The CARES Act, a $2 trillion economic stimulus package signed into law on March 27, provides unique access to retirement savings that typically would be subject to early withdrawal penalties. This access applies to qualified individuals affected by the COVID-19 virus either directly (through contracting the illness or having an ill spouse or dependent) or Read more
How Hard Has COVID-19 Hit the U.S. Housing Market?
Like just about everything else during the global COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. housing industry is on lockdown. New-construction sales centers are empty. In most states, real estate agents can’t show houses. Inspectors won’t inspect. Appraisers can’t appraise. Even cash buyers willing to waive contingencies can’t get an appointment with Realtors. Closings for homes that went Read more
Shocks to the System: Monetary and Fiscal Policy
That the global COVID-19 outbreak has affected all aspects of daily life for everyone will be news to nobody. Some effects, such as social distancing, and facemasks, are evident just by looking. But other effects, such as those on monetary and fiscal policy, require more of an in-depth analysis—though these results will also affect us Read more
What Do You Do Now?
You probably already know the rational steps to take during a financial crisis: Don’t look at your 401(k) or investment accounts. Don’t stay glued to the cable TV business channels or bury yourself in reports by the financial press. And, above all else, do not panic-sell your investments. Trying to manage any short-term market-timing during Read more
Circuit Breakers and Stock Market Machinery
The effort to limit the spread of the COVID-19 virus has caused major disruptions in our daily lives, and wild fluctuations in the stock market. While the effect on our lives are somewhat in our control, the stock market volatility may seem unpredictable and chaotic. However, there are mechanisms in place to prevent the market Read more
How Hard Has the Coronavirus Already Hit the Economy?
Besides the toll on those afflicted, the coronavirus known as COVID-19 is spreading global anxiety and uncertainty. As we have seen recently, the markets do not behave predictably when there is uncertainty, which makes it difficult to say how will the virus affect the economy. Without a vaccine (said to be a year or more Read more