The Weekly Wealth of Knowledge is your download of this week's most important topics related to financial planning, the markets, and our community. November kicks off "giving" month at MONECO, as we welcome in all that we should give thanks for. This year, like last, it means more than anything after all that we have been through over the past 18 months. All month long we will be providing you content on how to give back in many ways, to your friends, your community and to your family. And let’s do our best to continue this trend, not just this month, but throughout the entire year!
In this issue:
- Consumer Prices Are Rising (3 min read)
- The Anatomy Of An Index (4 min read)
- 10 Fun Community Giving Ideas (3 min read)
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Consumer Prices Are Rising
By now everyone has seen the headlines about consumer prices rising. Like a changing business cycle, historically, the markets have always contended with price inflation in one form or another. Rather than focus on the rise in prices of goods and services across the economy, it is also a time to adapt to the current situation until the time it subsides. Here are four strategies for smarter spending at this time. As always, if you have any questions at all, do not hesitate to reach out.
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The Anatomy Of An Index
Did you know that more than $11.2 trillion in assets are benchmarked to the Standard & Poor’s 500 Composite Index, including $4.6 trillion in index assets?1,2
The S&P 500 is ubiquitous – we see it on the news, read about it in the newspapers, and very likely, see some of our own investments’ performance compared against it. For an index that represents approximately 80% of the value of the U.S. equity market, it may be worthwhile to gain a better understanding of how it works.1
Cap & Criteria
The index, as we know it today, was introduced in 1957 and is maintained by the Standard & Poor’s Index Committee. Contrary to popular belief, it is not comprised of the 500 largest companies in America, but is a collection of large-cap stocks representing a broad range of market sectors, including, technology, energy, health care, and consumer staples, among others.3
There are a number of criteria a company must meet to be considered for inclusion in the index. Some of these criteria include the following: it must be a U.S. company, have an unadjusted market capitalization of $8.2 billion or more, have 50% of its stock available to the public, and have four consecutive quarters of positive earnings.3
Changes Over Time
Another common misconception is that the index is a static one. In fact, companies will be removed, from time to time, for reasons that include violation of one or more of the criteria used for adding companies or because of a merger, acquisition, or significant restructuring, including bankruptcy.
The turnover in the index’s constituent companies was 5.2% in 2017 (per the most recent data available). According to one study, if current trends continue, nearly half of the companies currently comprising the S&P 500 will be replaced over the next 10 years. 4
Add and Subtract
When changes are made to the index, many mutual funds and exchange-traded funds that seek to replicate the index may have to sell stocks that are being removed and buy the stocks that are being added in order to track the index. Keep in mind that amounts in mutual funds and ETFs are subject to fluctuation in value and market risk. Shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost.5
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10 Fun Community Giving Ideas
As we continue with the theme of "giving" month at MONECO, it has always been a focus of the firm to give back to the communities we are all so fortunate to be part of. In addition, community giving can be a family affair that gets everyone involved, including the kids. This will assist in building long term values while supporting those that may be in need and having some fun along the way!
Click here to read the full article
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Mutual funds and exchange-traded funds are sold only by prospectus. Please consider the charges, risks, expenses, and investment objectives carefully before investing. A prospectus containing this and other information about the investment company can be obtained from your financial professional. Read it carefully before you invest or send money.
Investors cannot invest in an index. Also, index performance is not indicative of the past performance of a particular investment, and past performance does not guarantee future results. Investment choices designed to replicate any index may not perfectly track it, and their returns will be reduced by fees and expenses.
1. US.Spindices.com, December 31, 2020
2. The S&P 500 Composite index (total return) is an unmanaged index that is generally considered representative of the U.S. stock market. Index performance is not indicative of the past performance of a particular investment. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
3. TheBalance.com, September 17, 2020
4. Innosight, 2020
5. Keep in mind that the return and principal value of stock prices will fluctuate as market conditions change. And shares, when sold, may be worth more or less than their original cost.
The content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information. The information in this material is not intended as tax or legal advice. It may not be used for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation. This material was developed and produced by FMG Suite to provide information on a topic that may be of interest. FMG Suite is not affiliated with the named broker-dealer, state- or SEC-registered investment advisory firm. The opinions expressed and material provided are for general information, and should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security.
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