AUGUST 2024

The most impactful decision for investors when building their asset allocation with their Financial Advisor is how much to invest in stocks versus how much to invest in bonds. Taking the process a step further, one can decide how much to invest in U.S. stocks versus how much to invest in international stocks, or whether they would like to overweight or underweight certain sectors of the stock market, such as health care or energy. Our first article below discusses the importance of building a personal strategy that works best for you. Let us know if this raises any questions regarding your investment options.

Check fraud can be defined as any attempt to obtain money illegally by using paper or digital checks. This can include forgery, check theft, chemically altering a check, and counterfeiting. And fraudsters are continually finding new ways to use checks in fraudulent ways. Our second article outlines ways to further protect you from these threats.

This month's "What's Happening Now" section shares stories on why Boomers who want to pass down wealth should first pass a financial stress test, 71 fascinating charts that any smart person will want to see, and recommendations from a former TSA agent regarding 8 things to never take through airport security.

We'd like to hear from you. Please feel free to contact us by phone at 614-888-2121, toll-free 877-389-2121 or email jchornyak@janney.com with any questions or comments. 

Building a Personalized Asset Allocation

Learn how a well-defined asset allocation guides the path your investment portfolio follows to achieve your long-term financial goals.

Here’s What You Can Do to Prevent Check Fraud

Instances of check fraud are on the rise in the U.S. Here are some best practices to help you avoid becoming a victim.

What's Happening Now

Boomers who want to transfer wealth to their adult kids should make sure their finances can pass a stress test

71 Fascinating Charts That Any Smart Person Will Want To See Immediately

Former TSA Agent Spills Their Secrets: 8 Things Never to Take Through Security, and What to Pack Instead

Market Update

Inflationary data showed price pressures stabilized in June. The 12-month interest rates of the Consumer Price Index and the Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) Price Index declined. Prices for commodities that are prevalent for most households, such as food at home, gasoline, new and used motor vehicles, and apparel, changed very little over the year. The PCE price index, the preferred barometer of the Federal Reserve, slowed to 2.5% for the year ended in June (see below) as it inches closer to the Fed's 2.0% target inflation rate.

Stocks closed mostly higher in July. Tech shares, including AI stocks, which had been a bellwether for much of the year, retreated in July, dragging the Nasdaq to its worst July performance since 2014. The remaining indexes fared better, with the Russell 2000 enjoying its best month since December 2023 and its best July since 2022. The Dow also had its best month of the year. Most of the market sectors advanced in July, with the notable exceptions of communication services (-4.5%) and information technology (-2.4%). Real estate (7.5%), financials (6.0%), and utilities (5.9%) outpaced the remaining sectors. All eyes will be on the inflation data released in August for July. Inflationary pressures resumed a downward trend, and if it continues, the Fed, which does not meet in August, may be more inclined to lower interest rates when it meets next in September.

Market update provided by Broadridge Investor Communications Solutions, Inc.