In this week’s LPL Market Signals podcast, LPL's Jeff Buchbinder, CFA, Equity Strategist, and Ryan Detrick, CMT, chief market strategist, discuss the end of a bear market, what it could mean, and more.  Take a listen here.

This year has been tough for investors, not just because stocks have fallen but also because bonds have not helped mitigate those losses as they have historically done. Below we discuss the outlook for diversified portfolios of stocks and bonds to make the case that the 60/40 portfolio isn’t dead.

"We expect valuations to recapture some of the lost ground by year-end as markets come around to our view that this is a growth scare and recession is not imminent," says Jeff Buchbinder, CFA, Equity Strategist, LPL Financial.  At the risk of sounding cliché, making the case for stocks to stage a second half rally back to the prior highs requires investors to see

This Memorial Day, as we honor the fallen heroes who sacrificed for our country, we also keep all the innocent souls who perished this week in Uvalde, Texas, and their grieving families, friends, and colleagues, in our thoughts and hearts.

Core bond investors have experienced the worst start to the year ever. However tough this year has been so far though (and it has been tough), the potential for future returns has improved meaningfully, in our view. Starting yields tend to be a good predictor of future returns and have become more attractive in a number of markets recently.

First quarter earnings season was solid by just about any measure, but based on recent market behavior it’s obvious that in general market participants paid little attention. This is a macro-driven market, so it will likely take positive macro developments, i.e., better news on the inflation front, to turn stocks around. However, these results are impressive on their own and shouldn’t hurt the case for the bulls. The question is when will the micro stop getting drowned out by the macro.  Read more.

Keeping Your 401(k) Plan Compliant With the SECURE Act

While the SECURE 2.0 Act is working its way through the legislative process, there is a change, brought about by the original act, which took effect last year.

Austin A. Frye was interviewed for a MarketWatch article discussing the value of cohabitation agreements for unmarried partners.  Read the full article here.

“The tour we've taken through the last century proves that market irrationality of an extreme kind periodically erupts -- and compellingly suggests that investors wanting to do well had better learn how to deal with the next outbreak.”

- Warren Buffett

I know this doesn’t feel good. No one, including myself, likes to see their portfolio drop in value day after day without any real sense of when it will stop. I am here to tell you that I have been through this many times in the past, and to give you my perspective on this market and how one should navigate through all of the negativity.

I have been practicing in the finance industry since 1975 and have studied under some of the nation’s most experienced economists and mathematicians, obtaining advanced degrees in both Mathematics and Finance. My point here is not to brag about my academic pedigree, but rather to communicate to you that I understand the mathematics and behavioral aspects of investing. That said, I will not drag you through the financial weeds of the marketplace, but I will emphasize that science, mathematical principles, and human behavior determine how stocks are priced.

Toasting the historical Mexican anniversary of Cinco de Mayo with the traditional treats of churros y chocolate!