Total Returns %

1 Week

YTD
Dow Jones Industrial Average

-0.31%

+6.60%
NASDAQ Composite

-0.57%

+4.21%
S&P 500 Index

-0.64%

+4.93%
Russell 2000

-0.70%

+6.55%
U.S. Aggregate Bond Index

+0.85%

-0.28%
MSCI All Country World

-0.98%

+3.76%

Source: Yahoo! Finance.  Data through 4-15-11

The markets took another hit this past week as there was no shortage of events for investors to digest.  Earnings season kicked off (JP Morgan and Alcoa were two of the major corporations to report), which brought attention back to the US economy.  Higher oil prices, increased unemployment claims, rising import prices in the US, and the continuing saga of debt woes in Europe all had a part in the down week as well.  Gold and silver continue to reach new highs due to investors’ reaction to the Fed and the current monetary policy.

Speaking of gold, you may find this Bloomberg article interesting:  Texas University Takes Delivery of $1 Billion in Gold Bars.  If more pensions and endowments follow suit, look for the price to rise even more.  This is just another example of why I continue to recommend gold (and silver) for my clients’ portfolios.

Ahead this week, earnings season continues with Citigroup, Texas Instruments, Intel, Apple, and McDonalds all reporting.  Housing information will be the main economic data released this week, though expectations aren’t very high.

Are your investments protected against our country’s current monetary policy?  Do you have investments that will hedge your portfolio against high inflation?  Call me to schedule a free review of your current investment portfolio – 913.693.7918.

John P. Chladek, MBA, CFP® is the President of Chladek Wealth Management, LLC, a fee-only financial planning and investment management firm specializing in helping families and couples who are not yet retired realize their financial goals.  For more information, visit http://www.chladekwealth.com.

All written content on this site is for information purposes only.  Opinions expressed herein are solely those of John P. Chladek, MBA, CFP®, President, Chladek Wealth Management, LLC.  Material presented is believed to be from reliable sources and we make no representations as to its accuracy or completeness.  All information and ideas should be discussed in detail with your individual advisor prior to implementation.  Investment Advisory services are offered by Chladek Wealth Management, LLC, a registered investment advisory firm in the State of Kansas.  The presence of this web site on the Internet shall in no direct or indirect way be construed or interpreted as a solicitation to sell or offer to sell investment advisory services to any residents of any state other than the State of Kansas or where otherwise legally permitted.