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    Monthly Economic Update April 2012 - March brought gains and milestones. The NASDAQ ended the month above 3,000, which it hadn’t done in nearly 12 years. The Dow pulled off its sixth straight monthly advance, and the S&P 500 and Russell 2000 rose as well. Gas prices continued their march upward, but consumer spending did not fall. The real estate sector flashed some negative signals. Investors and economists alike mulled the effect that potentially decelerating economies in Europe and Asia might have on Wall Street. The U.S. economy, on the other hand, seemed to show further improvement.

    Quarterly Economic Update 1st Quarter 2012 - Dow, +8.14%. S&P 500, +12.00%. NASDAQ, +18.67%. These numbers resemble a good year on Wall Street – and these were simply the advances from the first quarter. While stocks may or may not climb higher for the rest of the year, investors could certainly cheer the opening quarter of 2012 - the best quarter for U.S. equities in nearly 14 years. Q1 2012 was also notable for an ascent in oil futures and retail gas prices, resilience in consumer spending and the service and manufacturing sectors, and lingering ambiguity over the real estate market. The debt issues and apparent recession in Europe, the concerns over factory output worldwide, the uninspiring earnings season stateside – these concerns seemed to matter less this quarter as investors grew more optimistic.

May-Jun 12 (PDF Format) The Late Starter's Guide to Saving for Retirement New 401(k) Fee Disclosure Rules The Voluntary Disclosure Program for Offshore Assets Reopens Child and Dependent Care Credit

Mar-Apr 12 (PDF Format) Business Retirement Plans - A Smart Choice for You and Your Business Five 401(k) Mistakes to Avoid Your Child's Investment Income and Taxes Employee Stock Options

Jan-Feb 12 (PDF Format) How to Strengthen Your Financial Safety Net The Budget Control Act of 2011's Impact on Federal Student Aid Where to Find Scholarships Traditional vs. Roth IRA: Which is Right for You? Natural Disasters and Your Income Taxes Navigating Volatility

Nov-Dec 11 (PDF Format) 2011 Year-End Tax Planning Online Shopping Tips Why You Should Rebalance Your Portfolio 5 Questions About Bonds Santiaglo Style Fashion at the Museums Quiz: Shop Around

Sep-Oct 11 (PDF Format) Tips for Cracking Open Your Nest Egg at Retirement Should I Undo My Roth IRA Conversion? A 401(k) Plan for the Self-Employed

Jul-Aug 11 (PDF Format) 529 College Savings Plans Drive Green and Reap the Tax Rewards

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