Charleston Currents

Money

FOCUS, Morris: Divided federal government may help economy

By Kyra Morris, contributing editor | History shows the American economy prefers checks and balances. Since 1945, the S&P 500 stock index under a divided federal government has had a 14 percent return whereas under a unified government the experience was 12 percent.

Morris

The 2020 elections are not completely over, yet the probability is for a Joe Biden presidency, a tight GOP majority in the U.S. Senate and a tighter Democratic majority in the U.S. House than before the election as more seats were taken by the GOP. We will have a divided Congress at least for the next two years. Assuming the eventual transition, how will history be written under this administration?

First, political appointments will be meaningful and more competitive, particularly at independent commissions, such as the Securities and Exchange Commission, where personnel is policy.

by Special to Charleston Currents · 11/16/2020 · Comments are Disabled · Focus, Good news, Money, Views

FOCUS: In challenging times, a diversified portfolio can be good news

By Kyra Morris, contributing editor | We can always focus on the problems. That is easy. But what if we change the focus to look for the opportunities or solutions? Then, perhaps, we’ll accomplish something worthwhile.

The markets and world events in today’s financial markets are creating a lot of uncertainties. The interest rate yield curve is inverted. Tariffs and their ultimate effect on our economy is unknown. The stock market is a roller coaster, to put it mildly. Uncertainties such as these stir up our fears, and this often leads to poor decisions. Our lives and investments are tied to the markets. What can we do to make sure that we do not fall into the trap of reacting emotionally from fear?

So we need to go back to the basics. Does the fluctuating stock market truly make a difference in your day-to-day life? If not, then let the markets do what they may, and see if you can invest as opportunities are created. If your daily life is affected, then it may be time to take a closer look at your total situation and revisit what is important.

by Kyra Morris · 08/19/2019 · Comments are Disabled · Focus, Money, Views

FOCUS: The October effect and the markets

By Kyra Morris, contributing editor | What is going on in the markets?

* The third quarter of 2018 ended as the best quarter on the S&P 500 since 2013 – around a 7.2 percent increase.

* From Sept. 30 through Oct. 26, the S&P lost around 8.6 percent, the worst beginning of a quarter since 2008.

Is this the October effect, or is there something substantial going on? What are the realities?

It’s difficult to come up with convincing fundamental explanations for this poor performance. As expected, the Feds did increase interest rates at the end of September. Investors can also purchase U.S. Treasuries yielding 3 percent.

by Andy Brack · 10/29/2018 · Comments are Disabled · Focus, Good news, Money

MORRIS: Prepaid tuition 529 plans offer flexibility over 529 savings plans

By Kyra Morris, contributing editor | 529 education saving plans are not all savings plans, as we discussed recently in this space, and all of them are not all are run by the state. There is another alternative: prepaid 529 tuition plans.
As the name implies, you lock in future tuition costs at today’s prices.

by Kyra Morris · 06/17/2018 · Comments are Disabled · Money, Views

MORRIS: Rules have changed on using 529 plans to fund education

By Kyra Morris, contributing editor | No longer limited to college funding, 529 plans can now be applied for private elementary and secondary education. While this addition sounds like a good idea, it does introduce some new complexities. This new feature using 529 plans to fund secondary and elementary education requires a fresh lens to be fully appreciated. We’ll take a look at the new developments of this plan, the state’s position and what this could mean for your family.

by Kyra Morris · 05/21/2018 · 1 comment · Money, My Turn, Views

MY TURN, Morris: Tips to review for the new tax season

By Kyra Morris, contributing editor | Taxes matter. Whether we agree the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act passed on Dec. 22, 2017, is good for the middle class, good for the wealthier taxpayer or simply good for the debt structure of America, it is here. It is happening now and it is different.

As you prepare for 2018 tax season, here are some highlights you should know:

Tax Rate: The top individual tax rate dropped from 39.6 percent to 37 percent. It will take more taxable dollars to get to the highest bracket.
A single filer has to have over $500,000 taxable income in 2018 to reach the 37 percent.
A filer who is married, filing jointly, must have over $600,000. Roughly, a 2 percent decrease in taxes on $600,000 is a $12,000 savings.

by Kyra Morris · 03/05/2018 · Comments are Disabled · Money, Views

FOCUS, Money: Making sense of what’s happening with the stock market

By Kyra Morris, contributing editor | Snap! Thus ended the S&P 500’s longest streak in history without a pullback of at least 3 percent. The major U.S. stock indexes capped off their worst weekly performance in two years on Feb. 2 following a steep sell-off. The Dow and S&P 500 pulled back 4.1 percent and 3.9 percent, respectively. The Nasdaq lost 3.53 percent. It happened quickly. What changed?

January began the year with gains in every major index, catapulting investors into record highs. The DOW and the S&P 500 had their best monthly gains since March 2016, and the Nasdaq experienced its biggest one month gain since October 2015. The news was good.

Equities benefited from strong economic data and solid corporate earnings growth at the start of the year. The American economy added 200,000 more jobs.

by Kyra Morris · 02/12/2018 · Comments are Disabled · Money, Views

MORRIS: Let’s toot our horn

By Kyra Morris, contributing editor | 2016 spoke loudly of the desire for change. The message is real. Unfortunately, the answers are being overlooked.

The answers do not reside in the divisive behavior and climate that sells media and creates emotional drama. The answers can be found by looking at what positive things exist in the communities around us. There is concrete evidence that positive change can happen – is happening. I have witnessed innovative ideas that are making a difference in Nashville, Tenn., Greenville, S.C., Raleigh, N.C., Indianapolis, Ind., San Antonio, Texas, and right here in Charleston. It often is a choice we have to make to see the good over the bad.

by Kyra Morris · 01/02/2017 · 5 comments · Money, Views

Overhead view of an overpass along Johnnie Dodds Blvd. in Mount Pleasant that was part of a bonded improvement project. Photo: Charleston County.

MORRIS: Let’s complete the penny tax for infrastructure

By Kyra Morris, contributing editor | Charleston is one of the fastest-growing, economically-diverse communities in America. Some people say we are the victims of our own success. Strong job growth in manufacturing, local business growth and people moving to Charleston in record numbers are a reflection of our success and quality of life.

As is often the case, with success there are also costs. The infrastructure for our road system throughout Charleston County is severely lacking.

In 2004, a referendum passed for a half cent sales tax that would fund road and highway projects in Charleston County.

by Kyra Morris · 11/02/2016 · 1 comment · Money, Views

MORRIS: We need to plan for transportation density now

By Kyra Morris, contributing editor | Transportation in the Charleston area is an issue that needs to be dealt with by the community as a whole. The region needs to provide a lot of the necessary infrastructure, businesses need to get involved with incentives, and individuals need to coordinate travel to either share the ride or consider alternatives. Our transportation issues are serious today. Unless we address them, they are only going to get worse over time. The future is ours to plan for now.

Studies have been done to evaluate potential solutions. Avenues from light rail and water ferries to improved bus systems have been explored. These ideas all have a certain appeal, but when you get into the logistics of implementation there are cavea

by Kyra Morris · 09/26/2016 · Comments are Disabled · Money, Views