Understanding Today’s Financial Environment
Newsletters
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Foreign Stocks Outperformed in 2025
Although U.S. stocks have provided a higher return over the past 20 years, foreign stocks outperformed in seven of those years, including 2025.
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HOT TOPIC: Geopolitics and the U.S. Financial Markets
This article looks at market reactions to previous global conflicts and emphasizes that long-term market movements are generally driven by corporate earnings, interest rates, and the broader economy.
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HOT TOPIC: AI Expectations Underpin the Economic Outlook for 2026
This article discusses economic forecasts for 2026 and the trends that are influencing them, including surging AI investment.
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HOT TOPIC: The Shutdown is Over: What Now?
The longest government shutdown in U.S. history ended on November 12, 2025. This article looks at the bill that ended the shutdown, issues that are unresolved, and estimates of the economic impact.
Calculators
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LTCI Cost of Waiting
Estimate the potential cost of waiting to purchase a long-term care insurance policy.
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Required Minimum Distributions
Estimate the annual required distribution from your traditional IRA or former employer's retirement plan after you turn age 73.
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Taxable Equivalent Yield
Calculate the rate of return you would have to receive from a taxable investment to realize an equivalent tax-exempt yield.
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Long-Term Care Self Insurance
Will you be able to afford nursing home care?