“The market volatility that dominated 2011 dissapated in January, as stocks continued to move steadily higher and are now well above the lows of last fall. The gain of 3.40% by the Dow Jones Industrial Average, which closed the month at 12632.91, was the Index’s best annual start in performance since 1997. The S&P 500 Index fared better, rising 4.36% to 1312.41, marking its best January performance since 1987. The Russell 2000 Small-Cap Index jumped 7% to 792.82, while the NASDAQ was the top performer of the major US indices, soaring 8.01% to close the month at 2813.84. International stocks rebounded as well, as the EAFE Index was higher at month end by 5.25%, closing at 1486.74. The S&P 500 has now recovered from its almost 20% decline between April 29, 2011 to October 3, 2011 which, as we wrote at the time, was most likely a result of fear and loss of confidence than an actual renewed economic decline. At current levels the market is now close to its highest level since June 2008.”

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“For the most part, stock prices moved higher in December, bringing the rollercoaster ride of 2011 right back to where it began. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 1.43% to end the year at 12217.56. The S&P 500 Index was up 0.85% to 1257.60, while the Russell 2000 Small-Cap Index provided a positive return of 0.48% to close at 740.92. The Nasdaq was the only major U.S. index to decline for the month, dipping 0.58% to 2605.15. The EAFE index of international stocks dropped 1.03%, hurt by the US Dollar which continued its climb against the Euro.”

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“Following its October surge, the stock market took a breather in Novmeber in what proved to be another volatile month, with stocks rallying in the final week to bring blue chip stock prices back to where at the end of October. The Dow Jones Industrial Average was the best major performer for the month, up 0.76% to 12045.68, and up 4.04% year to date. The S&P 500 Index declined slightly by 0.51%, to close at 1246.96, down 0.85% for the year.”

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by J. Harold Williams

In the last 30 years of the twentieth century, financial planning for retirement changed dramatically. Of the many factors that contributed to these changes, two were fundamental:

• Inflation. Retirees in the United States witnessed firsthand the insidious effects of inflation on the cost of maintaining their lifestyles. Particularly during the first 15 years of this period (1970-1985), inflation at the consumer level made a serious dent in what type of lifestyle could be purchased with fixed sources of retirement income such as pensions and annuity payments. By 1985, more than $2.75 was required to purchase the same basket of goods that cost $1.00 in 1970. The retiree living on $60,000 after taxes in 1970 needed more than $165,000 entering 1985 to remain even in terms of lifestyle.

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“After five straight down months, the major market averages rallied in October with their best monthly performance in some time. The Dow Jones Industrial Average enjoyed one of its largest monthly point gains in its history, while the S&P 500 Index had its best monthly gain since the early 1990′s. Though the Russell 2000 Small-Cap Index and the EAFE remain negative for the year, off 5% and 9% respectively, the Nasdaq is up 2%, the S&P 500 is up 1%, and the Dow is up 5% year to date.”

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“September once again proved a difficult month for investors as stock market volatility continued. Also contributing to market weakness were growing concerns over the possibility of a new recession brought on by Euroupe’s inability to resolve its sovereign debt crisis. The Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 6.03% in September, closing at 10913.38. The S&P 500 Index suffered its fifth consecutive down month, which has only happened three times since 1990, falling 7.18% to close at 1131.42. During August and September the S&P 500 experienced fluctuations of 1% or more in 61% of the 44 trading days. The Russell 2000 Small-Cap Index dropped 11.37% to 644.16, and the Nasdaq declined 6.36% to 2425.40. Also weak was the EAFE index of international stocks, which closed at 1373.33, down 9.86%.”

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This Thanksgiving Liscomb & Williams is helping sponsor the Sheltering Arms Senior Services 2011 annual Turkey Trot! Sheltering Arms Senior Services is a Houston-based nonprofit organization committed to the health and well-being of older adults and their family caregivers. Their comprehensive services help older adults live safe and independent lives in their own homes.

L&W is proud to help support such a wonderful local charity. Stop by race day morning to help support the cause. Some of us at Liscomb & Williams will even be participating in the race! Race day is Thursday, November 24, 2011 at 9:00 AM

Please visit the Sheltering Arms site for information on how to register for the race and deeper look into what services this nonprofit provides to local seniors.

Sheltering Arms Senior Servies – 2011 Turkey Trot

Highland Village Encore Bank Branch
3754 Westheimer Road
Houston, Texas 77027
Thursday, October 27, 2011
6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
*Complimentary Valet Parking Available

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To RSVP, please contact Libby McGee via email at: lmcgee@encorebank.com or phone at: (713) 622-4606

Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the nation’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer care, support and research. Since 1989, this all age, all-ability walk has mobilized millions to join the fight against Alzheimer’s disease, raising more than $347 million for the cause. This year Linscomb & Williams joins the cause!

Serving the Greather Houston area for over thirty years, the Alzheimer’s Association Houston & Southeast Texas Chapter will be hosting the annual Walk to End Alzheimer’s event on Saturday, October 22, 2011, at Minute Maid Park.

If you would like to help end Alzheimer’s please donate to Team Linscomb & Williams. All Walk to End Alzheimer’s donations benefit the Alzheimer’s Association, the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer care, support and research. For more information contact the Alzheimer’s Association Houston & Southeast Texas Chapter at walk@alztex.org and 713-314-1313.

“August provided a wild ride for the stock market, with dramatic daily moves, as volatility returned with a vengeance. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 4.36 t0 11613.53, after falling more than 11% during the first eight trading days of the month, followed by a rally at the end of the month that failed to overcome the earlier loss. The S&P 500 Index saw a similar decline, down 5.68% to 1218.89. The Nasdaq declined 6.41% to 2579.46, and the Russell 2000 Small-Cap Index fared worse, finishing at 726.81, down 8.81%. The EAFE Index of international stocks was the worst major performer, declining 9.30% in August.”

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