A strong finish to a strong year  2024 was a remarkable year for investors. After an outstanding 26.29% return in 2023, the S&P 500 posted another strong performance in 2024, gaining 25.02% . While concerns over inflation and interest rate policy loomed at the beginning of the year, a resilient U.S. economy, advances in artificial intelligence (AI) and strong corporate earnings helped sustain investor confidence.  [Download the Full Market Recap ]  Key market highlights from Q4 2024  Equities: The S&P 500 gained 2.41% in Q4, ending the year on a high note. While the "Magnificent Seven" tech giants dominated early in the year, the rally broadened in Q4, supporting small- and mid-cap stocks.  Fixed income: Despite three Federal Reserve rate cuts in 2024, bond markets remained volatile. The Bloomberg US Aggregate declined 3.06% in Q4 as investors reassessed the pace of future cuts.  Global markets: European markets struggled due to rising populism a...

Employer-sponsored retirement plans are a cornerstone of financial security for many employees. They provide a structured way to save for the future and offer significant benefits, including tax advantages, employer contributions and automated savings mechanisms.   This post will delve into the various types of employer-sponsored retirement plans, their benefits and how they are managed to ensure compliance and effectiveness.  What is an employer-sponsored retirement plan?  An employer-sponsored retirement plan is a financial arrangement created by employers to help their employees save for retirement. These plans offer a variety of investment options and often include contributions from the employer, making them a valuable tool for employees' financial security. They provide tax benefits, automated savings and the potential for employer contributions, which can significantly boost retirement savings.    What makes these plans especially beneficial is thei...