In the latest Market Signals podcast, LPL Research’s Chief Equity Strategist, Jeffrey Buchbinder is joined by Chief Technical Strategist Adam Turnquist to recap a down week for stocks that could’ve been worse, discuss recent technical damage to the S&P 500 and explain why they would wait to buy the dip, recap fourth quarter earnings, and preview a busy week ahead.
Stocks fell last week on tech weakness and concerns about a slowing economy, even though the Federal Reserve’s preferred inflation measure, the core PCE deflator, cooled a bit as expected.
The strategists discuss the recent technical damage to the S&P 500 and whether now is the time to buy the dip. They highlight key support levels to watch for stocks and why the lack of oversold conditions points to potential downside risk over the near term. Perhaps most importantly, they note the broader market’s longer-term uptrend remains intact.
The strategists also address the lack of retail buying amid the current drawdown, how bearish sentiment may have reached contrarian levels, and the technical setup for 10-year yields, including why yields have pulled back sharply over the last few weeks.
Next, the strategists identify some key takeaways from fourth quarter earnings season and explain why they think consensus earnings estimates are still too high.
The strategists close with a quick preview of the week ahead, which includes the monthly jobs report, President Trump’s State of the Union, a European Central Bank meeting, and China’s annual National People’s Congress.
Did You Know?
Spring Forward: Tidy Up Your Estate Plan for a Brighter Future
Estate Planning Essentials
It’s never too early to think about estate planning.
But many people don’t want to think about it, even though it’s likely one of the most important decisions you can make for yourself and your family.
Caring.com’s 2023 Wills and Estate Planning Study found that two out of three Americans don’t have any estate planning documents in place.1
“Having an estate plan is a continuation of financial planning and essential to ensure that your efforts to provide for your loved ones last into the future and act as a foundation to build multigenerational wealth and leave a legacy,” Patrick Hicks, General Counsel and Head of Legal at Trust & Will told Caring.com.1
We want to help you take the necessary steps to ensure that your wishes are honored and you’re leaving the legacy you want to leave – whether in the event of your death or disability.
With the right tools and guidance, estate planning doesn’t need to be such an intimidating process. Here are some of important things to consider when developing your estate plan:
Creating A Will
Estate planning isn't just for the wealthy, despite what you may have heard. Even if you only have a modest home, a small bank account, and a few cars, it's still important to have a plan in place. We've all heard stories of families fighting over the smallest things, causing stress and dysfunction.
One of the most important steps of estate planning is creating a valid will. Only 34 percent of Americans have a will in place, according to Caring.com. And in more shocking news: only one in four people who do not have a will plan to get one.1
Your will is the starting point for your estate plan – it's the foundation that everything else is built on. Even if you have nothing else to divide, a well-crafted will with clear beneficiary designations can prevent future disputes and ensure your assets are distributed according to your wishes.
Your will can also streamline the probate process for your loved ones. Dealing with probate court can be a time-consuming and costly ordeal that could potentially strain relationships. A thoughtfully prepared will can make this process smoother and faster, allowing your heirs to focus on grieving and being there for each other.
If you’re unsure of where to start when it comes to your will, it’s a good idea to consult with an attorney who specializes in estate planning.
Appointing An Executor and Designate Beneficiaries
Another important part of estate planning is appointing an executor. This is the person who will be responsible for carrying out the instructions outlined in your will and making sure that assets are distributed as you intended.2 The executor should be someone you trust to carry out your wishes in accordance with your state’s law.
Then, you should designate your beneficiaries. Beneficiaries are individuals who will receive assets such as life insurance payouts, IRA distributions or the balances in your bank accounts when you pass away. It’s important to choose your beneficiaries carefully and make sure they are up-to-date on all financial documents.
Powers of Attorney
Choosing someone to make important decisions for you when you can’t is a crucial part of estate planning. From overseeing your will to managing your trust and handling legal, healthcare, and financial matters, there are various roles to be filled. While it’s common for one person to handle all these responsibilities, it’s not mandatory.
Creating a power of attorney document will designate and authorize somebody to make decisions on your behalf in the event that you are unable to.
When it comes to powers of attorney (POA), there are different types to consider. A general power of attorney allows someone to act on your behalf in financial and legal matters, while a medical power of attorney enables someone to make health care decisions for you if needed.
When it comes to your powers of attorney, choose wisely, plan ahead, and ensure your future decisions are in capable hands.
Consider Taxes and Other Expenses
Finally, it’s important to consider taxes and other expenses when planning your estate. Estate taxes can significantly reduce the value of your assets, so it’s important to understand how they work and what options are available to minimize their impact. In addition, there may be other costs associated with your estate plan, such as probate fees or legal fees. Consulting with a us or tax professional can help you understand the implications of taxes and other expenses on your estate plan.
Review Periodically
Remember to review all of your estate planning documents periodically and update them as needed to ensure that your family and loved ones will be taken care of.
Estate planning isn’t something that should be overlooked – it’s an important part of protecting your family and providing them with financial security in the future. We can help you. Give us a call today!
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Your Direct Line to the Right Team Member
The Plums understand that it can sometimes be unclear who to reach out to with specific questions. To streamline the process, we have established a central email address for all inquiries:
When you send your question to this address, the Plums will ensure it is directed to the appropriate team member who can assist you. This centralized approach helps ensure that your questions are handled efficiently and by the right person, saving you time and effort in identifying the correct contact.
Do you have specific tax questions?
LPL Financial, available Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. ET, has a 2024 dedicated tax team available to support your 1099 questions. Dial 1.800.877.7210 – select 9, wait for the prompt and then say "Tax Team".
Upcoming Events
March 15, 2025 | 9am - 12pm EST
PlumTree Financial's Shamrock Shred & Sip
PlumTree Financial is excited to invite you to our Shamrock Shred and Sip event!
Shred-it will be on-site to securely dispose of your unwanted personal documents from 9 AM to 12 PM.
In celebration of St. Patrick’s Day, we’ll be serving Irish-themed treats and drinks. The Plums will be there, excited to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day and reconnect with both clients and friends.
We are thrilled to host this fun event and are happy that it also provides a valuable service to our clients.
While you are there, we will have a representative from John Hancock, and he will be on hand to discuss updates in their signature quarterly economic publication, Market Intelligence.
Is there someone you know who might benefit from our services? We would be thrilled to meet them and have them join us at our event.
Additional information on location and logistics will be provided to registrants.
In today’s global financial markets and nonstop news cycle, it can be hard to cut through the noise and identify the trends that matter most.
For a clearer view and a comprehensive review of the investment landscape across key markets and asset classes that leverages the insight of dozens of asset managers and investment research firms.
Returning once again to provide an update on the current quarter is Danny Cohen, Senior Business Consultant for John Hancock Investments in the Mid-Atlantic region.
This material is for general information only and is not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. There is no assurance that the views or strategies discussed are suitable for all investors or will yield positive outcomes. Investing involves risks including possible loss of principal. Any economic forecasts set forth may not develop as predicted and are subject to change.
References to markets, asset classes, and sectors are generally regarding the corresponding market index. Indexes are unmanaged statistical composites and cannot be invested into directly. Index performance is not indicative of the performance of any investment and do not reflect fees, expenses, or sales charges. All performance referenced is historical and is no guarantee of future results.
Any company names noted herein are for educational purposes only and not an indication of trading intent or a solicitation of their products or services. LPL Financial doesn’t provide research on individual equities.
All information is believed to be from reliable sources; however, LPL Financial makes no representation as to its completeness or accuracy.
All investing involves risk, including possible loss of principal.
Danny Cohen, John Hancock Investment Management & ManuLife Investment Management are not affiliated with PlumTree Financial or LPL Financial.
