implement today.

Friday, October 9, 2020

Dear Friends, Welcome! I hope you may benefit from this month's edition of Notes Along the Path. For those of you that are existing clients, I hope you will consider sharing this with someone you know who might be asking themselves...

Thursday, September 3, 2020

Notes Along the Path. Today we will be discussing: Gordon Achtermann quoated in the News, My Publications, Latest Market Commentary: Recession and Rally - Together Like Never Before, A Personal Reflection of Preparing for College

Thursday, August 6, 2020

This may be my longest issue in a while, so feel free to skip to your top priority first. Today we will be discussing: My IBD article, The State of Our Nation: economic & market commentary, Roth IRAs, August 31 rollover deadline...

Thursday, July 2, 2020

Today we will be discussing July 4th Celebrations, The Swoosh: economic & market commentary, Lessons from the pandemic (so far)...

Wednesday, July 1, 2020

Since beginning Your Best Path Financial Planning, I have learned that what clients want is to SEE their finances better. To me, this means I must Simplify for them, Educate them, andEmpower them. To that end, the set of principals...

Friday, June 26, 2020

Let's Fix this: Less Than Half of You Know, Before Retirement, How Much Social Security You Are Going to Get. Researchers at the University of Michigan Retirement and Disability Research Center found that more than 50% of their sample...

Wednesday, June 3, 2020

I cannot remember a time when I've seen such a wide disparity between what is happening in the economy and what is happening in the stock market. As I explained last month, much of what is happening is the achievement (fault?) of the Fed...

Wednesday, May 13, 2020

Whatever it takes. Within our mandate, the Fed is ready to do whatever it takes to support the economy. Believe me. It will be enough. Wait, did Fed Chief Jerome Powell really say that? No, he didn't, but the Fed's actions seem to have...

Monday, April 6, 2020

Today we will be discussing: Covid-19 Status and outlook, March market review, First, an admission. I was quite wrong about the virus. My initial take at the end of February was that it would likely be contained. That was before I knew...

Saturday, March 14, 2020

Click HERE to download your printable PDF of the Key Planning and Investment Deadlines for Spring 2020. Thank you for being a client or for taking interest and giving me a chance to win your business. I value your trust and the...

Wednesday, February 19, 2020

Your Best Path Financial Planning is happy to announce that we are now a Green America certified business! Green America is one of the largest marketplaces in the US for people to find green business. For decades I have been a proud...

Monday, February 10, 2020

Our topics this month are: The SECURE Act, January Market Review and Current Outlook. As 2019 came to a close, the President signed into law a sweeping series of...

Monday, January 13, 2020

Our topics are: Your Best Path In the Media, What moved markets in 2019. As some of you you know by now, reporters often reach out...