Blog
Welcome to the blog of Azalea Wealth Partners, where we feature selected in-depth insight on current issues in capital markets, the economy, and investing. Our vision is to be a premier investment partner for individuals and families in east Texas and beyond. Our mission is to provide confidence in your investments in any market environment through custom portfolio management.
Why Investors Need Perspective on the Soft Landing Debate
Stock and bond markets have struggled during the first trading weeks of 2024 as investors questioned the probability of a "soft landing" and what it may mean for the timing and size of Fed rate cuts later this year. Market-based...
Read MoreWhy Bonds Are Increasingly Attractive for Long-Term Investors
The bond market has had a better year in 2023 despite ongoing swings in interest rates. The U.S. Aggregate bond index has rebounded 2.7% year-to-date after briefly hovering in the red a few months ago. This is because inflation...
Read MoreHow Corporate Profits and Dividends Affect Investor Returns
The stock market has been supported by a healthier-than-expected economy this year, generating returns that have helped some portfolios to partially recover from last year's bear market. Investors now hope these growth trends will...
Read MoreWhy Investors Can Be Thankful After a Volatile Year
While it may not feel like it, investors have much to be thankful for this holiday season. Over the past year, investors have navigated both short-term challenges due to interest rate swings, the banking crisis, and political battles...
Read MoreWhat Washington Politics and the National Debt Mean for Long-Term Investors
While war escalates in the Middle East, political tensions remain high in Washington, DC. While the Speaker of the House situation has been resolved, there are more political hurdles on the horizon. This can complicate the market and...
Read MoreShow All
How Middle East Conflicts Have Historically Impacted Markets
On the morning of Saturday, October 7, Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel, killing hundreds and plunging the region into further conflict. Israel immediately declared war on Hamas, responded with air strikes, and called up 300...
Read MoreWhat Higher Oil Prices Mean for Consumers and Markets
A key driver of global markets and inflation over the past two years has been the price of oil. As an important commodity that fuels the economy, investors watch the oil market closely. While oil has fallen considerably from its peak...
Read MoreWhy Investors Need Perspective Amid a Market Pullback, Fears Over China, and More
Financial markets have pulled back in recent weeks due to factors such as rising interest rates and uncertainty in China. So far in August, the S&P 500 has declined 4.8% while the Nasdaq, which consists primarily of technology stocks,...
Read MoreHow Personal Savings Affect the Economy
Despite the economic uncertainty of the past year, individuals and households have been generally resilient. Consumer spending has remained steady in the face of high inflation, rising interest rates, housing market challenges, and...
Read MoreWhat the Hope of a Soft Landing Means for the Fed and Investors
Market and economic expectations have shifted 180 degrees since the start of the year, when many investors expected a recession and prolonged bear market. Ongoing economic growth, low unemployment, improving price pressures, and...
Read More7 Market and Economic Insights for the Second Half of 2023
Major stock market indices made significant gains in the first half of the year due to improving inflation, slowing Fed rate hikes, the absence of a recession, a more stable banking sector, and a strong rally in tech stocks. Interest...
Read MoreHow the Market Rally and Interest Rates Impact Valuations
The past few years are proof that market sentiment can turn on a dime. This year's strong market rally, with the S&P 500 rising 13% and the Nasdaq gaining 29%, has been driven by technology stocks, improving inflation, and the absence...
Read MoreWhat the Fed's Hawkish Pause Means for Long-Term Investors
At its June meeting, the Fed decided to hit pause on rate hikes after more than a year of rapid monetary policy tightening. Since last March, the Fed has raised rates 10 times from zero to 5%, making this the second-fastest rate hike...
Read MoreHow Artificial Intelligence, Tech, and Productivity Impact Portfolios
The world has been abuzz over artificial intelligence and its potential benefits and threats. These range from practical benefits, such as better tools for knowledge workers and students, to philosophical considerations, such as...
Read MoreWhy The 4 Percent Rule Is Only A Starting Point For Retirement
Planning for retirement has never been more important and yet so challenging. Given the difficult inflationary conditions of the past two years, the risk that worries most retirees continues to be outliving their savings. This is...
Read MoreWhat Is the Value of Gold Amid Fed and Washington Uncertainty?
As the debt ceiling drama in Washington unfolds, uncertainty around the Fed grows, and inflation remains stubbornly high, the price of gold has experienced a surge over the past six months. Gold prices climbed above $2,000 per ounce in...
Read MoreHow Challenges In Commercial Real Estate Impact Investors
Commercial Real Estate Has Struggled The Past YearThe repercussions of inflation, Fed rate hikes, the ongoing banking crisis, and the approaching debt ceiling deadline are being felt throughout the financial system. One area directly...
Read MoreWhat the Looming Debt Ceiling Deadline Means for Investors
The federal debt limit is once again in the news as the country rapidly approaches a critical deadline on June 1. Investors are understandably nervous about Washington failing to reach an agreement, a possibility that both sides agree...
Read More