Key U.S. Economic News
  • Non-farm payrolls increased +236,000 in February.  Gains in previous months were revised downward by -15,000.  Average hourly earnings increased +0.2% and hours worked +0.3%, supporting the consumer.  The unemployment rate fell two ticks to 7.7%; however, the labor force participation rate fell back to its recent low of 63.5%.  The broader U-6 measure of unemployment ticked down to 14.3%.
  • GDP growth in the fourth quarter of 2012 was revised from slightly negative (-0.1%) to slightly positive (+0.1%).
  • The ISM Manufacturing Index climbed 1.1 points to 54.2% in February.  The New Orders and Production components experienced nice gains, while the Employment index fell.  Growth in the manufacturing economy was broad based, with fifteen of eighteen industries reporting growth.
  • The ISM Non-Manufacturing Index edged up 0.8 points to 56.0% in February.  The New Orders and Production components indicated a faster rate of growth.  Thirteen of eighteen industries reported growth.
  • Industrial production edged down -0.1% in January as manufacturing output declined -0.4%.  Industrial production is 2.1% higher than its level a year ago.  The capacity utilization rate fell to 79.1%, a level 1.1 percentage points below its long-run average.
  • Durable goods orders fell -5.2%, but excluding transportation orders increased +1.9%.
  • Retail sales increased just +0.1% in January, likely weighed down by the expiration of the payroll tax cut.  Sales are +4.4% above year ago levels.  
  • Disposable personal income fell -4.0% in January, a reversal from December’s +2.7% increase, due to accelerated bonus payments and higher individual tax rates. Personal consumption expenditures increased +0.2%.  The savings rate fell four percentage points to 2.4%.
  • Inflation measures remained tame in January.
  • The producer price index increased +0.2%.  Food prices were higher for the month, but energy prices were lower.  Over the last 12 months, the PPI has increased a mild +1.4%.
  • The consumer price index was unchanged and has increased +1.6% over the last 12 months.  Excluding food and energy the price index increased +0.3% in January and is up +1.9% over the last 12 months.
  • Housing continued to show signs of improvement in January.  Inventories are at low levels.
  • Housing starts fell -8.5% to a SAAR of 890,000.  The decline was primarily due to multi-family as single family starts increased +0.8% during the month.  Starts remain 23.6% above year-ago levels.  
  • Existing home sales edged up +0.4% to a SAAR of 4.92 million.  December sales were revised downward.  Supply of existing homes continues to tighten and now represent a 4.2 month supply, the lowest since April 2005.
  • New home sales rose +15.6% to a SAAR of 437,000.  Supply remains tight at 4.1 months.
  • The S&P/Case-Shiller national home price index showed an increase in home prices of +7.3% for 2012.  Nineteen of twenty MSAs posted positive year-over-year growth.
  • The Conference Board Leading Economic Index rose +0.2% in January, helped by financial components and housing permits.


Key U.S. Policy News
The sequester (the automatic spending cuts agreed to as part of the debt ceiling compromise in 2011) went into effect on March 1.  The cuts will total $85 billion this year.
The minutes from the last FOMC meeting suggested that the Federal Reserve is considering slowing the pace of the current quantitative easing program.





Key Market Data and Events
Annualized for periods greater than one year.  Past performance is no guarantee of future results.  Source: FactSet, Red Rocks Capital.  Total returns as of 02/28/13.


  • After a very strong January, the US equity markets trended higher to start off February, but mid-month investors shifted more defensively due to concerns of the Fed slowing or ending its asset purchases sooner than expected, the outcome of the Italian elections and the sequester.  Despite this rough patch, US markets moved higher in the last week of the month and ended with a gain of over +1%.
  • Defensive sectors led in February, with Consumer Staples gaining more than 3%, and Telecom and Utilities each gaining more than 2%.  Materials and energy lagged.  
  • Value led growth across all market capitalizations and mid caps edged out both large and small caps. Mid cap value is the top performing style so far this year.
  • International equities lagged the US markets as the US dollar strengthened meaningfully versus both developed and emerging market currencies.
  • International developed markets continued to outpace emerging markets in February, but performance was mixed.  Most European markets declined with Japan and Australia were strong performers.  
  • Within emerging markets small caps outperformed large caps and were positive for the month.  The BRIC economies were down more than -4%, but smaller markets like Indonesia and Malaysia delivered positive returns.  
  • Interest rates moved slightly lower during the month.  The 10-year Treasury yield hovered around 2% for most of the month but ended February at a level of 1.89%.  
  • Corporate credit spreads remained relatively stable during the month and investment grade credit outpaced the return of the Barclays Aggregate by 20 basis points.  Higher quality names led lower quality names.  
  • Municipal bonds lagged taxable bonds in February but have outperformed year to date.  Lower quality municipals outpaced higher quality credits.  
  • Global REITs continue to deliver solid performance helped by the strong performance of Asian properties.
  • The entire commodity complex experienced a drawdown in February.  Precious metals and industrial metals declined more than -5%, while energy and agriculture each fell more than -4%.
  • Listed private equity has been on a tear, gaining more than +12% so far this year, further narrowing discounts to net asset value.



Outlook
Risk assets started the year on a tear despite an increase in volatility in mid-February as macro risks moved back into view.  Easy monetary policy has forced investors out of cash and into higher yielding fixed income and even equity strategies.  

A number of positives exist that could continue to support markets and the economy in 2013.  Central banks globally remain accommodative and stand ready to implement more extraordinary measures if necessary.  The anticipated fiscal drag has been reduced and Congress has eliminated near term uncertainty surrounding tax rates.  The U.S. housing market is also in a position to contribute to growth in 2013, boosted by pent up demand for household formation, firmer prices, and a high level of affordability.  U.S. companies remain healthy with solid balance sheets flush with cash that can be invested in people or capital expenditures. The labor market is healing, albeit slowly.  Equity market valuations remain reasonable, especially relative to other asset classes like fixed income.

However, major risks facing the economy and markets remain, including:
U.S. policy uncertainty continues: While the fiscal cliff deal resolved some of the uncertainty on the tax side, the fiscal policy uncertainty and drama in Washington continues.  The sequester is now in place, but depending on its impact on growth in short-term, there could be pressure to delay or stop the spending cuts.  Next we have the continuing resolution that funds the government which expires on March 27.  The debt ceiling will need to be addressed again later in the second quarter.  The fiscal cliff deal did little to address our long term unsustainable fiscal path, and a lack of a credible plan of action this year to stabilize our debt to GDP ratio may trigger another downgrade of our sovereign debt. 

European sovereign debt crisis and recession: 
The promise of bond purchases by the ECB has driven down borrowing costs for problem countries and bought policymakers time, but it cannot solve the underlying problems in Europe.  Austerity measures are serving only to weaken growth further and cause higher unemployment and social unrest.  
Sluggish global growth: There was evidence of slower global economic growth in the second half of 2012.  Growth in the U.S. continues to be tepid and the expiration of the payroll tax cut will likely serve to weaken consumer spending in the first quarter.  Europe is in recession territory.  Evidence of a soft landing in China is mounting after growth weakened meaningfully last year.  Weaker economic growth will flow through to weaker earnings and top line growth.

These unresolved macro risks will keep the markets susceptible to bouts of volatility throughout 2013.  Because of massive government intervention in the global financial markets, we will continue to be susceptible to event risk.  As a result, our portfolios are positioned with a relatively neutral stance.  Instead of taking a strong position on the direction of the markets, we seek to take advantage of high conviction opportunities and strategies within asset classes.  


Notable Numbers
Can You Wait?:   An individual that has earned income up to the maximum Social Security wage base each year who then waits to take his/her Social Security retirement benefit until age 70 will receive +77% more income per month than if he/she had taken a retirement benefit early at age 62 (source: Social Security).  

Let’s Do It:  House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan (R-WI) pledged on 1/23/13 that he will soon release a 10-year plan that would balance the U.S. budget by fiscal year 2023, i.e., the 12 months ending 9/30/2023.  The United States last had a surplus in fiscal year 2001 (source: Congress).   

What a Disaster:   Property losses from worldwide disasters in 2012 (including Hurricane Sandy and the US drought) totaled $200 billion, just over half of the $380 billion of global losses (an all-time record amount) from 2011.  The 2012 global total of $200 billion was less than the $210 billion of property losses from the 3/11/11 Japanese earthquake and resulting tsunami (source: Aon Benfield, Munich Reinsurance).    


This newsletter is intended to provide opinions and analysis of the general conditions of the market and economy, but is not intended to provide personalized investment advice. Statements referring to future actions or events, such as the future financial performance of certain asset classes or market segments, are based on the current expectations and projections about future events provided by various. sources, including Brinker Capital's Investment Management Group. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual events may differ materially from those discussed. This commentary includes statistical information obtained from various third-party sources. Brinker Capital believes those sources to be accurate and reliable; however, we are not responsible for errors by third-party sources on which we reasonably rely. Performance data represents general indexes representative of certain asset classes and are not indicative of actual past performance of any specific portfolio managed or sponsored by Brinker Capital. 


Appendix
*Returns as of 02/28/13.  Annualized for periods greater than one year.  Past performance is no guarantee of future results. 
Source: FactSet

Glossary
Barclays Capital Municipal Bond Index – A benchmark index that includes investment-grade, tax-exempt, and fixed-rate bonds with long-term maturities (greater than two years) selected from issues larger than $50 million.
Barclays Capital U.S. Aggregate Bond Index – An unmanaged market-value-weighted performance benchmark for investment-grade fixed-rate debt issues, including government, corporate, asset-backed, and mortgage-backed securities, with maturities of at least one year.
Barclays Capital U.S. TIPS Index (Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities) –The Barclays U.S. TIPS Index consists of inflation-protection securities issued by the U.S. Treasury. 
BofA Merrill Lynch 3-7 Year Municipal Bond Index – The index measures the performance of mutual bonds with maturities between three and seven years.
Conference Board Leading Economic Index –An American economic leading indicator intended to forecast future economic activity. It is calculated by The Conference Board, a non-governmental organization, which determines the value of the index from the values of ten key variables. These variables have historically turned downward before a recession and upward before an expansion.
Consumer Price Index (CPI) –Consumer Price Index is a measure of the cost of goods purchased by average U.S. household. It is calculated by the U.S. government's Bureau of Labor Statistics. 
Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) – The Dow Jones Industrial Average is a price-weighted average of 30 significant stocks traded on the New York Stock Exchange and the NASDAQ. The DJIA was invented by Charles Dow back in 1896.
Dow Jones/UBS Commodity Index – A rolling commodities index composed of futures contracts on 19 physical commodities traded on U.S. exchanges. The index serves as a liquid and diversified benchmark for the commodities asset class.
Dow Jones U.S. Total Stock Market – The Dow Jones U.S. Total Stock Market Index represents the broadest index for the U.S. equity market, measuring the performance of all U.S. equity securities with readily available price data.  The index was created in 1974.

Emerging Markets (EM) – A foreign economy with a low to middle per capita income that is developing in response to the spread of capitalism and has created its own stock market.  Analogous to small growth companies, emerging markets have high potential as well as high risk.  Such countries constitute approximately 80% of the global population, and represent about 20% of the world's economies.  
Exchange Traded Fund (ETF) – A security that tracks an index, a commodity or a basket of assets like an index fund, but trades like a stock on an exchange.
FTSE EPRA/NAREIT Global Real Estate  (Financial Times and London Stock Exchange European Public Real Estate Association/National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts®) –The FTSE EPRA/NAREIT Global Real Estate Index is designed to represent general trends in eligible listed real estate stocks worldwide.  Relevant real estate activities are defined as the ownership, trading and development of income-producing real estate.  Only closed-end companies listed on an official stock exchange are included in the index.
Gross Domestic Product (GDP) – GDP is commonly used as an indicator of the economic health of a country, as well as to gauge a country's standard of living. 
HFRX Global Hedge Fund Index – The HFRX Global Hedge Fund Index is designed to be representative of the overall composition of the hedge fund universe. It comprises eight strategies: convertible arbitrage, distressed securities, equity hedge, equity market neutral, event driven, macro, merger arbitrage, and relative value arbitrage. The strategies are asset-weighted based on the distribution of assets in the hedge fund industry.  
ISM Manufacturing PMI – A monthly index released by the Institute of Supply Management which tracks the amount of manufacturing activity that occurred in the previous month. This data is considered a very important and trusted economic measure. If the index has a value below 50, due to a decrease in activity, it tends to indicate an economic recession, especially if the trend continues over several months. A value substantially above 50 likely indicates a time of economic growth. The values for the index can be between 0 and 100.
ISM Non-Manufacturing PMI – ISM Non-Manufacturing Index is a gauge of business conditions in non-manufacturing industries, based on measures of employment trends, prices and new orders. Though non-manufacturing sectors make up the majority of the economy, the ISM Non-Manufacturing has less market impact because non-manufacturing data tends to be more cyclical and predictable. However, these sectors do account for a considerable portion of CPI. As a result, the figure gives insight into conditions which can impact output growth and inflationary pressures. 
MSCI All Country World ex-U.S. (Morgan Stanley Capital International) –The MSCI All Country World Index ex-U.S. is a free float-adjusted market capitalization weighted index that is designed to measure the equity market performance of developed and emerging markets, except the U.S.  The index consists of 47 country indices comprising 22 developed and 25 emerging market country indices.
MSCI EAFE (Morgan Stanley Capital International Europe, Australasia and Far East) The MSCI EAFE Index is recognized as the preeminent benchmark in the United States to measure international equity performance. It comprises 21 MSCI country indices, representing the developed markets outside of North America: Europe, Australasia and the Far East.
MSCI Emerging Markets (Morgan Stanley Capital International) The MSCI Emerging Markets Index is a free float-adjusted market capitalization index that is designed to measure equity market performance in the global emerging markets. As of June 2006, the MSCI Emerging Markets Index consisted of the following 25 emerging market country indices: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, China, Colombia, Czech Republic, Egypt, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Israel, Jordan, Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, Morocco, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Russia, South Africa, Taiwan, Thailand, and Turkey.
National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotations (NASDAQ) – The NASDAQ Composite Index is a market-capitalization-weighted, unmanaged index that is designed to represent the performance of the National Association of Securities Dealers Quotation System, which includes more than 5,000 stocks traded only over the counter and not on an exchange. The index does not include the reinvestment of dividends.
Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) A security that sells like a stock on the major exchanges and invests in real estate directly, either through properties or mortgages.
Red Rocks Listed Private Equity Index – The Red Rocks Listed Private Equity Index is designed to track the performance of the largest and most liquid publicly traded private equity firms principally invested in the United States and publicly traded private equity portfolios with principal investments in the United States. The publicly traded stocks within the Index are traded on any nationally recognized exchange worldwide.
Russell 1000 – Measures the performance of the 1,000 largest companies in the Russell 3000 Index, which represents approximately 92% of the total market capitalization of the Russell 3000 Index. As of the latest reconstitution, the average market capitalization was approximately $13.9 billion; the median market capitalization was approximately $4.9 billion. The smallest company in the Index had an approximate market capitalization of $2.0 billion.
Russell 1000 Growth – Measures the performance of those Russell 1000 companies with higher price-to-book ratios and higher forecasted growth values.
Russell 1000 Value – Measures the performance of Russell 1000 companies with lower price-to-book ratios and forecasted growth values.
Russell 2000 Small Cap – Measures the performance of the 2,000 smallest companies in the Russell 3000 Index, which represents approximately 8% of the total market capitalization of the Russell 3000 Index. As of the latest reconstitution, the average market capitalization was approximately $762.8 million; the median market capitalization was approximately $613.5 million. The largest company in the index had an approximate market capitalization of $2.0 billion and a smallest of $218.4 million.
Russell 2000 Small Cap Growth – Measures the performance of those Russell 2000 companies with higher price-to-book ratios and higher forecasted growth values.
Russell 2000 Small Cap Value – Measures the performance of those Russell 2000 companies with lower price-to-book ratios and lower forecasted growth values.
Russell 2500 – Measures the performance of the 2,500 smallest companies in the Russell 3000 Index.
Russell 2500 Growth – Measures the performance of those Russell 2500 companies with higher price-to-book ratios and higher forecasted growth values.
Russell 2500 Value – Measures the performance of Russell 2500 companies with lower price-to-book ratios and forecasted growth values.
Russell 3000 – This index encompasses the 3,000 largest U.S.-traded stocks, in which the underlying companies are all incorporated in the U.S. 
Russell Mid Cap – Measures the performance of the 800 smallest companies in the Russell 1000 Index, which represents approximately 30% of the total market capitalization of the Russell 1000 Index. As of the latest reconstitution, the average market capitalization was approximately $5.3 billion; the median market capitalization was approximately $3.9 billion. The largest company in the index had an approximate market capitalization of $14.9 billion.
Russell Mid Cap Growth – Measures the performance of those Russell Midcap companies with higher price-to-book ratios and higher forecasted growth values. The stocks are also members of the Russell 1000 Growth Index.
Russell Mid Cap Value – Measures the performance of those Russell Midcap companies with lower price-to-book ratios and lower forecasted growth values. The stocks are also members of the Russell 1000 Value Index.
Seasonally Adjusted Annual Rate (SAAR) – Rate adjustment used for economic or business data that attempts to remove the seasonal variation in data.  Calculated by dividing the unadjusted annual rate for the month by its seasonality factor and crated an adjusted annual rate for the month. 
Standard & Poor's 500 Index (S&P 500) – An index consisting of 500 stocks chosen for market size, liquidity and industry grouping, among other factors. The S&P 500 is designed to be a leading indicator of U.S. equities and is meant to reflect the risk/return characteristics of the large-cap universe. Companies included in the index are selected by the S&P Index Committee, a team of analysts and economists at Standard & Poor's. The S&P 500 is a market-value-weighted index -- each stock's weight in the index is proportionate to its market value.  
Standard & Poor’s/Case-Shiller Home Price Index – The S&P/Case-Shiller Home Price Index measures the residential housing market, tracking changes in the value of the residential real estate market in 20 metropolitan regions across the United States.  The index uses the repeat sales pricing technique to measure housing markets.  The index is calculated monthly and published with a two-month lag.

The information in this article is not intended as tax or legal advice, and it may not be relied on for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. You are encouraged to seek tax or legal advice from an independent professional advisor. The content is derived from sources believed to be accurate. Neither the information presented nor any opinion expressed constitutes a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security. This material was written and prepared by Brinker Capital.
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  1. Despite the pick-up in volatility at the end of January, risk assets continued their upward ascent throughout the month. Expectations surrounding the implementation of the newly passed tax reform bill and the weakening US dollar served as positive catalysts for the month. Macroeconomic data was mixed; fourth quarter real GDP growth came in slightly below expectations but manufacturing activity accelerated and the US jobs report was positive. Although we have seen initial signs of rising inflation, levels remain subdued as low unemployment has yet to translate into meaningful wage growth. We expect the Federal Reserve (Fed) to remain on track with interest rate normalization and the positive, albeit choppy, market momentum we have seen to date indicates that markets can likely withstand an additional Fed rate hike in March.
    The S&P 500 Index was up 5.7% for the month with cyclicals outperforming defensive sectors. Consumer discretionary (+9.3%) led while tax cuts and a solid job market served as positive catalysts. Information technology (+7.6%) and financials (+6.5%) also posted strong returns for the month. Utilities (-3.1%) and REITs (-2.0%) were down as traditional bond proxy sectors experienced headwinds amidst rising interest rates. Growth outperformed value and large-cap outperformed both mid-cap and small-cap equities.
    Developed international equities (+5.0%) performed in line with domestic equities. Fundamentals within the Eurozone continued to improve and sentiment is high. The focus remains on European Central Bank policy and how the reduction of its quantitative easing purchases will impact markets. Emerging markets were up 8.3%. A weaker dollar and stronger demand for commodities served as tailwinds for both emerging Asia and Latin America regions.
    Feb. 2018 Market Outlook
    The Bloomberg Barclays US Aggregate Index was down -1.2% for the month. Interest rates surged with 10-year Treasury yields increasing 31 basis points, ending the month at 2.7%. Tightening monetary policy and improving US growth expectations will likely continue to put upward pressure on the long end of the yield curve. High yield was the only sector to post positive returns in January, as credit spreads continued to grind tighter. Like taxable bonds, municipals were negative for the month.
    We remain positive on risk assets over the intermediate-term, although we acknowledge we are in the later innings of the bull market and the second half of the business cycle. While this cycle has been longer in duration compared to history, the recovery we have experienced has been muted, supported by the extended recovery period. While our macro outlook is biased in favor of the positives, the risks must not be ignored.
    We find a number of factors supportive of the economy and markets over the near-term.
    • Pro-growth policies of the Administration: The Trump administration has delivered a new tax plan and a more benign regulatory environment. We could see additional government spending on infrastructure in 2018.
    • Synchronized global economic growth: Growth in the US has started to accelerate, and growth in both developed international and emerging economies has meaningfully improved. The tax cuts could also help to boost GDP growth in 2018.
    • Improvement in earnings growth: Corporate earnings growth has improved globally and corporate tax reform should further benefit US-based companies.
    • Elevated business sentiment: Measures like CEO Confidence and NFIB Small Business Optimism are at elevated levels. This typically leads to additional project spending and hiring, which should boost growth. The corporate tax cut should also benefit business confidence and lead to increased capital spending.
    However, risks facing the economy and markets remain, including:
    • Fed tightening: The Fed will continue to tighten monetary policy, with at least three interest rate hikes priced in for 2018. We may see tightening from other global central banks as well.
    • Higher inflation: Current levels of inflation are muted but inflation expectations have ticked higher and the reflationary policies of the Administration could further boost levels. Should inflation move higher, the Fed may shift to a more aggressive tightening stance.
    • Geopolitical risks: Geopolitical risks including trade policies and global challenges could cause short-term market volatility.
    Despite the volatility experienced over the last week, the technical backdrop of the market remains favorable, credit conditions are supportive, and global economic growth is accelerating. So far President Trump’s policies are being seen as pro-growth, and business and consumer confidence are elevated. The onset of new policies under the Trump administration and actions of central banks may lead to higher volatility, but our view on risk asMarchsets remains positive over the intermediate-term. Higher volatility can lead to attractive pockets of opportunity we can take advantage of as active managers.
    Brinker Capital Barometer (as of 1/5/18)
    Brinker_Barometer_1-5-18


    Source: Brinker Capital. Leigh Lowman, CFA, Investment Manager. Views expressed are for informational purposes only. Holdings subject to change. Not all asset classes referenced in this material may be represented in your portfolio. Indices are unmanaged and an investor cannot invest directly in an index. All investments involve risk including loss of principal. Fixed income investments are subject to interest rate and credit risk. Foreign securities involve additional risks, including foreign currency changes, political risks, foreign taxes, and different methods of accounting and financial reporting. S&P 500: An index consisting of 500 stocks chosen for market size, liquidity, and industry grouping, among other factors. The S&P 500 is designed to be a leading indicator of US equities and is meant to reflect the risk/return characteristics of the large-cap universe. Companies included in the Index are selected by the S&P Index Committee, a team of analysts and economists at Standard & Poor’s. Bloomberg Barclays US Aggregate: A market capitalization-weighted index, maintained by Bloomberg Barclays, and is often used to represent investment grade bonds being traded in United States.
    Views expressed are those of Brinker Capital, Inc. and are for informational/educational purposes.  Opinions and research referring to future actions or events, such as the future financial performance of certain asset classes, indexes or market segments, are based on the current expectations and projections about future events provided by various sources, including Brinker Capital’s Investment Management Group. Information contained within may be subject to change. Diversification does not assure a profit not guarantee against a loss.
    The information in this article is not intended as tax or legal advice, and it may not be relied on for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. You are encouraged to seek tax or legal advice from an independent professional advisor. The content is derived from sources believed to be accurate. Neither the information presented nor any opinion expressed constitutes a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security. This material was written and prepared by Hedges Wealth Management.
     
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  2. With 39 percent of Americans feeling ill-prepared for retirement, according to the Employee Benefit Research Institute’s 2017 Retirement Confidence Survey, we are often challenged to come up with a solution to make saving easier.[1] Unfortunately, there are no easy solutions, and in the absence of unplanned windfalls, there are no shortcuts. There are, however, strategies that will help you overcome behavioral impediments by infusing discipline into your retirement savings plan. Here are six strategies to consider:
    1. Automate the process. The best way to make retirement savings a priority is to put it on autopilot, so each time you get paid you save for the future without giving it much conscious thought. If you have an employer-sponsored retirement plan, arrange for a percentage of your pay before taxes to go directly into your retirement account. Also, commit to increasing the percentage you allocate to your retirement account every time you get a raise. The impact of automated savings plans to net pay is often far less than anticipated, and after time it goes somewhat unnoticed. The impact on your nest egg, however, could be quite significant.
    2. Make it binding. Make your future self a promise to refrain from withdrawing any money from your account before retirement. The best way to protect your retirement account is to establish a separate emergency reserve fund. It is typically recommend setting aside six months’ worth of income to cover unexpected expenses like uncovered medical costs, home repairs, or other unplanned surprises. With an emergency fund, you have a resource to fund whatever immediate needs arise without tapping your retirement account or delaying your savings goals.
    3. Pay your future self what you paid your creditors. After you’ve cleared an outstanding debt, consider “continuing” those payments by making deposits into your retirement account. For example, if you pay off a car loan that previously cost you $500 a month, allocate that same amount to your retirement account.
    4. Establish a home for “found” money.  It’s not uncommon for someone to view inheritances, tax refunds, and company bonuses as “found money,” and splurge on items they would not otherwise buy. If you receive a windfall or even a little extra, consider allocating the amount into three portions: one for long-term savings goals, one for short-term savings goals, and one to reward yourself.
    5. Use reward points. Several credit card companies offer specialized cash back programs which convert rewards points into cash deposits into 529 college savings plans, brokerage accounts, or other retirement accounts (e.g., IRAs).
    6. Get an accountability partner. To increase the likelihood of meeting your retirement savings goals, ask someone to hold your feet to the fire. Your accountability partner should be objective, and unlike a spouse, have no vested interest in daily household financial decisions. Your accountability partner should track your progress, offer encouragement, and continually remind you of your long-term goal. If you are already working with a financial advisor, ask him or her to take an active role in keeping you motivated and engaged in meeting your retirement goals.
    Screen Shot 2017-11-08 at 2.44.59 PM.png

    As the late Jim Rohn once said, “We must all suffer from one of two pains: the pain of discipline or experience the pain of regret. The difference is discipline weighs ounces while regret weighs tons.” Failing to save enough for retirement comes in as the top financial regret of older Americans.[2] So, if saving for retirement poses a challenge to you today, give some thought to the challenges your future self will face if you don’t take these steps.
    For more than 10 years, Brinker Capital Retirement Plan Services has worked with advisors to offer plan sponsors the solutions to help participants reach their retirement goals. When plan sponsors appoint Brinker Capital as the ERISA 3(38) investment manager, this allows them to transfer fiduciary responsibility for the selection and management of their investments so they can focus on the best interests of their employees.  This fiduciary responsibility is something that Brinker Capital has acknowledged, in writing, since our founding in 1987.
    The views expressed are those of Brinker Capital and are not intended as investment advice or recommendation. For informational purposes only. Brinker Capital, Inc., a Registered Investment Advisor.
    [1] Retirement Confidence Survey 2017, Employee Benefit Research Institute
    [2] Bankrate Financial Security Index Survey, May 17, 2016

    Views expressed are those of Brinker Capital, Inc. and are for informational/educational purposes.  Opinions and research referring to future actions or events, such as the future financial performance of certain asset classes, indexes or market segments, are based on the current expectations and projections about future events provided by various sources, including Brinker Capital’s Investment Management Group. Information contained within may be subject to change. Diversification does not assure a profit not guarantee against a loss.
    The information in this article is not intended as tax or legal advice, and it may not be relied on for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. You are encouraged to seek tax or legal advice from an independent professional advisor. The content is derived from sources believed to be accurate. Neither the information presented nor any opinion expressed constitutes a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security. This material was written and prepared by Hedges Wealth Management.
     
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    Hedges Insurance Agency LLC
    Tax, Financial Planning, Investments and Insurance Advisors
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  3. In a widely anticipated move, the Fed increased interest rates by 25 basis points on March 15, 2017, the second interest rate hike in three months and there are talks of potentially two more raises this year. Positive economic data and a rise in business confidence served as a catalyst for the Fed to continue its interest rate normalization efforts with the possibility of as many as two additional rate increases later this year. However, recent rhetoric from the Fed reaffirmed their commitment to move at a cautious pace, supporting Brinker Capital’s view that the process of longer term rates will likely be prolonged and characterized in fits and starts, rather than linear, as the market adapts to the new normal.
    Blog1
    Source: FactSet, Federal Reserve, J.P. Morgan Asset Management. U.S. Data are as of February 28, 2017. Market expectations are the federal funds rates priced into the fed futures market as of the date of the December 2016 FOMC meeting. *Forecasts of 17 Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) participants are median estimates. **Last futures market expectation is for November 2019 due to data availability.
    Catalysts for higher interest rates
    Many positive factors are currently present in the economy that point to a move toward interest rate normalization:
    • Stable U.S. economic growthEconomic growth in the U.S. has been modest but steady. The new administration and an all-Republican government will likely further stimulate the economy through reflationary fiscal policies including tax cuts, infrastructure spending and a more benign regulatory environment.
    • Supportive credit environment. High yield credit spreads have meaningfully contracted and are back to the tight levels we saw in 2014. Commodity prices have also stabilized.
    • Inflation expectations. Historically, there has been a strong positive correlation between interest rates and inflation. Many of the anticipated policies of the Trump administration are inherently inflationary. Inflation expectations have increased accordingly and headline inflation has been moving towards the Fed’s 2% long-run objective. In addition, we believe we are in the second half of the business cycle, typically characterized by wage growth and increased capital expenditures, both of which eventually translate into higher prices.
    • Unemployment levels. The labor market has become stronger and is nearing full employment. Unemployment has dropped to a level last seen in 2007.
    Historical perspective
    From 1965 to present, the Fed has implemented policy tightening a total of 15 times and the impact on the bond market has not always translated into longer rates rising. For example, back in 2004 the Fed began raising rates in response to beginning concerns of a housing bubble and the bond market did well as the yield on the 10-year Treasury fell.
    More recently during the current market cycle, the Fed increased rates by 25 basis points in December 2015. The 10 year Treasury yield fell and the bond market generated a positive return while equities plummeted in the first quarter of 2016. A year later, the Fed increased rates by 25 basis points in December 2016. The impact on markets was minimal with both equities and fixed income generating strong positive returns in the two months that followed.
    Fixed income allocation
    Traditional fixed income has historically provided a hedge against equity market risk with substantially less drawdown than equities. Although a rising rate environment would suggest flat to negative returns for some areas of fixed income, the asset class still provides stability in portfolios when equities sell off. For example, fixed income provided an attractive safe haven during the market correction in the beginning of 2016.
    In an environment of rising rates, Brinker Capital believes an allocation to traditional fixed income is still merited as we expect the asset class to provide a good counter to equity volatility.
    Blog2
    Source: Fact Set, Brinker Capital, Inc. Index returns are for illustrative purposes only. Investors cannot invest directly in an index. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
    Overall, much uncertainty remains on the timing and trajectory of interest rate changes. Brinker Capital remains committed to helping investors navigate through a rising rate environment through building diversified portfolios across multiple asset classes.
    Views expressed are those of Brinker Capital, Inc. and are for informational/educational purposes.  Opinions and research referring to future actions or events, such as the future financial performance of certain asset classes, indexes or market segments, are based on the current expectations and projections about future events provided by various sources, including Brinker Capital’s Investment Management Group. Information contained within may be subject to change. Diversification does not assure a profit not guarantee against a loss.
    The information in this article is not intended as tax or legal advice, and it may not be relied on for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. You are encouraged to seek tax or legal advice from an independent professional advisor. The content is derived from sources believed to be accurate. Neither the information presented nor any opinion expressed constitutes a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security. This material was written and prepared by Hedges Wealth Management.

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  4. Global events, such as the intensely divided presidential election that we just lived through, are certain to generate some periods of market volatility of varying lengths in addition to a significant amount of stress. However, we urge financial advisors and investors to retain a few dos and don’ts to help manage post-election anxiety:
    Don’t equate risk with volatility. Volatility does not equal risk. Risk is the likelihood that you will not have the money to live the life you want to live. Paper losses are not “risk” and neither are the gyrations of a volatile market. Long term investors have been rewarded by equity markets, but those rewards come at the price of bravery during periods of short-term uncertainty.
    Do know your history. Despite what political pundits and TV commentators would have you believe, this is not an unusually scary time to be alive. The economy continues to grow (slowly) and most quality of life statistics (crime, drug use, teen pregnancy) have been declining for years. Markets have always climbed a wall of worry, rewarding those who stay the course and punishing those who succumb to fear.
    Don’t give in to action bias. At most times and in most situations, increased effort leads to improved outcomes. Investing is that rare world where doing less actually gets you more.

    Do take responsibility. Most investors are likely to tell you that timing and returns are the biggest drivers of financial performance, but research tells another story. Research suggests that you are the best friend and the worst enemy of your own portfolio. Over the last 20 years, the market has returned roughly 8.25% per annum, but the average retail investor has kept just over 4% of those gains because of poor investment behavior.1 At times when market moves can feel haphazard, it helps to remember who is really in charge.
    Don’t focus on the minute to minute. If you are investing in the stock market you have to think long-term. As mentioned above, you can avoid action bias by not checking your portfolio status all day every day, especially during times of higher volatility. Limited looking leads to increased feelings of security and improved decision-making.
    Do work with a professional. Odds are that when you chose your financial advisor, you selected him or her because of their academic pedigree, years of experience or a sound investment philosophy. Ironically, what you may have overlooked is the largest value he or she adds—managing your behavior. Studies put the value added from working with an advisor at 2 to 3% per year. Compound that effect over a lifetime, and the power of financial advice quickly becomes evident.
    Source: (1) Dalbar, Inc. Quantitative Analysis of Investor Behavior. Boston: Dalbar, 2015.
    Views expressed are those of Brinker Capital, Inc. and are for informational/educational purposes.  Opinions and research referring to future actions or events, such as the future financial performance of certain asset classes, indexes or market segments, are based on the current expectations and projections about future events provided by various sources, including Brinker Capital’s Investment Management Group. Information contained within may be subject to change. Diversification does not assure a profit not guarantee against a loss.
    The information in this article is not intended as tax or legal advice, and it may not be relied on for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. You are encouraged to seek tax or legal advice from an independent professional advisor. The content is derived from sources believed to be accurate. Neither the information presented nor any opinion expressed constitutes a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security. This material was written and prepared by Hedges Wealth Management.

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  5. Maximizing tax credits offered by the IRS and various states around the US is key to maximizing your financial position. There are many types of tax credits available for both individuals and businesses. One of the better ones is for angel investors in the State of SC who invest in a qualified business. Investors can attain up to 35% as a tax credit. This tax credit was created by Nikki Haley under the High Growth Small Business Creation Act, alternatively known as the Angel Investor Act on June 14, 2013.



    Let's look at the math and see why this one is so important. If you are an accredited investor in South Carolina who puts $100,000 into a qualified business like NannyPod for example, you could potentially get a 35% tax credit.

    If a company is offering a convertible note, with a minimum valuation of $2M and a maximum valuation of $5M, then the $100,000 that you put in could potentially convert to between 5% and 2% equity ownership. However, due to the 35% tax credit, you actually realize this ownership for an investment cost of $65,000.

    $100,000 x 35% = $35,000
    $100,000 - $35,000 = $65,000

    Hence, your investment of $100,000, really turns out to be an investment of $65,000.

    Now let's look at what happens when the company is sold, and you get a return on your investment. If the company you invested in does well, and has a successful exit strategy of say $50M in 5-6 years time, then your worst case scenario 2% ownership is now worth $1M. 



    If we calculate the return on $100K growing to $1M, then you made 1000%. However, if we calculate the return on $65K invested due to receiving the $35K tax credit, then you actually made 1538%, an additional 538% more.

    This clearly illustrates why maximizing tax credits can be of huge benefit, especially to angel investors in the State of SC. 


    The information in this article is not intended as tax or legal advice, and it may not be relied on for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. You are encouraged to seek tax or legal advice from an independent professional advisor. The content is derived from sources believed to be accurate. Neither the information presented nor any opinion expressed constitutes a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security. This material was written and prepared by Hedges Wealth Management.

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    Hedges Insurance Agency LLC
    Tax, Financial Planning, Investments and Insurance Advisors
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  6. There is no silver bullet when it comes to investing or wealth management in general… if there was, we would all be sitting on yachts and most likely not reading this article. However, there needs to be some clarity and calm on the very complex 'Brexit' subject for our US based clientele





    We experienced first hand the creation of Exchange Rate Mechanism (ERM), Britain's exit from the ERM, the intro of the Euro, and now the exit from the EU (aka "Brexit"). Many people travel, but those who live in places differ tremendously than those who spend two nights in a city and are up at dawn to find the next locale in a neighboring country or city. When you live somewhere, you remember far more. Having lived in the UK for over 20 years, in the USA for over 15 years, and multiple other countries like Australia, Argentina, Senegal, Italy, France and Spain, here is our first hand perspective in short… 

    • The Brexit referendum consisted various complex subjects (immigration, EU participation, grants, trade). Some voted with their emotions, some voted with their wallets...


    • Brexit now allows a potential UK Independence Day that will compete with July 4th (parody!)

    • Brexit will mean higher inflation, higher unemployment, slower growth, higher interest rates in the UK

    If you are still concerned, and require more extensive reading, please click the below link on the recent Goldman Sachs Economic Outlook




    Need personal financial advice? Get in touch with us instantly for an on-demand in person meeting or phone call on any financial subject matter. Just click here.



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  7. After an extremely volatile quarter, the broad equity market indexes ended just about where they started. Risk assets began the year under heavy pressure, with the S&P 500 Index declining more than -10% to a 22-month low on February 11. Concerns over the global growth outlook and the impact of further weakness in crude oil prices weighed on investors, and investor sentiment hit levels of extreme pessimism. Then we experienced a major reversal beginning on February 12, helped by a rebound in oil prices after Saudi Arabia and Russia agreed to freeze production, and more dovish comments by the Federal Reserve. Expectations regarding the pace of additional rate hikes by the Fed have been tempered from where they started the year.
    All U.S. equity sectors ended the quarter in positive territory except for healthcare and financials. Dividend paying stocks significantly outperformed, resulting in a strong quarter for both the telecom and utilities sectors, and value indexes overall. From a market capitalization perspective, mid-caps outperformed both large and small caps, helped by the strong performance of REITs, another yield-oriented asset class.
    Developed international equity markets lagged U.S. equity markets in the first quarter despite benefiting from a weaker U.S. dollar. Japan and Europe were particularly weak despite additional easing moves by their central banks, while the commodity-sensitive countries, such as Canada and Australia were positive for the quarter. Emerging markets outperformed U.S. equity markets for the quarter despite declines in China and India. Brazil was the strongest performer, helped by a rebound in the currency, expectations for political change, and the bounce in commodity prices.
    ECBBonds outperformed stocks during the quarter, and did not even decline during the risk-on rally. Additional easing from the European Central Bank and a negative interest rate policy in Japan prevented U.S. bond yields from moving higher.
    All fixed income sectors were positive for the quarter, led by corporate credit, which benefited from meaningful spread tightening, and TIPS, which benefited from their longer duration. Municipal bonds delivered positive returns, but lagged taxable fixed income.
    We remain positive on risk assets over the intermediate-term; however, we acknowledge that we are in the later innings of the bull market that began in 2009 and the second half of the business cycle. The worst equity market declines are typically associated with recessions, which are preceded by aggressive central bank tightening or accelerating inflation, factors which are not present today. While our macro outlook is biased in favor of the positives and a near-term end to the business cycle is not our base case, the risks must not be ignored.

    A number of factors we find supportive of the economy and markets over the near term.
    • Global monetary policy remains accommodative: Despite the Federal Reserve beginning to normalize monetary policy with a first rate hike in December, their approach is patient and data dependent. The Bank of Japan and the ECB have been more aggressive with easing measures in an attempt to support their economies, and China is likely going to require additional support.
    • Stable U.S. growth and tame inflation: U.S. economic growth has been modest but steady. Payroll employment growth has been solid and the unemployment rate has fallen to 5.0%. Wage growth has been tepid at best despite the tightening labor market, and reported inflation measures and inflation expectations, while off the lows, remain below the Fed’s target.
    • U.S. fiscal policy more accommodative: With the new budget fiscal policy is poised to become modestly accommodative in 2016, helping offset more restrictive monetary policy.
    • Solid backdrop for U.S. consumer: The U.S. consumer should see benefits from lower energy prices and a stronger labor market.
    However, risks facing the economy and markets remain, including:
    • Risk of policy mistakeThe potential for a policy mistake by the Fed or another major central bank is a concern, and central bank communication will be key. In the U.S. the subsequent path of rates is uncertain and may not be in line with market expectations, which could lead to increased volatility. Negative interest rates are already prevalent in other developed market economies.
    • Slower global growth: Economic growth outside the U.S. is decidedly weaker, and a significant slowdown in China is a concern.
    • Another downturn in commodity prices: Oil prices have rebounded off of the recent lows and lower energy prices on the whole benefit the consumer; however, another significant leg down in prices could become destabilizing.
    • Further weakness in credit markets: While high yield credit spreads have tightened from February’s wide levels, further weakness would signal concern regarding risk assets more broadly.
    The technical backdrop of the market has improved, as have credit conditions, while the macroeconomic environment remains favorable. Investor sentiment moved from extreme pessimism levels in early 2016 back into more neutral territory. Valuations are at or slightly above historical averages, but we need to see earnings growth reaccelerate. We expect a higher level of volatility as markets assess the impact of slower global growth and actions of policymakers; however, our view on risk assets tilts positive over the near term. Higher volatility has led to attractive pockets of opportunity we can take advantage of as active managers.
    Source: Brinker Capital. Views expressed are for informational purposes only. Holdings subject to change. Not all asset classes referenced in this material may be represented in your portfolio. All investments involve risk including loss of principal. Fixed income investments are subject to interest rate and credit risk. Foreign securities involve additional risks, including foreign currency changes, political risks, foreign taxes, and different methods of accounting and financial reporting. Brinker Capital Inc., a Registered Investment Advisor.

    The information in this article is not intended as tax or legal advice, and it may not be relied on for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. You are encouraged to seek tax or legal advice from an independent professional advisor. The content is derived from sources believed to be accurate. Neither the information presented nor any opinion expressed constitutes a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security. This material was written and prepared by Social Security Timing.

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