Charles Joseph Hodge

10/28/2024

Today is the start of a critical week for the United States economy.

Two major economic reports this week will determine what decision the Federal Reserve Board will make regarding interest rates next week.

Read more to ready yourself for changes in the stock and bond markets in the coming weeks!

Two reports this week on inflation and the labor market could swing the final calculus for Fed policymakers as they weigh another rate cut at their Nov. 6-7 meeting.

10/25/2024

Election time can be scary for investors, but that's not the only factor driving market returns.

Earnings season has started strong, with Tesla gaining over 20% following their Thursday earnings report.

What else will be moving the markets in the coming weeks?

The rally in U.S. stocks is wobbling as it confronts a stretch of potentially market-shaking events, starting next week with corporate results from tech titans and the closely watched employment report, while the U.S. election is also nearing. Still, equities remain at elevated valuations, which cou...

10/24/2024

The labor market has shown massive resilience this month, showing a departure from expected economic downturn.

A strong labor market further emphasizes fears that the Fed may have pulled interest rates back too far.

Find out more about what this means for yourself:

The number of weekly unemployment benefits filed last week ticked lower from the previous week in a sign that layoffs remain limited despite a cooling labor market.

10/23/2024

Nobody likes to pay taxes, but it's how our government provides us with roads, bridges, and defense.

Check out the tax brackets for the 2025 year, and find whether or not you could lower your taxable income by investing more before April 15th:

10/22/2024

Are inflation fears back?

Did the Fed cut rates too aggressively?

It's too early to tell, but investors may be right, as further rate cuts this year have come into question.

Educate yourself on the state of economic affairs and how they affect the market:

Stocks are eyeing a second day of losses as investors rethink the outlook for interest rate cuts over the next year.

10/21/2024

Which companies will determine the direction of the market this week?

It's earnings season for tech, find out who are the market movers.

Investors can expect key earnings from Tesla and Boeing as well as consumer sentiment data in the week ahead.

10/18/2024

Considering buying a home in the near future?

How are you supposed to know when it's a "good" time to buy a home?

With interest rates on a downtrend, is becoming a homeowner a reasonable short-term goal?

Read more from the article below to gain more insight in the state of the housing market.

Homebuilders are feeling more confident about the housing market despite a recent sharp rise in mortgage rates.

10/17/2024

"Why is gas so expensive?" and "Wow gas is so cheap right now," are two things I hear people say all the time.

But do you actually know how gas prices are determined on any given day? Some like to point their fingers at politicians, but do they really have any say?

In reality, no singular person has any power over the prices you see at the pump. Read the article below for a better perspective on how the price tag on a gallon of gas is determined.

From geopolitics to simple supply and demand, it's not nearly as black and white as you may believe.

(Bloomberg) -- Oil edged higher after four sessions of declines as traders weighed falling US crude stockpiles and potential risks to production in the Middle East against underwhelming stimulus measures from China.Most Read from BloombergInside the ‘Utopias’ of Mexico CityOne City’s Plan to R...

10/11/2024

Click below to check out resources to help you understand and navigate today's market and economic landscape.

10/11/2024

Your financial plan should include preparing for now as well as the future. Check out these seven recommendations for financial planning, then let’s connect to review your strategy.

Stressed woman looking at finances getty One of the most common questions I get when doing personal coaching sessions is “what am I missing?” People

10/10/2024

Teaching your children good financial habits is one way to set them up for future success. It can be a step towards building generational wealth. Read this article for 5 tips on how to get started. https://eqtble.co/3irLFOY