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    Is the Bear Market Here to Stay?

    With the Dow dropping 20 percent from its highs and the S&P 500 following suit, we have finally seen the end of the bull market. And so we find ourselves officially in a bear market, with all that implies. Stock markets around the world dropped again on the news.

    2020 Stock Market Declines: Data Vs. Headlines

    March 2020 has not been kind to the markets. Earlier this month, markets dropped worldwide. On March 9 (the 11th anniversary of the bull market), they declined by 7.5 percent, the largest drop since 2008. In less than a month, we’ve seen a total decline of almost 19 percent. It certainly seems that we’re in the midst of a stock market crash—doesn’t it?

    Will the Coronavirus Spell the End of the Bull Market?

    March 9, 2020, marks the 11th anniversary of the bull market, which started back in 2009. But as the coronavirus continues to wreak havoc, many are worried that we may see the end of that winning streak at some point this year. So, where do we really stand—and where do we go from here?

    The SECURE Act: What It Means for Your Company’s Retirement Plan

    A bill that comprehensively reshapes the realm of employer-sponsored retirement plans for employers and employees alike has been passed into law. The bipartisan Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement (SECURE) Act—originally introduced in April 2019—was signed into law by President Trump on December 20, 2019.

    The Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement (SECURE) Act

    On December 20, 2019, the SECURE Act was signed into law. The SECURE Act contains 29 provisions, encompassing many aspects of financial planning and retirement saving. Once treasury regulations are released, nuances in interpreting this new law will become clearer. Until then, individuals are left to interpret the law’s effects based on the language of the law itself. This article will address what the SECURE Act entails and who it affects, as well as provide suggestions on how to plan for the changes that have been instituted.

    Market Continues to Slide on Coronavirus Fears: What Should Investors Do?

    As of this writing (February 28, 2020), the Dow and S&P 500 are down more than 15 percent from recent highs. Given that we’ve had one of the worst weeks in history for the stock market, many fear that we’re on the road to another financial crisis. But what can investors do to protect themselves? To answer this question, we first need to assess what is really happening—and what isn’t.

    What Does the Coronavirus Mean for Investors?

    Despite attempts by Chinese authorities to contain the coronavirus, the numbers make clear that the virus is now spreading around the world. According to the World Health Organization, there are 79,331 confirmed cases, of which 77,262 are in China and 2,069 are outside of China (as of February 24, 2020). Unfortunately, the numbers only seem to be growing, with the Washington Post recently reporting that there were 833 confirmed cases in South Korea and 53 confirmed cases in the U.S.

    Prioritizing Your Financial Health in the New Year

    It’s that time of year when many people set goals with the hope of changing their lives in the months to come. Some may set their sights on losing a significant amount of weight or training for a marathon, while others may want to spend more time with family or other loved ones. Whatever your plans, consider adding a few of the financial changes described below to your resolution list, too, to help you turn 2020 into an even better year.

    Market Faces More Turbulence, But Positive Trends Continue

    It’s been a tough time for the markets. Indeed, we recently saw the largest stock market drop of 2019. With the Dow Jones Industrial Average declining more than 800 points (over 3 percent) on August 14, investors are starting to worry. But is this latest round of volatility cause for concern? Let’s take a closer look.

    Will Trade War Lead to More Market Volatility

    On July 26, 2019, the S&P 500 peaked—but it has since dropped by almost 6 percent (as of August 3). To be sure, such a large and fast drop has rattled investors. So, what’s behind this sudden pullback—and is it likely to continue?