Market insights and analysis

Proactive Advisor Magazine has had the privilege of interviewing dozens of financial advisers and wealth managers across the U.S. over the past 11 years. Not surprisingly, retirement planning—and its investment implications—is a topic we frequently discuss.

Equity markets moved higher last week. The S&P 500 gained 1.52%, the NASDAQ Composite rose 2.60%, the Dow Jones Industrial Average added 0.65%, and the small-cap Russell 2000 inched 0.05% higher.

U.S. equity markets posted gains in all three indexes last week. The S&P 500 increased by 1.52%, the NASDAQ Composite gained 2.60%, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 0.65%.

Last week, the gold spot price gained 0.75% and the U.S. Dollar Index lost 1.23%. The Gold Bullion Strategy Fund (QGLDX) increased by 0.4% for the week.

In December, 46 exchange-traded products (“ETPs”) were added to the ETF Deathwatch list and 17 were removed, bringing the list total up to 555 ETPs.

Do these questions ever keep you up at night?

The major U.S. stock market indexes were down last week. The S&P 500 returned -0.23%, the Russell 2000 returned -0.33%, the NASDAQ Composite returned -0.53%, and the Dow returned -0.54%.

U.S. equity markets posted losses in all three indexes last week. The S&P 500 decreased by 0.23%, the NASDAQ Composite fell 0.53%, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average went down 0.54%.

Last week, the gold spot price went up 2.24% and the U.S. Dollar Index went down 0.3%. The Gold Bullion Strategy Fund (QGLDX) went up 2.07% for the week.

For most of us, “stress” is considered a bad word (and maybe an ever-present word these days). When we stress about work or relationships, we usually feel miserable.

The major U.S. stock market indexes were mixed last week. The S&P 500 decreased by 0.99%, the NASDAQ Composite was down 1.63%, the Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 0.27%, and the Russell 2000 small-capitalization index fell 0.86%.

U.S. equity markets posted gains in one of the three indexes last week. The S&P 500 fell 0.99%, the NASDAQ Composite fell 1.63%, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average was up 0.27%.

Last week, the gold spot price increased by 1% and the U.S. Dollar Index gained 0.86%. The Gold Bullion Strategy Fund (QGLDX) gained 0.88% for the week.

The recent surge of groundbreaking technologies like AI has redefined industries and introduced new opportunities—and risks—for investors.

The major U.S. stock market indexes were up last week. The Dow returned 2.19%, the S&P 500 returned 1.76%, the NASDAQ Composite returned 1.65%, and the Russell 2000 returned 1.40%.

U.S. equity markets posted gains in all three indexes last week. The S&P 500 gained 1.76%, the NASDAQ Composite went up 1.65%, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 2.19%.

Last week, the gold spot price rose 2.49% and the U.S. Dollar Index fell 1.74%. The Gold Bullion Strategy Fund (QGLDX) was up 1.5% for the week.

When I woke up this morning, the wind chill was hovering near zero, and wintry winds were howling outside. Through the window, I could see the early morning commuters cautiously navigating the snow-covered street as they began their trek to the city.

What a year for the markets. The S&P 500 finished up more than 20%—something we’ve only seen four times since 1900. The fourth quarter stood out, with stocks hitting new highs thanks to strong company earnings, Federal Reserve rate cuts, and cooling inflation.

U.S. equity markets posted gains in all three indexes last week. The S&P 500 went up 2.93%, the NASDAQ Composite gained 2.45%, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average went up 3.69%.

Last week, the gold spot price gained 0.5% and the U.S. Dollar Index decreased by 0.28%. The Gold Bullion Strategy Fund (QGLDX) was up 0.85% for the week.

They say New Year’s resolutions are meant to be broken. By now, some readers of this article may already feel frustrated by their inability to follow through on some of their well-intentioned resolutions for 2025—if they made them at all.

Stocks struggled last week and are down for the year. The S&P 500 lost 1.92%, the NASDAQ dropped 2.34%, the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 1.83%, and the Russell 2000 declined by 3.49%.

U.S. equity markets posted losses in all three indexes last week. The S&P 500 was down 1.92%, the NASDAQ Composite decreased by 2.34%, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average was down 1.83%.

Last week, the gold spot price gained 1.88% and the U.S. Dollar Index rose 0.64%. The Gold Bullion Strategy Fund (QGLDX) gained 2.53% for the week.

If you’re from the Detroit area and mention American football to anyone, anywhere, you’re bound to hear, “Go Lions!” or “How ‘bout them Lions?”

The major U.S. stock market indexes were mixed last week. The Russell 2000 returned 1.13%, the S&P 500 returned -0.45%, the NASDAQ Composite returned -0.49%, and the Dow returned -0.59%.

U.S. equity markets posted losses in all three indexes last week. The S&P 500 lost 0.45%, the NASDAQ Composite fell 0.49%, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average was down 0.59%.

Last week, the gold spot price rose 0.72% and the U.S. Dollar Index rose 0.88%. The Gold Bullion Strategy Fund (QGLDX) went up 0.83% for the week.

Giving is central to the holiday season it seems. As we wind down from the festivities of Christmas and reflect on the spirit of the season, I am reminded of a short story by a great American writer.

This past week saw mild gains for the major stock market indexes. The S&P 500 rose 0.7%, the NASDAQ climbed 0.8%, and the Russell 2000 gained 0.1%. Bonds struggled.

U.S. equity markets posted gains in all three indexes last week. The S&P 500 was up 0.69%, the NASDAQ Composite went up 0.78%, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average went up 0.35%.

Last week, the gold spot price was down 0.06% and the U.S. Dollar Index was up 0.35%. The Gold Bullion Strategy Fund (QGLDX) went down 0.4% for the week.

In November, 38 exchange-traded products (“ETPs”) were added to the ETF Deathwatch list and 37 were removed, bringing the total up to 526.

Unexpected discoveries have always fascinated me. As a former student in the FIRST Robotics program, I learned to embrace brainstorming without judgment.

The major U.S. stock market indexes were mixed last week. The Russell 2000 returned -2.55%, the Dow returned -1.78%, the NASDAQ Composite returned 0.36%, and the S&P 500 returned -0.61%.

U.S. equity markets posted gains in one of the three indexes last week. The S&P 500 lost 0.61%, the NASDAQ Composite gained 0.36%, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 1.78%.

Last week, the gold spot price increased by 0.56% and the U.S. Dollar Index gained 0.89%. The Gold Bullion Strategy Fund (QGLDX) rose 0.5% for the week.

When I was still a teenager, I began a bad habit. While thinking about the future, I would always reference “someday.”

The major U.S. stock market indexes were mixed last week. The S&P 500 increased by 0.99%, the NASDAQ Composite was up 3.36%, the Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 0.53%, and the Russell 2000 small-capitalization index fell 1.03%.

U.S. equity markets posted gains in two of the three indexes last week. The S&P 500 increased by 0.99%, the NASDAQ Composite gained 3.36%, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average decreased by 0.53%.

Last week, the gold spot price went down 0.37% and the U.S. Dollar Index was up 0.3%. The Gold Bullion Strategy Fund (QGLDX) fell 1.1% for the week.

The invitation to our holiday party a few years ago read “Dress: Cocktail.” One of our guests, John Zilli, wondered, “What exactly does that mean?” He Googled it.

Markets inched higher during the short holiday week. The S&P 500 rose 1.08%, the NASDAQ increased by 1.14%, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average was up 1.44%.

U.S. equity markets posted gains in all three indexes last week. The S&P 500 was up 1.08%, the NASDAQ Composite rose 1.14%, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average increased by 1.44%.

Last week, the gold spot price went down 0.17% and the U.S. Dollar Index rose 2.13%. The Gold Bullion Strategy Fund (QGLDX) lost 0.04% for the week.

Roman statesman, scholar, and philosopher Marcus Tullius Cicero is credited with the expression, “Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues but the parent of all the others.”

The major U.S. stock market indexes moved higher last week. The Russell 2000 returned 4.49%, the Dow returned 2.03%, the NASDAQ Composite returned 1.77%, and the S&P 500 returned 1.72%.

U.S. equity markets posted gains in all three indexes last week. The S&P 500 rose 1.72%, the NASDAQ Composite was up 1.77%, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 2.03%.

Last week, the gold spot price rose 5.97% and the U.S. Dollar Index increased 0.81%. The Gold Bullion Strategy Fund (QGLDX) increased 5.56% for the week.