John Mateyko, APMA®, WMCP™, RICP® Financial Market Update, September Lives Up To Its Reputation

Atlanta Wire Staff on October 13, 2023

September lived up to its reputation as typically the worst month for U.S. equities of the year. With so much important activity, I thought it would be helpful to share an overview of monthly developments. Take a look below.

Major U.S. Stock Indexes

Major U.S. stock indexes declined in September, with rising bond yields and a looming government shutdown serving as catalysts. More on that in a minute.

For September, the mega-cap tech-heavy Nasdaq 100 led the bear parade, decreasing by 5.07%, the S&P 500 was lower by 4.87%, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average decreased by 3.50%.

Fed Pause Amid “Higher for Longer” Narrative

The Fed left rates unchanged at its September meeting. But bond yields (and interest rates) rose throughout the month. What gives?

Well, analyzing Fed actions and “Fedspeak” is a nuanced art. And it’s rarely about what just happened, but rather the probabilities of future policy down the line. The Fed left rates unchanged at the September meeting, but in the accompanying press release and commentary, indicated a “higher for longer” tone, with more rate hikes possibly on the table.

As of early October, the consensus is that there will be at least one more rate hike by the end of the year.

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell said that policymakers would be holding policy at a restrictive level “until we’re confident that inflation is moving down sustainably toward our objectives.”

Translation? Don’t expect interest rates to decline anytime soon. The Fed has said it in so many different ways, yet many pundits want to predict that it is over. There may be more to go in the inflation battle and on the price stability restoration front.

Government Bond Yields (Treasury Yields) Rise

As noted above, yields rose amid the “higher for longer” Fed narrative, with prices dropping steadily. Remember, bond prices and yields move inversely to one another.

The benchmark 10-year note yield rose rather precipitously, settling near 4.574% for the month. This marked a 48-basis-point rise from the August monthly settlement near 4.094% (One basis point equals 0.01%). A large move indeed.

Bearish Sentiment Getting More Extreme

A potential government shutdown, higher interest rates, sticky inflation, and an inverted yield curve all contributed to bearishness (or fear-driven sentiment) among investors.

The CNN Fear and Greed Index, which measures investor sentiment on a scale of 1 (extreme fear) to 100 (extreme greed) on September 29 measured 25 to close out the month and quarter, indicating a substantial amount of fear in the market, albeit not “extreme fear.” The index saw a 2023 daily low reading of 23 at the peak of March’s regional banking turmoil.

For investors with certain risk tolerances, fear or extreme fear in markets can create long-term opportunities.

Jobs Growth

Nonfarm payrolls for August, released on September 1st, showed continued (too much?) strength. The jobs number came in above expectations again, showing 187,000 jobs created versus 170,000 expected.

The stronger-than-expected employment data left the data-dependent Fed’s pathway to higher interest rates open once again. The Fed wants to see job growth slowing, indicating a cooling economy and a relaxation in inflation.

Rising interest rates are intended to cool job demand, yet employers continue to add workers at a healthy pace. Though the Fed left rates unchanged in September, the strong jobs market could be a contributing factor to keeping interest rates elevated.

Inflation Obstination

Consumer Price Index: The last CPI release of the quarter, released on September 13, showed inflation ticking higher again in August after a cooling pattern for much of 2023. Data showed headline inflation (including food and energy) increasing by 3.7% year-over-year, a tick higher than the 3.6% estimate from Refinitiv economists and up from the 3.2% increase we saw in the July data.

On a monthly basis, headline consumer prices advanced 0.6%, the metric’s biggest monthly gain of 2023. Core inflation, which excludes volatile food and energy, rose by 0.3% month-over-month in August, higher than the 0.2% expectations.

Consumer inflation appeared to be slowing for most of this year, and the recent uptick has the attention of many.

Core Personal Consumption Expenditures: On the last day of the month and quarter, we did get some encouraging news on the inflation front courtesy of Core PCE.

The Core Personal Consumption Expenditures Index rose less than expected in September, increasing by 0.1% month-over-month versus 0.2% expected. Year-over-year, Core PCE increased by 3.9% as expected.

While the Core PCE metric shows some promise in the inflation fight and is the Fed’s preferred inflation gauge, it does not include the pesky food and energy pricing that we all deal with daily

Energy Picture

Crude oil was on the rise last month, with the active futures contract (November futures) adding close to 9.44% to close at $90.79 for the month of September.

Should crude oil continue to rise, there should be some cooling effects on the economy, according to conventional wisdom anyway.

Government Shutdown Averted

In the proverbial eleventh hour, lawmakers avoided the October 1st government shutdown via a 45-day stop-gap funding bill.

This is potentially a good thing for equity market bulls, as fear was creeping into the market over the effects of a potential shutdown. The “kick the can down the road” deal was inked with just three hours left on the ticking clock.

Seasonality

September is a soft month for equities historically, and it sure lived up to its stereotype. However, the fourth quarter is also typically the best quarter for U.S. stocks.

Sometimes, it’s darkest before dawn. How dark will it get?

The Takeaway

While September was not a great month for U.S. equity investors, it also wasn’t as bad as many feared. The S&P 500 held above its 200-day moving average in September, a measurement that many market technicians use. Whether or not this level holds as support is yet to be seen.

Investors may be starting to realize that there will not be a magical unicorn Fed on the horizon, and let’s not forget that rates have been much higher than present in the not-too-distant past.

With that said, market narratives and investing environments are dynamic, and the present backdrop creates opportunities for certain investors.

About John Mateyko, APMA®, WMCP™, RICP®

In a rapidly evolving financial world, John Mateyko’s proficiency is a beacon that illuminates the increasing demand for personalized retirement planning. As the founder and managing partner of IDEX Financial, he’s embraced the revolutionizing way retirement plans are crafted, incorporating innovative ideas and tactics. His approach doesn’t just dwell on mere numbers, but delves into the uniqueness, ambitions, and objectives of each patron. John Mateyko envisions a future where customized financial planning empowers individuals to stride towards retirement, secure in the knowledge that their strategies are meticulously tailored to meet their specific needs.

In an era of progressively tailored financial stewardship, John Mateyko is committed to wielding his expertise and determination to assist those in pursuit of financial stability, all while living a life abundant with experiences that richess alone cannot procure.

About IDEX Financial

IDEX Financial seeks a straightforward approach and transparency in holistic financial planning. They prioritize education, recognizing its power as a tool to guide clients towards financial prosperity. IDEX Financial advocates for a proactive strategy, employing methods that aim to significantly enhance their clients’ financial well-being. They value enduring partnerships and extend support to patrons as they traverse through the diverse financial changes that may occur throughout their lifetime.

Philip Portman-Ascending to The Top of the Digital Marketing Industry Through His Business Texting Platform

Atlanta Wire Staff on June 16, 2023

Everyone is aware of the significance of evolution and its impact on society as a whole. Taking the most rudimentary example of mankind, it took thousands of years for us humans to develop into the species we are today. We need to evolve and develop every day to adapt effectively within the changing environment. The innovative mindset of leaders like Philip Portman and the development of better opportunities for our future generations bring about these revolutions. Starting a business venture as an entrepreneur is a step that prompts a tremendous transformation all over the country as it enhances the quality of life of future generations and improves the economy.

One of the most important reasons why entrepreneurship is important is because offering better, new, and latest products and services to customers boosts employment, which in turn benefits the entire nation. Additionally, the economy also benefits when other businesses are inspired to do better because of supporting new enterprises.

Entrepreneurial businesses have made significant contributions to the creation of new jobs and have given the opportunity to even unskilled workers to learn and gain experience. Small businesses in particular annually create the most jobs worldwide and provide skilled and experienced workers to large-scale businesses for growth and development.

The role of an entrepreneur is extremely critical for a nation as they devise and create new ideas, ventures, products, technologies, markets, and product quality, among other things, that not only offer customers new options but also lead to the growth of an industry. Entrepreneurs open the doors for new opportunities as well as transform industries through advanced technologies. However, an entrepreneur must understand how the business world operates and must take wise decisions to achieve success and their dreams.

When an industry crumbles, it has a big impact on the state’s development and economy as workers become unemployed, and suppliers and financial institutions face a recovery crisis. Customers lose access to basic products and services and, the government incurs losses as well. The solution to all these problems lies with entrepreneurs.

Entrepreneurs who are sincere, devoted, and driven to achieve business success not only have the chance to prosper and succeed in their businesses in the dynamic corporate world but can also inspire aspiring entrepreneurs and new businesses. Philip Portman is one such entrepreneur who through his creativity and vision has not only cemented his place in the entrepreneurial world but also helped various new business owners in setting up their organizations through his guidance.

Since his early years, Portman believed in himself and his entrepreneurial skills and talent, therefore, he didn’t attend college and focused on business. He entered the business world by establishing the software company and business texting platform, Textdrip through which he took digital marketing to another level. This platform soon became an integral part of solar sales, mortgage, real estate, and insurance businesses because of the numerous benefits it offers.

Later he set up RecruitDrip to help organizations in their staffing and recruitment process. This Applicant Tracking System provided recruitment professionals with an automated experience and helped them in their search for the right talent.

Other than Textdrip and its sub-branch RecruitDrip, Portman laid the foundation of the SaaS company, Landline Remover, and Argos Automation, a software development organization. He is also the creative mind behind the Success Is podcast which provides entrepreneurs with a platform where they can share their struggles, challenges, and their overall entrepreneurial journey with the audience.

The many ventures of Portman which are based on new ideas and modern technology have completely transformed the business world. The entrepreneurial success of individuals like Philip Portman is a testament that entrepreneurs can rise to the top of digital business with the help of an effective digital marketing strategy and an innovative mind. Once entrepreneurs learn how to run a profitable and successful digital business, there is no turning back.

Biden Prepares Student Loan Companies for Payment Pause End

Atlanta Wire Staff on May 22, 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the economy, including the student loan sector. In March 2020, the US government implemented a payment pause for all federally-held student loans, which has provided much-needed relief for borrowers.

The pause has been extended several times, but it is set to expire in June. With this deadline approaching, President Joe Biden is preparing student loan companies for the payment pause end.

The Payment Pause

When the payment pause was first introduced in March 2020, it was meant to last until September 30, 2020. However, as the pandemic continued to impact the economy, the government extended the pause multiple times.

During the payment pause, borrowers have not been required to make payments on their federally-held student loans. Additionally, interest has not been accruing on these loans, which has saved borrowers money in the long run.

The payment pause has been a significant relief for many borrowers, as it has allowed them to focus on other financial priorities during the pandemic.

Preparing for the End of the Payment Pause

With the payment pause set to expire, President Joe Biden is taking steps to prepare student loan companies for the end of the pause. Biden has asked the US Department of Education to work with student loan companies to ensure that borrowers are prepared for the resumption of payments.

One of the primary concerns for borrowers is how they will be able to afford their monthly payments once the pause ends. Many borrowers have experienced financial hardship during the pandemic, and may not be in a position to resume payments right away. Biden has proposed several solutions to help borrowers, including expanding income-driven repayment plans and providing forgiveness for borrowers with high levels of debt.

Another concern is how student loan companies will handle the influx of borrowers who will need to resume payments. The Department of Education is working with these companies to ensure that they are prepared to handle the increased volume of calls and requests for assistance.

Communication with Borrowers

Communication with borrowers is key during this transition period. The Department of Education has been encouraging student loan companies to reach out to borrowers and provide them with information about their options once the payment pause ends. Borrowers need to understand their repayment options, including income-driven and refinancing plans.

Additionally, borrowers who are experiencing financial hardship should be aware of their options for deferment or forbearance. These options allow borrowers to temporarily pause their payments, but interest may still accrue during this period.

The Department of Education has also launched a campaign to educate borrowers about the end of the payment pause. The campaign includes social media posts, email newsletters, and other communications aimed at educating borrowers about their options.

What Comes Next

Unless the Supreme Court rules on President Joe Biden’s plan to forgive student debt, federally-held student loan payments are set to resume 60 days after June 30. However, if the ruling is issued before then, payments will resume 60 days after the ruling’s release.

For more updates on the payment pause, Atlanta Wire has everything you need. We are one of the most trusted Atlanta news networks that takes breaking news, in-depth analysis, and exclusive content straight to your inbox. Don’t miss out on the stories that matter – sign up now and stay ahead of the curve!

A Veteran’s Crusade: Alpine Dispensary’s Commitment to Health Through Cannabis

Atlanta Wire Staff on May 2, 2023

Founded by Purple Heart Veteran Josh Garrison, Alpine Dispensary has been committed to helping customers achieve their health goals through the power of cannabis since its establishment on April 20, 2019. Driven by personal experience and a desire to provide relief for others, Garrison’s mission with Alpine Dispensary is to offer high-quality, effective, and safe cannabis products for those seeking alternative solutions for their health concerns.

Josh Garrison’s journey with cannabis began after serving 20 years in the US Army and other government agencies on dozens of combat deployments. Suffering from PTSD and the physical toll of combat, he turned to the VA for assistance. However, the prescription drugs he received led to severe side effects and no substantial relief. It was not until 2019, when he tried his first CBD product that Garrison experienced immediate and profound benefits. This transformative encounter inspired him to open Alpine Dispensary and share the healing potential of cannabis with others.

In just four years, Alpine Dispensary has assisted over 100,000 customers in reaching their health goals through carefully formulated cannabis products. The company’s hands-on approach and direct interaction with customers have enabled it to gather real-time customer needs and preferences data. This invaluable information has guided the development of their product line, ensuring that each offering is engineered for efficacy rather than solely for cost considerations.

One of Alpine Dispensary’s standout products is their Sleep Support Gummies, which contain 20mg of CBD and 20mg of Cannabinol (CBN). Recognizing the importance of rest for overall well-being, these gummies have been designed to support a restful night’s sleep without causing any psychotropic effects. The combination of CBN, an oxidized derivative of THC that promotes sedation, and CBD, which aids in relaxation through the activation of CB2 receptors, makes these gummies an ideal companion for those seeking better sleep quality.

Alpine Dispensary’s commitment to excellence extends beyond its product offerings. They utilize only the highest quality ingredients in their formulations, ensuring customers receive the best possible results. In addition, their online presence, which includes Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube, serves as a platform to engage with customers and share valuable information about their products and the benefits of CBD.

Josh Garrison’s dedication to helping others through Alpine Dispensary stems from his journey and the transformative impact of CBD on his life. As the brand grows, Alpine Dispensary remains focused on providing safe, effective, high-quality cannabis products that promote health and well-being for all. By combining real-time customer data with an unwavering commitment to excellence, Alpine Dispensary has established itself as a trusted source for those seeking alternative health solutions through the power of cannabis.

Unlocking the Secrets of Business Funding: How Jasmine Nichole’s Coaching Services Can Help Your Business Grow

Atlanta Wire Staff on March 23, 2023

Jasmine Nichole is not just a financial coach, but also a serial entrepreneur, business funding specialist, business credit specialist, and investor. Her extensive experience in the business world has allowed her to help small and business owners leverage their businesses to a six-figure income. Through her coaching business, J Nichole The Money Coach LLC, Jasmine has taught thousands of individuals how to leverage business credit and funding.

In addition to her coaching services, Jasmine also offers several training and video courses to educate small business owners on how to properly structure their businesses to get the funding they need to thrive.

She understands that some of her clients prefer virtual learning and makes sure to provide them with the tools and resources they need to succeed. Jasmine is transparent with her clients and takes pride in her ability to educate them on personal and business funding.

Jasmine’s expertise in the financial industry has allowed her to build solid relationships with several lenders and branch managers at multiple banks. She has earned their trust and they appreciate her efforts to help small business owners access the funding they need to succeed.

As the world heads into a recession, Jasmine is increasingly focused on educating small business owners on how to start low-risk businesses and create multiple streams of income. Her coaching services and training courses have become more valuable than ever as people seek ways to secure their financial futures.

In conclusion, Jasmine Nichole’s experience as a serial entrepreneur, business funding specialist, business credit specialist, and investor has made her a valuable asset to small business owners.

Her ability to educate and provide practical personal and business financial advice has helped many people achieve their financial goals. Her dedication to her clients and passion for financial education has earned her a well-deserved reputation as a trusted financial coach and business consultant.

To connect with Jasmine, visit the J Nichole The Money Coach LLC website or connect with her on Facebook.

FWM Designers LLC Creates a Sustainable Ecosystem by Revolutionizing Business and Community Collaboration

Atlanta Wire Staff on March 10, 2023

In today’s fast-paced business world, it’s easy for companies to focus solely on their bottom line. However, one company is bucking that trend and putting the community first. FWM Designers LLC is a business that is centered on the principles of entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and philanthropy. The company’s mission is to create more benefits and opportunities for nonprofit organizations than for itself. “This is not just a business; it is a movement to promote entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and philanthropy as a single system to make our communities better places,” the company said.

FWM Designers LLC was founded on the desire to promote its principles and assist others in their growth and success. Over time, the business structure has developed organically as the company has worked with its clients to tackle their most pressing issues.

To aid both nonprofits and for-profit entities, the company offers programs,called Good Circles, to lower operating costs while raising revenue and decreasing consumer expenses. In addition, FWM Designers LLC is dedicated to paying living wages as a bare minimum in hiring, aiming to set an example for businesses and communities to take accountability for their communal welfare through its systems.

As the company expands, it also sets its sights on decreasing consumer spending by 10% on daily purchases, lowering nonprofit operating expenses (excluding payroll) by up to 100%, and increasing nonprofit operating capital annually by 400% or more. As a result, it also can decrease operating costs for for-profit organizations and significantly boost their net revenues.

With the goal of reducing reliance on government systems for community welfare, FWM Designers LLC is promoting large-scale collaboration and fostering an ecosystem that prioritizes benefiting others over self-interest. The company aspires to be the most impactful organization on public welfare by size within a year and to become the global leader in philanthropic impact within the next three years. To achieve this, it ensures the systems it puts in place are tailored to benefit all those involved.

In today’s world, it is more important than ever for businesses to prioritize the well-being of their communities. FWM Designers LLC is a company that is setting a new standard for businesses by proving that it is possible to be a for-profit business while still placing the community first. By putting communities at the heart of all their endeavors, companies can not only make a positive impact on the world but also ensure their own success in the process.

Vlad SlickBartender – Breaking into the YouTube Industry by Creating Short Video-Based Content

Atlanta Wire Staff on March 2, 2023

Image commercially licensed from: Unsplash

Content creators and marketers are always looking for new ways to broaden their online reach. YouTube Shorts is an exciting new TikTok-like format that gives content creators a new way to connect with their audience on the world’s most popular video platform. They are 60-second videos that can be watched at any time and from any location. In addition, they can be viewed on desktop and mobile, but they must be uploaded in a vertical or square aspect ratio. Although both formats are supported, it is recommended that one should use the vertical 9:16 video aspect ratio.

YouTube is determined to uplift this new feature, which one can and should take advantage of because it is the newest player in the short video market and has the potential to become the next ‘big’ platform in 2022. One of the best things about YouTube Shorts is how easy they are to find since YouTube has rolled them out globally. This is in contrast to YouTube stories, which are only limited to mobiles and disappear from a creator’s channel after a week. While Shorts can appear on mobiles due to their vertical aspect ratio, they can also be viewed on a desktop by anyone using YouTube and stay on a channel for an indefinite time.

Shorts are already proving to be a powerful way to expand one’s reach when it comes to building a YouTube channel. Despite being a relatively new addition to the platform, YouTube Shorts are already being viewed more than 15 billion times per day worldwide. Given its enormous popularity and the potential for even greater growth, incorporating this type of content into the channel’s strategy appears to be an easy and commendable choice. This is why the YouTuber Vlad Buryanov started making short videos on his channel, Vlad SlickBartender.

Vladymyr Buryanov is a world-renowned bartender and social media sensation who uses his bartending expertise to create amazing social media content. Buryanov was born in the Ukrainian city of Yalta and attended the Yalta Commercial College. The US-based artist, also known to his fans as ‘Vlad SlickBartender,’ has already established himself as one of the top bartenders on YouTube. He has been uploading videos to his Vlad SlickBartender YouTube channel since 2015.

The content creator now has more than 10 million followers from all over the world on TikTok and more than 2.9 million subscribers on YouTube, with a rapidly growing fan base across all popular social media platforms.

When COVID-19 emerged and people were confined to their homes, Buryanov’s fascinating content, which ranged from cocktail recipes to abstract ice sculptures, piqued the interest of the general public and helped him gain a large fan following of around 10 million followers on TikTok, more than half a million followers on Facebook and Instagram, and over 2 million YouTube subscribers. The larger following helped him land endorsement deals with a number of companies. This made him wonder if he could make a living out of YouTube.

Buryanov created the majority of his videos to aid in the professional development of inexperienced bartenders but slowly began focusing more and more on providing value as well as entertainment to a larger demographic. These short videos aided in the expansion of his viewers and most importantly, they improved Buryanov’s YouTube creative marketing process.

Buryanov’s educational videos on bartending not only solidify his position as an exceptional content creator but also provide a framework for aspiring individuals who want to pursue a career in the industry.

Bee Happy, Bee Kind, Bee Well with Bee Well CBD, an affordable, CBD-inspired, female-owned business

Atlanta Wire Staff on March 1, 2023

Cannabidiol, sometimes known as CBD, is the main cannabinoid present in hemp plants. Cannabinoids are chemical substances that develop spontaneously in people and interact with cannabinoid receptors all over the body. The physiological reactions that are sparked when CBD binds to these receptors include those that may assist in controlling your appetite, pain threshold, mood, and memory. By nourishing your cannabinoid system, you may experience an increase in these favorable triggers and achieve balance.

In 2018, Patricia Chastain, the brand’s founder, created Bee Well CBD, a woman-owned, CBD-inspired company in Kennesaw, Georgia. The company firmly believes in CBD as a gift from nature. The brand’s goal is to dispel the stigma associated with cannabis while providing hope and healing through high-quality goods, transparency, and accessibility. A close working relationship at every stage of production guarantees customized formulations that are consistent and fit your needs.

Patricia, the company’s creator, explains, “I wanted to create a company that provides a secure and comfortable location to educate people about CBD, assist them to find relief through the use of these products, and to de-stigmatize hemp and cannabis.” As time goes on, CBD has helped many people find relief and we have only begun to explore what cannabinoids may do for the body as a whole.

Rebecca Vega helped build the Bee Well CBD storefront and started working on its own line of CBD goods, which exceeded the company’s expectations and catered to its consumers’ demands more effectively than other businesses. It was a significant new venture for Bee Well CBD to work with their manufacturer to offer CBD products of superior quality at lower pricing after months of vetting and research. The items the brand now provides were developed and grown over the course of more than a year, during which time Bee Well CBD conducted intensive testing & studies of customer feedback, as well as a ton of research to determine how affordable they could make their product without cutting down on the quality.

Patricia narrates, “We debuted our current range of gummies to the public in May 2019 and received a great reaction. At that time, the Bee Well CBD storefront became our brand. Many of our clients have been coming to buy our gummies on a regular basis for almost 4 years! Bee Well CBD introduced Bee Well Tinctures in June 2021. They are intended to be precisely blended with botanicals that could offer more holistic and apparent relief for our most prevalent illnesses. This was a major game-changer because it allows us to provide more concentrated tinctures at even lower costs- thereby stretching every dollar further for consumers. By remaining vigilant, paying attention to what our customers desire, and adjusting to new information, possibilities, and difficulties, we overcame a pandemic and numerous growing pains. Since the past few years have undoubtedly had an impact on many people’s sleep, anxiety, and pain, we are especially happy with how accessible and helpful our employees have been, as well as how well the products have been received and enjoyed in the market.”