For the last year, we’ve heard a great deal about a group called the Federal Open Market Committee, or FOMC. But if you work outside of the financial industry, you may wonder who they are and what they do.

How do we stay on course when the economy appears to be in freefall? Perhaps we can borrow a slogan that our neighbors across the pond invented just before World War II. The British, known for having a “stiff upper lip” in the face of adversity, simply tell themselves to “KEEP CALM AND CARRY ON.”

The long-term effects of the pandemic and the associated fiscal and monetary response have led, in many ways, to unprecedented times in financial markets and the broader economy. This leaves investors in unfamiliar territory.

While the headlines surrounding inflation and interest rates have been bad – and may get worse – should all the bad news cloud our sense of optimism about the future? Savant’s investment research analyst Danny Noonan explores why pessimism may be realistic for the short term, but there are good things going on that could lead to a brighter future. Read why it can be helpful to acknowledge the balance.

Eyes were on the Fed last week as they hosted their annual summer retreat in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. In short, we found out that no Fed “pivot” is coming.

Russia’s energy industry is like oxygen to Europe’s economy. A limited gas supply during the winter months will have serious ramifications for businesses, economic output, and most importantly, the people who live in Europe.

Fixed income used to be the asset class investors hated to love. Now it’s the one they love to hate. This year has reminded us that fixed income doesn’t offer diversification all the time.

Second quarter Gross Domestic Product (GDP) came out on July 28th declining 0.9%, the second straight quarterly decline. The “Are we in a recession or not?” talk turned business TV into a sports debate show. There are convincing arguments on both sides.

Inflation, stagflation, recession … We’ve seen these words in the news many times in 2022. If you’re approaching retirement or you recently retired, you may be looking for a way to hang on to your hard-earned savings.

The Fed raised interest rates by another 75 basis points. This was not a surprise; it was the expected outcome. Inflation is way too high, and the Fed is moving aggressively to contain it.

It has been an unusual time for the markets as both stocks and bonds have experienced meaningful declines which presents a unique challenge for us as investors. As we acknowledge this reality, we must also be careful not to overreact and abandon the time-tested principles that have seen us through challenging periods in the past.

Inflation remains the biggest concern hanging over markets with headline inflation reaching a 40-year high; this has created a tough environment for bond investors and the Fed has indicated they will do “whatever it takes” to combat inflation.