COMMENTARY
(Our Blog)
Tariffs, Geopolitics, and All-Time Highs
July 21, 2025
The second quarter of 2025 showcased both the resilience of financial markets and their sensitivity to policy uncertainty. From the White House’s tariff announcements in April to escalating tensions between Israel and Iran in June, investors faced many challenges.
What is Equity Compensation?
Equity compensation is a type of non-cash benefit that some employers offer employees as part of their total compensation package. Instead of receiving only a salary and bonuses, employees are granted potential ownership in the company through stock options, restricted stock units (RSUs), or other equity-based incentives.
5 Insights on the Fed, Election, and Volatility in Q4
As we begin the final quarter of 2024, financial markets and the economy have defied the expectations of many investors. Rather than falling into recession, the economy has grown steadily, albeit at a slower pace, and inflation rates have fallen toward the Fed’s target.
Votes, Valuation, & Volatility
During the first half of 2024 the stock market rally continued as investors anticipate the first Fed rate cut and artificial intelligence stocks remain (very much) in favor. Through June the S&P 500 gained 15.3% with dividends, the Nasdaq 18.6%, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average 4.8%. The 10-year Treasury yield declined from its April peak of 4.7% to 4.4%, allowing the overall bond market to be roughly flat on the year. International stocks have performed better as well, with developed markets returning 5.7% and emerging markets 7.7%.
Why Cash is Not a Long-Term Investment
In times of market uncertainty, investors often seek the safety of cash. This has been true over the past several years as markets have swung due to the pandemic, geopolitical events, Fed rate hikes, inflation, gridlock in Washington, technology trends, and more. More recently, the possibility of worse-than-expected inflation and a delay of the first Fed rate cut have led to renewed investor concerns. At the same time, interest rates on cash are at their highest levels in decades, making it appear that there are attractive “risk-free” returns. What role should cash play in investor portfolios today?
Inflation, Oil, and Rate Expectations
The onset of 2024 ushered in discussions regarding the Federal Reserve’s strategy for steering the economy, with debates revolving around the prospects of a “soft” or “hard” landing.
Too Resilient?
In this blog post, we discuss the recent resiliency of the US Economy.
Why the 4% Rule is Only a Starting Point for Retirement—Keith Corbett, Bluebird Wealth Management
In this blog post, we speak about the 4% rule and its’ place in a retirement strategy.
Bluebird Financial Advisor Keith Corbett Selected as Part of Zoe Financial Network
We are proud to share that our VP/Financial Advisor, Keith Corbett has been accepted to the Zoe Financial Network.
The Great American* Jobs Machine | Bluebird Wealth Management
Last Friday’s jobs report confirmed remarkable and better than expected news. While the newly released December data was as expected and favorable job creation for an economy late in a growth cycle, the revision of November’s data supported the initial report released in early December.
Generational Struggle Meets Election Politics | Bluebird Wealth Management
Discerning politics from policy is always a challenge for investors, regardless of the party or administration occupying the White House.
Goldilocks’ Wish List | Bluebird Wealth Management
Although it is a popular metaphor in the investment commentary business, especially in recent years, referencing Goldilocks seems particularly apt as we assess recent months and the current situation in markets. It is fitting that the great Goldilocks Bull Market which began in 2009 gets one more thrust from the recent “just right” mix of economic and market conditions.
We’re Onto 2019 | Bluebird Wealth Management
To borrow from a certain well known football coach in New England, we’re on to 2019. In his infamous press conference Coach Belichick was responding (well, refusing to respond) to questions regarding a difficult start to the 2014 season and he was clear that his focus was on the future.
A Bear Market Guide | Bluebird Wealth Management
US stock market, as measured by the S&P 500, has thus far narrowly averted the standard definition of a bear market.
The Crippling Costs of Variable Annuities | Bluebird Wealth Management
“Guaranteed” income for life, ability to participate in potential stock market growth, and downside protection in case of a stock market slump form a theoretically appealing combination for many people as they plan their retirement savings and investment strategies.
Opportunities Abound | Bluebird Wealth Management
Last quarter we wrote about significant crosscurrents and contradictions in the economy and markets and wondered how they would play out over the latter half of 2018, specifically if strong earnings growth would continue in the face of trade risks and rising interest rates.
Mixed Signals | Bluebird Wealth Management
The need to parse and balance contradictory information is not unique to the current investment landscape, it is a foundational element in all market environments.
Stock Sell Off of 2018 | Bluebird Wealth Management
“DOW DROPS 1300 POINTS IN TWO DAYS!” screamed the Breaking News banner at the bottom of the CNBC screen this afternoon. It is important to note that 1300 points isn’t what it used to be, as it is only about 5% as measured on a percentage basis.
Bluebird Wealth Management, LLC
Metrowest Office
(508) 359-4349
266 Main St.
Suite 19B
Medfield, MA 02052
North Shore Office
(978) 775-1287
12 Oakland St.
Suite 308
Amesbury, MA 01913
We serve individuals and families throughout the United States.
Bluebird Wealth Management, LLC
Metrowest Office
266 Main St.
Suite 19B
Medfield, MA 02052
+1 (508) 359-4349
info@bluebirdwealthmanagement.com
North Shore Office
12 Oakland St.
Suite 308
Amesbury, MA 01913
+1 (978) 775-1287
info@bluebirdwealthmanagement.com
We serve individuals and families throughout the United States.