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BBP's blog that serves to educate Individuals, Families, and Businesses. This is where you will come to receive Personal Finance Content, Timely Insights, Market Commentaries, Firm Updates and other Trendy Topics. We believe our clients deserve to be Informed.
Your Monthly Market Newsletter, November 2023
November has arrived. At the start of this month, all eyes were focused on whether the Federal Reserve (Fed) would hike interest rates for a fifth time this year or hold rates steady.
Read MoreYour Monthly Market Newsletter, November 2023
November has arrived. At the start of this month, all eyes were focused on whether the Federal Reserve (Fed) would hike interest rates for a fifth time this year or hold rates steady.
Read MoreYour Monthly Market Newsletter, October 2023
We are monitoring the developments over the weekend where, Hamas, a Palestinian Sunni-Islamic fundamentalist attacked a large music festival near the Israel-Gaza border killing hundreds of people.
Read MoreSwitching Costs: A Real-World Example with Intuit
Switching costs are the costs and inconveniences that customers incur when they switch to a new product or service. Intuit, a company that offers financial products and services used switching costs to gain market share for many years.
Read MoreYour Monthly Market Newsletter, September 2023
August was largely a reversal from previous months, which were driven by large Tech companies dubbed the “Magnificent 7.”
Read MoreShow All
7 Powers: Scale Economies
Everyone has heard the story of Amazon changing the retail game but how did they obtain true scale?
Read More5 biases plaguing the everyday investor
"Over time people get smarter but not wiser. They don't get emotionally stable. You can teach people all you want, tell them to read Graham's book, you can send them to graduate school, but when they are scared, they really get scared..."
Read MoreYour Monthly Market Newsletter, August 2023
Despite persistent and lingering heat and humidity in most parts of the country, the bulls kept running in July, with both the economy and stocks proving quite resilient despite rising interest rates.
Read MoreYour Monthly Market Newsletter, July 2023
The S&P 500 and NASDAQ both posted impressive returns of 6.61% and 6.55%, respectively in June. Most of the return on these indices is attributed to a few prominent tech names like Apple, Google, Nvidia, and Tesla.
Read MoreBull Market Leaving Some Behind
When you time the markets, you have to be right twice – first when getting out and second when getting back in. In the accompanying chart, you can see individual...
Read MoreFed Hits Pause Button on Rate Hikes
Jerome Powell skipped an interest rate hike at the Fed’s June meeting, but the market isn’t buying what the Fed Chair is selling.
Read MoreJune CPI, the Fed, & Interest Rates
Jerome Powell skipped an interest rate hike at the Fed’s June meeting, but the market isn’t buying what the Fed Chair is selling about what’s next with short-term rates.Powell signaled that two more rate increases may...
Read MoreYour Monthly Market Newsletter, June 2023
April showers bring May....volatility? Mounting concerns about the looming debt ceiling deadline had investors worried about the potential fallout resulting in knee-jerking movements.
Read More5/19 Market View Weekly: By the Numbers
What is a bull market, and more importantly, who determines if we are in one?
Read MoreDebt Ceiling Crisis: Possibility exceeds Probability
Would it surprise you to hear that investors have moved past worrying about inflation? They have, at least for now. Wall Street has shifted its attention to Washington’s budget negotiations and the debt ceiling.
Read MoreMay Newsletter - The Fed Raises Rates. Again.
Don't hold a surprise birthday party for Jerome Powell. He would hate it. And if you plan on visiting the Fed Chair, call first. He doesn't like surprises. Powell delivered on his March promise at the most recent Fed meeting by...
Read MoreYour Monthly Market Newsletter, May 2023
Spring has sprung and prayers are needed.. Some of you may have heard, Ryan Watson (Mississippi Highway Patrol Officer), conducted a routine traffic stop at 0700 hours on May 2, 2023, near Mound Bayou, MS....
Read More4/21 Market View Weekly: By the Numbers
Stocks traded most of last week around the flatline as investors grappled with several headwinds. The first was disappointing earnings results, coupled with the absence of earnings guidance from some companies due to an...
Read More4/14 Market View Weekly: Recession on Tap
Stocks treaded water ahead of last week’s inflation data and the start of a new earnings season. Stocks rallied on a favorable March consumer inflation report, only to falter after the release of last week's FOMC report.
Read More4/7 Market View Weekly: By the Numbers
Renewed recession worries dented investor sentiment, and the week kicked off with a weekend announcement by OPEC+ nations of their intention to cut oil production. Stocks weathered the news well but buckled on other weak news.
Read MoreYour Monthly Market Newsletter, April 2023
March threw some curveballs at us, but thankfully the news didn't force any strikeouts.
Read More3/24 Market View Weekly: Choppy waters
A Turbulent Week for Stocks. The stock market was unable to find sustained direction as investors weighed comments from Fed Chair Jerome Powell and Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen. Stocks initially rose as banking fears eased.
Read MoreYour Monthly Market Newsletter, March 2023
Welcome to March! St. Patrick's Day gives us a ton to be thankful for, but unfortunately, February’s market performance feels more like atrophy, not growth.
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: FOMC Says Inflation is Still Too High
Concerns over a firmer monetary policy were heightened by fresh economic data, touching off a climb in bond yields and a slide in stock prices last week. The Dow Jones Industrial Average skidded 2.99%, while the Standard & Poor’s...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Mixed Feelings and Mixed Earnings
Stocks drifted lower as a week of mixed earnings reports and resurgent worries over Fed monetary policy dragged on investor sentiment. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 0.17%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 declined...
Read MoreTaxes, Inflation, and...eggs?
Welcome to February, where the weather is traditionally cold and grey (a seemingly appropriate reflection of investor sentiment after surviving the market turbulence of 2022). Continuing the pattern, January was another roller...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Earnings and Data Tell Two Different Stories on Near Future.
Stocks added to their early 2023 gains amid a busy stream of mixed corporate earnings results and conflicting economic data.The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 1.81%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 added 2.47%. The Nasdaq...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Mixed Results Following Weak Economic Data
Stocks showed mixed results last week as recession fears resurfaced in response to weak economic data and a tepid start to a new corporate earnings season. The Dow Jones Industrial Average skidded 2.70%, while the Standard &...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: New Year's Rally in Reply to Positive Economic News
A strong Friday rally triggered by fresh signs of moderating inflation pushed stocks into positive territory to begin the new year. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 1.46%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 advanced 1.45%....
Read MoreYour Monthly Market Newsletter, January 2023
Happy New Year, and welcome to 2023. I’m sure all of us are happy to see 2022 in the rearview mirror. Looking back, it was a challenging year not only for the markets but also for all of our wallets, as inflation hit highs we...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Recession Concerns, Fed Talk Keep Stocks Cold
Hawkish comments by the Fed and weak economic data heightened investors’ recession concerns and sent stocks lower last week. The Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 1.66%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 retreated 2.08%. The...
Read MoreNovember Consumer Spending May Signal Brighter Holiday Season
As the year’s final month, December brings holiday gatherings and hopefulness for brighter days ahead in 2023. Looking back at how the economy performed in November, we saw lighter holiday-week trading at Thanksgiving...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Fed Talks Turkey on Lower Rates, Boosting Markets
Growing optimism that the Fed may be ready to ease future interest rate hikes sent stocks higher in a quiet trading week. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 1.78%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 added 1.53%. The Nasdaq...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Markets Down Ahead of Thanksgiving Holiday
The stock market edged lower last week as it digested a crosscurrent of conflicting economic data and contrasting comments from Fed officials. The Dow Jones Industrial Average was flat (-0.01%), while the Standard & Poor’s 500...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Cooling Inflation Brings Market Gains
A cooling inflation number ignited a powerful rally on Thursday, sending stocks to strong gains for the week.The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 4.15%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 added 5.90%. The Nasdaq Composite index...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Stocks Slip After Powell Comments
Hawkish comments by Fed Chair Jerome Powell, following the announcement of another 75 basis points interest rate hike last week, cast a pall over financial markets, sending yields higher and stocks lower.The Dow Jones Industrial...
Read MoreOctober’s Surge Holds Hope
Happy November. As we move into the season of giving thanks, we can all feel thankful for a bit of good news about the markets. Stocks soared during October, with value stocks outperforming growth as earnings season kicked into high...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Plenty of Treats for Wall Street This Week
Stocks overcame poor earnings results from some of America’s largest companies to post gains last week as investors cheered positive earnings surprises, easing inflation and a rebound in economic growth.
Read MoreWall Street Flips the Script....for now
A positive start to a new earnings season and late-week hopes for a near-term easing in Fed rate hikes lifted investors’ spirits and powered stocks to gains for the week.The Dow Jones Industrial Average jumped 4.89%, while the...
Read MoreVolatility Reigns; Inflation Remains Unchecked.
Stocks were mixed last week amid wide intra- and inter-day price swings, as technology shares bore the brunt of the downdraft. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 1.15% for the week. Meanwhile, the Standard & Poor’s 500...
Read MoreBoost Early in Week Keeps Markets Ahead
A powerful two-day stock rebound cemented a positive week for investors as a new trading month began.
Read MoreSeptember Bear Roars and Markets Tumble
Welcome to our October newsletter! Along with cooler temperatures, colorful leaves, and spooky Halloween decorations, October also includes Financial Planning Month. If something has changed in your life and you need to..
Read MoreFallout From Powell Comments Continues
Last week, Fed Chair Powell said the U.S. would not tame inflation without economic pain. This week heightened recession fears and sent stocks broadly lower. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 4.00%, while the Standard &...
Read MoreWhite Hot Inflation Report Alarms Investors
A hotter-than-expected inflation report sent stocks sharply lower last week as investors faced the prospect of more aggressive interest rate hikes by the Federal Reserve for perhaps a longer period.
Read MoreAugust Markets React to Fed’s Hardline Stance
Welcome to our September newsletter! It feels like summer is already in the rearview mirror. It went fast, didn’t it? Beginning with the autumnal equinox on the 22nd of the month, we’ll start to see the days grow shorter!
Read MorePowell comments spur sell-off on Wall Street
A comprehensive sell-off on Friday following comments by Fed Chair Jerome Powell drove stocks to losses for the week.
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Markets Tap Brakes, But Hold Fast Against Downbeat News
Stocks tumbled on Friday, sending stocks to a weekly loss after an otherwise quiet August week of trading.
Read MoreThe Inflation Reduction Act: What Does It Mean for You?
As seen on the news, President Biden signed the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 on August 16. Many Americans could save money come tax time. Check out this piece from our advisor, Peyton Chambers, outlining how it could impact you!
Read MoreStocks Have Warmer Week as Inflation Cools
An improving inflation outlook buoyed investors’ spirits last week, helping lift stocks to solid gains.
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Mixed Week For Markets; Jobs On The Rise
Stocks turned in a mixed performance last week as investors struggled with headlines suggesting that the Fed was unlikely to soon ease up on its current monetary tightening policy.
Read MoreJuly Markets End on a High Note
Welcome to our July Newsletter! July was yet another month of roller coaster ups and downs, marked by continued consumer concerns about supply chain issues and higher costs for goods and services.
Read MoreMarkets React to Dim Forecast, 2Q Reports
Stocks rallied last week as investor spirits lifted thanks to a better-than-expected start to the second-quarter earnings season.
Read MoreFriday Rally Stems Week of Losses
A record-high inflation report, the prospects of a more aggressive Fed, and growing recession fears sent stocks lower– though losses were pared by a Friday rally.
Read MoreWeekly Market Moves: Stocks Rally Despite Mixed Data
In a holiday-shortened trading week, stocks rallied despite mixed economic data and vacillating energy prices and bond yields.
Read MoreVolatility Continued in June (in the Markets & Otherwise)
Welcome to our July newsletter! It’s safe to say that everyone was hoping to see the markets settle down in June, but it ended up being another painfully bumpy month.
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Stocks Rally, Despite Recession Concerns
Prospects of cooling inflation powered a rally in stock prices last week despite growing recession concerns.
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Fed Rate Hike Triggers Market Dip
Stocks moved lower last week as recession fears deepened following a Fed hike in interest rates and weak economic data.
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Stocks Dip on Inflation Report
A higher-than-expected inflation report triggered a sell-off on Friday, leaving stocks in the red for the week. The markets are impatiently awaiting more economic data through the remainder of the week.
Read MoreMay's Bumpy Ride Was Tiresome for All
Welcome to our June Newsletter! What a relief to have May in the rearview mirror after a volatile month. Surprisingly, despite weeks of negative performance, the major stock indexes actually finished flat, thanks to an end-of-month rally!
Read MoreStock Market Rover 05.31.2022
Every week we'll provide updates on the latest trends in the stock market. Follow along to stay up to date!
Read MoreStock Market Rover 05.23.2022
Every week we'll provide updates on the latest trends in the stock market. Follow along to stay up to date!
Read MoreStock Market Rover 05.17.2022
Every week we will provide updates on the latest trends in the stock market. Follow along to stay up to date!
Read MoreHow to Buy "I Bonds" Direct from the Treasury
A simple guide outlining how to purchase "I Bonds" direct from the treasury.
Read MoreStock Market Rover 05.09.2022
Several stocks are down 80% from their highs.. Is it well justified? We have the economic data for you to decide. We believe the data remains strong in the face of tough YoY comparisons.
Read MoreStock Market Volatility: 5 Facts To Remember
The Stock Market isn't known for its Emotionless history. In fact, it's known for the exact opposite. Especially the dramatic downward plunges - we’d all like to AVOID those!
Read More4 SMART Budgeting Tricks For Every Cleveland, Mississippian
Get that vision board out, Cleveland MS! Whether you want to pay off debt, build up your savings, save for retirement, or set aside funds to take your dream vacation; you'll need a solid plan of attack. Here's your FREE guide!
Read MoreA Tough April for Stocks
FYI: Elon Musk is buying Twitter, Netflix looks like Deadflix, and gas prices are at their lowest levels in 14 days.
Read MoreMarket Rover 04.27.2022
Netflix surprised the market with a significant subscriber loss last week, and the data put some pressure on other similar streaming stocks like Discovery.
Read MoreWealthy Investors: The “Perfect Cocktail” Strategy
This blog post breaks down the “Perfect Cocktail” strategy used by high-earning investors.
Read MoreMarket Rover 04.19.2022
Every week we'll provide updates on the latest trends in the stock market. Follow along to stay up to date!
Read MoreTwitter Swallows the 'Stock Poison Pill'
Twitter counters Elon Musk's takeover attempt by swallowing the 'Stock Poison Pill' similar to Netflix in 2012.
Read MoreFYI on Paused Student Loans
FYI on Paused Student Loans and 7 things that you need to know today.
Read MoreYour Financial Advisor working for Free?
While advisors may differ in what fees they charge, they are required to fully disclose them. Pay close attention and ask questions.
Read MoreThe Yield Curve: What to Know
The media jumps to a Recession watch when the Yield Curve Inverts. This might make for compelling headlines, but an inverted Yield Curve is just one indicator of the Economy’s possible direction. Let’s put these headlines into context.
Read MoreMonthly Cents: April Newsletter
Stocks recovered in March on strength of positive economic data and the possibility of peace talks starting up between Russia and Ukraine. Despite the positive move, some investors are nervously eyeing the yield curve after recent inversion
Read MoreBetter or Worse?
Is the world getting worse? Or is it actually getting better?
Read MoreStocks catch a bid, warning signs flash
U.S equities finally caught a bid during March. Wall Street remains optimistic but the yield-curve could be flashing warning signs.
Read MoreMortgage Rates are Soaring
Brutal Housing Market. 30 year mortgage rate jumps to 4.67% with 5% in sight. What to know if you're looking to buy a house. What to know if you're looking to sell a house. Bottom line.
Read MoreDear Mom and Dad: You Are Not Your Child's Bank
Bottom line. Control your home now.
Read MoreU.S. equities rise, oil rollercoaster continues
Last week was constructive for U.S. equity indexes, given the headwinds that are currently in play. Long-term investing allows us to remain optimistic over long periods versus getting caught up in the day-to-day headlines.
Read MoreIs the sky really falling (again)?
Inflationary pressures, consumer expectations, and funky interest rate patterns (called an inverted yield curve) could be flashing warning signs.
Read More