Investors are anxious about a coming Italian election. As MarketWatch explains, it may lead to Europe’s third largest economy leaving the EU and disrupting the status quo. Stocks overall haven’t moved from where they started 2018. Are the markets pausing to evaluate the economic cycle and if so, how long will this last? Jeffrey Kleintop of Schwab offers advice to investors who wonder what happens next. A law passed on May 24th may further protect seniors from financial abuse. Katherine C. Pearson looks into the new Senior Safe Act and what it hopes to accomplish.
Here’s Why Markets Are Worried About Italian Politics — Again– Italy’s politicians didn’t get a three-day weekend, but instead stayed active and helped spark selling for stocks and other riskier assets. Investors on Tuesday are worried about the potential for another Italian election within a few months. In particular, they’re worried a win for populist parties could lead to the euro zone’s third-biggest economy leaving the shared currency — which would represent quite a shakeup to Europe’s status quo. Read more…
Are Stocks Taking A GAP Year?– As of the summer’s start, stocks seem to be taking a gap year. While 2017’s big effort generated a 22% gain, stocks haven’t moved far from where they started in 2018, as measured by the MSCI World Index. Are stocks taking a year off as the economic cycle matures before taking the next step? We need to look at causes of this gap year so far which has included concerns over growth, agreements, and policy. Read more…
The New Senior Safe Act Encourages Reporting Financial Abuse– Financial service providers will now be encouraged to report suspected financial abuse through the promise of immunity, thanks to a new federal law. This applies to national banks, savings and loans and other financial institutions. It hopes to encourage them to train staff and to make reports of suspected financial exploitation of their older clients to the proper authorities. Read more…
John R. Day, Bill Ennis, Stephanie Hall and Matt Heller