from FREEDMAN FINANCIAL | December 18, 2015

It's All About Oil

While drivers rejoice over low gas prices, stock market investors are not smiling.

After gaining nearly fourteen percent in 2014, US equities have done little this year. Energy companies find themselves in a challenging environment, and they've certainly been a drag on the markets. This trend in energy stocks is expected to continue into 2016. While oil takes a downturn many other sectors of the market are expected to have steady gains.

Looking ahead to the markets in 2016, we are expecting above average volatility. Price movements of 1-3% (both up and down) could be the norm in 2016. Economist predict the economy to grow about 2.7% and unemployment rates will continue to improve. Perhaps the brightest news for the year ahead is that wages are expected to finally rise. Paychecks since the recession have not grown much, which has been the bulk of the reason the Fed has continued with their stimulus by keeping key interest rates at nearly 0% since 2009. With the Fed slowly raising rates yesterday (up .25%), it is sign that our economy may be moving in the right direction.

Disappointing Year for Energy

Didn't Like It? Re-gift It!

Admit it. You've re-gifted a present to someone.

It's okay to re-gift - about 42% of us did it last year - and the majority of us find it socially acceptable. In this age of recycling, why not recycle a gift? As presents are exchanged this holiday season keep in mind that someone may enjoy a gift you've received more than you. Even gift cards can be exchanged to suit your needs better. After all, if it's "the thought" that counts - shouldn't "re-gifting" be viewed as a "thoughtful" gesture?

Re-gift the Right Way

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

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Weekly Market Commentary

What Does the High-Yield Sell-Off Mean for Stocks?

Kids Need Your Financial Advice

One of the greatest lesson you can teach you kids is the benefit of saving early.

As parents, one of the most important lessons you can teach your kids is financial literacy. If not you, than who? In many state's our public school's educational institutions get failing grades for financial literacy (Massachusetts was just awarded an "F").

Starting to save for retirement early is the best investment you can make for the future. While it may seem difficult to save when you are first starting out - just save something. Paying yourself first (no matter how much) will never be something you'll regret.

Want a speaker in your child's classroom to talk about "basic personal financial planning?" We offer this service at no cost to any school (in our area) that asks. In fact, Marc will be teaching a Personal Finance class at North Andover High School on Monday. Click here to ask about our availability.

The Magic of Compound Interest

WAYS TO STAY CONNECTED

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