Planned Solutions Fears Take Hold

Published: Dec. 30, 2018, 2:43 a.m.

On this episode of the Planned Solutions Financial Review Podcast we discuss, how Market sentiment appeared to have shifted abruptly in 2018. For the first part of the year Wall Street seemed quite optimistic following the corporate tax cuts in late 2018 which translated into strong earnings reports and solid economic growth. Yet in the second half of the year investor attitudes appear to have changed as the focus has shifted to potential risks on the horizon rather than hard data. There are a number of risks that seem to be influencing investor behavior recently, we highlight these influences. And, Interest rates have made headlines this year as the Federal Reserve continued to push short-term rates higher. Longer-term interest rates also increased although by less than short-term rates and the yield curve (graphical depiction of the interest rates on loans of different terms) flattened. This has created some concern that the credit cycle may come to an end as borrowers slow their pace of borrowing in response to higher interest rates or lenders increase lending standards due to concerns about future defaults. We discuss facts you should know about the Credit Cycle. Also,Taxpayers have just a few weeks left to make their charitable contributions for the 2018 tax year. In order to qualify for the tax deduction, the deduction must be made by the end of the year and must be made to a qualified organization. Special records must be kept as well depending on the type and amount of the contribution. We discuss facts that you should know about your charitable donations. Plus a look at the Planned Solutions Incorporated Office Bulletin Board- Chase is preparing for two different economic update presentations he has been asked to give. If you have yet to subscribe to the Personal Financial Review, the written form of all content we discuss email Katie@plannedsolutions.com