The Halloween Strategy: Does “Sell in May and Go Away” Really Work?
Investors are always on the lookout for seasonal trends that could give them an edge in the stock market. One strategy that has gained attention over the years is the so-called Halloween Strategy, a trend based on the old market adage: “Sell in May and go away, but remember to come back in October.” This approach suggests that stock market returns tend to be stronger between November and April, while performance from May through October is historically weaker. But is this strategy rooted in fact, or is it just a market myth?
The Hidden Risk in Your Index: How a Few Stocks Drive the Market
For decades, many investors have put their money in broad market indexes like the S&P 500 for instant diversification. It sounds safe – spread your bets over hundreds or thousands of companies. But a 2024 study of nearly 100 years of stock-market data (CRSP database) reveals a surprising truth: most stocks are losers, and only a very few drive the gains. In fact, more than half of U.S. stocks ever traded never made money. This “concentration risk” means your index returns are carried almost entirely by a handful of big winners, while the majority of holdings quietly lag behind.
How a Small Minority of Companies Drove the Majority of S&P 500 Growth Over the Last 50 Years
When people talk about investing in the S&P 500, it’s often described as a way to capture the broad performance of the U.S. stock market. After all, the index represents 500 of the largest publicly traded companies in the United States. But over the past five decades, research shows that a surprisingly small minority of these companies have driven the majority of the S&P 500’s growth, highlighting the unequal nature of stock market returns.
How the U.S. Government Shutdown Could Impact Your Investments (And How to Stay Steady)
October has arrived, and financial markets are facing another U.S. federal government shutdown. A shutdown, especially if protracted, can inject extra volatility and uncertainty into markets, but history and current analysis suggest it need not derail long-term investors. Below, we explore the possible impacts and offer practical tips to stay the course without panicking.
There’s a New Record Number of Retirement Millionaires: What You Need to Know
In the second quarter of 2025, Americans’ retirement accounts hit new heights. Fidelity Investments reports that the number of people with $1 million or more in their 401(k) plans reached an all-time high of roughly 595,000. At the same time, average balances across 401(k), 403(b), and IRA accounts also rose to record levels.
How the Latest Rate Cut Shapes Markets & Investor Strategies
This week, the U.S. Federal Reserve cut its benchmark interest rate by 25 basis points (0.25%), lowering the federal funds target range to 4.00%-4.25%. It’s the Fed’s first rate reduction since December of the previous year. While the move was widely anticipated, its effects ripple across markets in varied and sometimes nuanced ways. Below, we explore what this cut means for investors, sectors, and the macroeconomic outlook.
The 7 Essential Parts of Retirement Planning Every Investor Should Focus On
Planning for retirement is one of the most important financial journeys you will ever take. A solid retirement strategy is not built on a single investment or product, it’s the result of aligning multiple moving parts to create long-term security. While every individual’s needs are unique, there are seven key areas of retirement planning that provide a strong foundation for success.
Insurance as Your Portfolio’s Secret Hedge
When markets are unpredictable, investors often focus on diversification across stocks, bonds, and alternatives. But one often overlooked tool for portfolio stability is insurance. Different insurance strategies from annuities to life, medical, property & casualty, and umbrella coverage can act as a hedge against risks that traditional investments cannot.
Investing in The Three Pillars of Wealth
When it comes to building lasting wealth, one of the most important principles is diversification across asset classes. A balanced portfolio isn’t just about picking the “right” investments, it’s about strategically combining different types of assets that complement one another. The three pillars of wealth: stocks, bonds, and alternatives each bring unique strengths to a portfolio. When used together, they create stability, growth potential, and effective risk management.
Why Every Serious Investor Needs an Investment Policy Statement (IPS)
An Investment Policy Statement (IPS) is a written plan that outlines your financial goals, risk tolerance, time horizon, and investment parameters. It’s not just a formality, it’s the compass that guides every investment decision you make.