Stocks Move Higher Early in the Year – Equity Market Review

The Dow Jones Industrial Average index closed above 29,000 for the first time in mid-January as equities excelled, but pulled back from record levels at month’s end. The S&P 500 Index and the Nasdaq reached higher levels as well in mid-January, with an overall pullback for the indices at the end of the month.

The phase one trade deal between China and the United States helped propel equities higher as the anticipation of less friction between the countries is expected to eventually advance bilateral trade activity. A continued low-interest-rate environment, complimented by minimal inflationary pressures, continues to be a dynamic driver for economic expansion and ultra-low unemployment. (Sources: Dow Jones, Bloomberg)

Rates Fluctuate in January – Fixed Income Overview

Bond yields moved lower in late January as the threat of the Chinese coronavirus prompted a flight-to-safety shift from stocks to bonds. U.S. corporate and government bond indices advanced ahead of domestic and international stock indices in January, pulling the yield on the 10-year U.S. Treasury down to 1.51% on January 31st. The low-interest-rate environment continues to fuel mortgage refinancing activity and sustain housing prices across the nation. Mortgage rates for conventional 30-year fixed loans fell to levels not seen since before the 2016 presidential election. (Sources: U.S. Treasury, Fannie Mae)

Social Security COLA Increases – Retirement Planning

The latest Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for Social Security payments failed to match inflation. The 1.6% increase in Social Security payments effective for 2020 is lower than the most recent inflation number of 2.3% over the past year, as measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI). Retirees receiving Social Security benefit payments are finding that the latest COLA increase is not quite keeping up with increases in food, energy, and medical costs, all of which increased more than the 1.6% COLA adjustment.

Over the decades, Americans have become increasingly dependent on Social Security payments; however, for some Americans it may not be enough to rely on Social Security alone. Social Security is a major source of income for many of the elderly, with nine out of ten retirees 65 years-of-age and older receiving benefit payments representing an average of 41% of their income. Over the years, Social Security benefits have come under more pressure due to the fact that retirees are living longer. In 1940, life expectancy for both male and females was 63, fifteen years less than life expectancy rates today. 

Source: Social Security Administration

U.S. Life Expectancy Rises for the First Time in Four Years – Demographics

Life expectancy for Americans rose for the first time in four years, according to the most recent data released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The data, which is current as of 2018, shows the first slight increase since 2014. 

The life expectancy average at birth for male and females is 78.7 years, with women expected to live to the age of 81.2 and men to 76.2. The CDC noted that the slight increase was attributable to lower mortality rates from cancer and unintentional injuries. Drug overdose deaths among younger individuals also declined, falling 4% in 2018, the first such decline in 28 years.

Historically, the current average life expectancy of 78.7 years of age was extremely rare 100 years ago. Life expectancy for males and females in 1920 was 54 years of age, 24 years less than today’s life expectancy. Advancements in medical technology and healthier work conditions have gradually led to higher life expectancy in the United States. (Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Center for Health Statistics)

Personal Loans Will Affect Credit Scores More – Consumer Finance

Every five years or so, credit reporting agencies modify the method by which a consumer’s credit score is calculated. The latest revision will analyze personal unsecured loans and how they are being used by consumers. Over the past few years, personal loans have been growing faster than any other consumer debt category. One potential problem is that many consumers have been using personal loans as a way to transfer or pay down existing credit card debt, thus shifting the debt to an unsecured loan status. The revised calculation is expected to influence roughly 40 million American consumers, affecting those with both good and bad credit scores. Other factors that will impact credit scores due to the revised calculations include rising debt levels and recent late payments.

Conversely, certain changes were made over a year ago that actually helped lift some consumer credit scores. Bank account balances and utility payments were added as factors in calculating scores, impacting the credit scores of nearly every consumer. In light of the recent revisions, it may be a good idea to pay down existing personal loan balances in order to avoid the risk of a negative impact to a consumer’s credit score.

Sources: Federal Trade Commission, Consumer Information