Jeff and Kyle are back in the studio and kick off this week’s episode of Money Wise by taking some time to get into the numbers of the markets this week before discussing how these current trends can influence your future retirement plans. This past week the Dow was up 2%, the S&P 500 was up 2.3%, and the NASDAQ was up 2.9%. For the YTD, the Dow was up 4.7%, the S&P 500 was up 9.7%, and the NASDAQ was up 9.4%. The Money Wise guys discuss the remarkable performance of the stock market, noting that indices like the NASDAQ and the Dow have hit all-time highs, signifying a prosperous period for investors, particularly those with a significant portion of their assets in stocks. They highlight their successful stock picks, which have outperformed the S&P year-to-date, and note the satisfactory performance of the fixed-income segment of portfolios despite rising interest rates throughout the year. The discussion also covers market momentum as the first quarter of 2024 nears its end, with Good Friday market closures ahead. The conversation shifts to portfolio strategy debates, market resilience in the face of potential downturn catalysts, and reactions to Federal Reserve policies. Specifically, they debunk the earlier market consensus of numerous interest rate cuts in 2024, with the Fed signaling a more dovish stance than expected, indicating that rate cuts could occur even before inflation targets are met. This nuanced Federal Reserve outlook, coupled with a dismissal of immediate rate hikes, points to a cautiously optimistic market sentiment.  Federal Reserve Forecasts The Money Wise guys reveal that the Federal Reserve's unexpected dovish stance signals potential interest rate cuts before meeting inflation targets, has buoyed the stock market. This shift suggests a prioritization of economic growth over strict inflation control, lowering borrowing costs for companies and making equities more attractive compared to fixed-income securities. Such policies are designed to stimulate investment and consumer spending, thereby supporting corporate profits, and increasing investors' risk appetite. The market's positive reaction reflects confidence in continued economic expansion and higher stock valuations, underscoring the Fed's commitment to sustaining the recovery even if it means tolerating higher inflation levels in the short term. In the second hour today, the Money Wise guys share the Best Investment Advice Ever. You don’t want to miss the details! Tune in for the full discussion on your favorite podcast provider or at davidsoncap.com, where you can also learn more about the Money Wise guys or take advantage of a portfolio review and analysis with Davidson Capital Management.