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Money Manager Monthly |
WrapManager.com | Contact Us |
November 2009 |
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Latest News
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Prospera Named 2009 Broker/Dealer of the YearOur good friend and partner, Prospera Financial Services, has been named 2009 Broker/Dealer of the Year by Investment Advisor Magazine! This year, Prospera received the highest average score in each category, having received second place for the prior two years. We are thrilled with this prestigious recognition of the strength of one of our close affiliates. Further congratulations go to all our clients who work with this highly-recognized firm! |
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MARKET COMMENTARY
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The Dollar Is Falling--But the Sky Isn't
By Gabriel F. Burczyk, President & CEO
 On October 22, 2009, the U.S. dollar fell to a 14-month low against the euro, hitting $1.5046, the weakest since August 2008, according to our research.
What--if anything--should investors do?
Is the falling dollar a problem?
While the dollar's fall has captured the attention of economists, its effect on Americans may come down to a mix of negatives and positives.
Certainly, when the dollar declines in value against other currencies, imports (such as foreign cars) become more expensive. That's because U.S. importers, who buy goods in a foreign currency that's rising relative to the dollar, have to pay more than they did previously. The prices of certain domestic goods and services can also rise, because companies that buy raw materials from abroad have to pay more for those materials and may raise prices on their end products to offset that increase.
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MONEY MANAGER COMMENTARY
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How Strong Will the Recovery Be?
 Hillman Capital Management
"After one of the swiftest declines in economic activity experienced since the Great Depression, the United States' economy showed early signs of stabilization in the third quarter."
Click here for complete Market Commentary, 3rd Quarter 2009
 Federated Investors
"Not too many are arguing whether we're in recovery; it's now about how strong a recovery. As new data comes in, Wall Street keeps revising up estimates for this year's 2nd half and into 2010."
Click here for full Economic and Market Update, October 16, 2009
 BlackRock
"At this point, we think it is safe to say the recession has ended and the
global economy has entered a recovery phase...We are expecting to see gross domestic product (GDP) growth rates of between 3% and 4% for the second half of 2009 and between 2% and 3% in 2010."
Click here for complete Investment Perspective, Autumn 2009 Update
 Neuberger Berman LLC
"Although we believe that equities have some 'room to run,' the underlying
strength and durability of the economic recovery remain in question. As such, we believe that careful attention to economic indicators and a focus on company fundamentals will remain essential in the months ahead."
Click here for full Market Commentary, 3rd Quarter 2009
Don't miss out on important manager commentary! Sign up for the latest email updates from Money Manager Research. |
TAX & RETIREMENT
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2009 Taxes: Make the Most of a Trying Year
This year we've seen both step-ups and setbacks in the market. For year-end tax planning, this scenario sets up some nice advantages. For example:
- Sell some of your losers to offset any taxable gains on winning plays, while repositioning your portfolio to match your strategic allocation going into the New Year. Just remember to look at your tax loss carry forwards from last year and to cash out before December 31.
- Forgo your Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) in 2009 to give investments more tax-deferred time to recoup losses. However, if this year's capital losses and lower interest and dividend income drop you to a lower tax bracket, consider taking a portion of your Distribution to max out your tax bracket-more cash on hand without the increased tax liability of a higher tax bracket. Also, if you took out money from your IRA, as a RMD, in 2009 you may be able to put it back and zero out the taxes. This is giving retirees extra time to rollover what you thought the RMD was to be in 2009. The 60-day rollover window is extended to the later of November 30, 2009 or 60 days after receiving the 2009 distribution.
- Another tax planning strategy apropos to the holiday season: Gift up to $13,000 per person in 2009 without having to pay a gift tax. Charitable donations of securities or cash may also be donated to your choice of qualified organizations-be sure to complete your donation before December 31st.
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The attached report and information have been prepared or produced by WrapManager, Inc. from sources and data believed to be reliable. Information provided in this report is for educational and illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as individualized investment advice, as an offer to sell, or the solicitation of an offer to buy any security in any states where such an offer or solicitation would be prohibited by regulations. WrapManager, Inc. is not a tax advisory firm. We recommend you contact your tax attorney or CPA prior to utilizing any of the tax-related strategies mentioned or discussed. Returns and experiences will vary for each client. Each client's risk tolerance and investment objectives are unique to them. Past performance may not be indicative of future results. No assumption that future performance of any specific investment or product made reference to directly by WrapManager, Inc., on its Web site and in marketing materials, will be profitable or equal the corresponding indicated performance level(s). If performance numbers are generated gross of fees, a client's return will be reduced by investment advisory fees and any other expenses. Opinions expressed are those of WrapManager, Inc. and are subject to change without notice and are not necessarily those of Prospera Financial Services, Inc., its directors, parent company or its affiliates. Securities offered through Prospera Financial Services and cleared through First Clearing, LLC. Prospera Financial Services - Member FINRA/SIPC. © 2009 WrapManager, Inc. (800) 541-7774 |
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