Market Update

MarketsInvestors have survived a bear market. They’ve survived the fastest pace of rate hikes in decades. Yet, one bad week, and doubt has crept back in. While inflation is improving, we have no idea where it will level off. We also have no idea of when the Fed will stop raising rates. The outlook is highly uncertain. Inflation is showing signs …

What Is an Independent Financial Advisor?

An independent advisor is not tied to any specific family of funds or investment products. Many independent financial advisory firms are owned by the people who sit at the desks inside.What’s DiscussedWhat makes a financial advisor “independent?”How are independent financial advisors different?Are independent financial advisors unbiased?Does it matter if your advisor is independent?What are the benefits to working with an …

Market Update

The Jobs ReportThe employment report was shockingly strong. The economy added 528K jobs, and economists expected 258K. Leisure and hospitality, professional and business services, and health care saw the greatest job gains. Employment levels are back to Feb. 2020 levels, and we’ve recovered 22MM jobs in 2.5 years. Private sector employment is now 629K above the pre-pandemic level and government …

Trends & Friends From KLBK Makes A Visit

We’ve got a fabulous headstart for the Mary Condra school supply drive. We have just a few days left to help prepare for the upcoming school year, starting on August 8. Thank you Trends and Friends for helping get the word out!Excerpt from EverythingLubbock.com: LUBBOCK, Texas— Family Dynasty Advisors is hosting a school supply drive that benefits The Condra School. …

Market Update

General EconomyEconomic activity is slowing in the U.S. and Europe. The composite US purchasing managers index fell to 47.5 in July (from 52.3). The drop in services was the biggest fall since May 2020. The rising costs of gas, food, and rent are prompting consumers to spend more on essentials and pull back on discretionary services. Highlights Economists now put the …

Innovative Charter School Supply Drive

The Betty M. Condra School for Education Innovation broke ground this week on Tuesday. The plans are to improve around 23,000 square feet of the former Kaplan College building to give the school room to grow and serve more students. Students will be moving to the location at 10th Street and Avenue O once renovations to the building are complete …

Unique Texas Destinations for Summer 2022

Despite high gas prices, AAA estimates a record number of people will drive to their vacation destinations this summer, both in Texas and nationwide.  Our great state is home to the American South’s most beautiful natural wonders, and as the largest state in the nation, is extremely diverse with an array of things to do. From wine country escapes, unique …

Market Update

The EconomyConsumer sentiment is being driven by inflation and stocks but is worse than warranted. Consumer prices increased at an 8.6% annual rate in May, and many Americans are  now starting to forgo some purchases and outings. Consumers are also suffering through a reverse-wealth-effect as stock prices have  dropped and there is concern about home prices. The stock market is …

Market Update

EquitiesStocks had a great week. The market seemed to like Powell’s acknowledgement of the possibility of a recession, if only because it might mean less aggressive rate increases in the future. The market seems to be interpreting recent signs of slowing growth as a reason for the Fed to potentially be less aggressive. The thinking really seems to be that we …

Market Update

Bonds and the DollarMay was the first time in 10 months that corporate bonds had a positive return. Previously, higher inflation led to belief in a more aggressive Fed and that resulted in higher yields (lower bond prices). In May, investors seemed to decide that investment grade bonds offered good value. On Friday, the dollar rose. This was the result …