Bristlecone Blog

Stocks rallied strongly in Q4, and full-year returns for both stocks and bonds reflected a sharply positive reversal from 2018 (when virtually every asset class experienced negative returns). In 2019, many diversified stock and bond indexes recorded their best gains in several years. Domestic growth stocks led the way, with the S&P 500 index advancing 31.5%--the index’s best return since 2013. Small-cap and international benchmarks also delivered double-digit gains.

This sweeping bill offers several adjustments to our current laws surrounding saving and preparing for retirement. The SECURE Act is poised to: provide more part-time workers with the opportunity to participate in an employer-sponsored 401(k) plan, adjust the age caps on traditional IRAs and increase access to tax-advantaged retirement savings accounts. Below we’re outlining the most prominent changes of this new act and how they may affect your own retirement.

Many seniors breathe a sigh of relief upon reaching age 65—and qualifying for Medicare. Private health insurance is a major household expense for those aged 50-64, and Medicare coverage is significantly cheaper. Even so, some seniors are surprised to learn that they could be subject to additional out-of-pocket Medicare premiums...

Shares of the largest U.S. companies continued their outperformance of foreign developed markets during the 3rd quarter. Over the past 12 months, their return also trounced both those of smaller U.S. companies (+4.3% vs. -8.9%) by a surprisingly wide margin.

(...) quite a few people in the workforce today have accumulated at least some pension credits with a former employer. Many will be offered a lump-sum payout instead of these promised pension benefits. For those weighing such a decision, here are seven critical issues to keep in mind:

Congratulations to the USA Women's National Team, which won the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup earlier this month by beating the Netherlands 2 - 0. (...) As on the field, though, the US keeps mounting victories in terms of stock market performance, too, against the rest of the world.