Inventory is a key housing metric—here’s what it’s telling us right now by ResiClub
Housing inventory in the U.S. has risen by 24.6% compared to last year, though it remains 25.3% below pre-pandemic levels. Some markets, particularly in Florida, are seeing inventory surpass 2019 levels, signaling a shift toward more balanced or buyer-friendly conditions in those areas.
Retirement and drinking don’t mix by MarketWatch
According to a new study in Aging and Mental Health, retirees showed more signs of depression than those who were still working, and binge drinking made those symptoms worse.
Concentration & Correction – what to do next by Goldman Sachs
The recent market correction, triggered by news about the DeepSeek LLM model, marked the first significant decline among major tech stocks since last autumn, but analysts view it as a correction rather than a bear market. High valuations and market concentration made equities vulnerable to pullbacks, yet strong global growth forecasts and anticipated interest rate cuts support risk assets. The dominance of U.S. equities and large-cap technology stocks has been driven by solid fundamentals rather than speculation, though diversification is becoming more important as growth disparities narrow. Investors are advised to remain in equities while hedging risks, exploring opportunities beyond dominant tech firms, and considering geographical and sectoral diversification.
A Pivotal Week: Tech Shift, Fed Patience, Tariff Turbulence by Jeremy J. Siegel
We could see a shift away from tech into cheaper areas of the market with the volatility created by DeepSeek, and there should be at most two rate cuts this year if the economy remains where it is now. Tariffs are the wildcard and can create some volatility and collateral policy uncertainty.
See also What Trump’s Tariff Threats Mean for Your Money by Bloomberg
2018 was a tough year for stocks, perhaps partly due to the tariffs proposed that year.
Selling Your Business? Tax Strategies to Keep More of What You Earn by Heritage Financial
Implementing a proactive tax-management investment strategy can help business owners reduce capital gains taxes associated with selling their business. Utilizing a separately managed account (SMA) allows for tax-loss harvesting, deferring capital gains, minimizing short-term gains, and donating appreciated securities, all of which can effectively manage and potentially lower the overall tax burden.
Book Recommendation
It’s So Easy: and other lies by Duff McKagan
A founding member of Guns N’ Roses and Velvet Revolver—and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee—shares the story of his rise to the pinnacle of fame and fortune, his struggles with alcoholism and drug addiction, his personal crash and burn, and his phoenix-like transformation.
Boston Corner
Massachusetts economy slows in the 4th quarter, UMass journal reports
In the fourth quarter of 2024, Massachusetts’ real gross state product (GDP) grew at an annual rate of 1.1%, compared to the U.S. GDP growth of 2.3% during the same period. This slower growth in Massachusetts is attributed to stagnant employment, rising unemployment, and modest consumer spending on taxable goods. The state’s unemployment rate increased to 4.1% in December 2024, matching the national rate, a shift from the previous year when it was lower than the U.S. average. Looking ahead, projections indicate that Massachusetts’ economic growth will continue to lag behind the national average in the first half of 2025.
