Wickham Financial & Insurance Services

Wickham Financial & Insurance Services Wickham Financial & Insurance Services takes a total approach to managing your wealth. Contact us today to schedule a consultation!

Being prepared is one of the best things you can do for your business or family. We specialize in financial and insurance services, helping families, individuals, and business owners find the best plans for them. Our specialists in homeowners, auto, and commercial insurance, as well as investments, can help you prepare for the future.

07/16/2026

Americans say they will need $1.2 million in savings to retire comfortably, but many expect that they will fall short of that target, according to a new survey.

07/13/2026

As America marks 250 years, rising U.S. life expectancy may be one of its greatest achievements. The next challenge: turning added years into better lives.

07/09/2026

Despite persistent concerns about having enough saved for retirement, more than eight in 10 retirees said they were "doing okay" or "living comfortably" in 2024. Here's how you can start writing your own paychecks in retirement.

07/07/2026

Recap of Last Week

• Labor market disappointed: June added only 57,000 jobs, about 50% below expectations.
• Job growth revised lower: April and May payrolls were revised down by a combined 74,000 jobs, meaning the last quarter produced 17,000 fewer jobs than previously estimated.
• Unemployment edged lower: The unemployment rate fell from 4.3% to 4.2%, though weaker hiring and lower workforce participation were concerns.
• Labor participation declined: The labor force participation rate fell to a 5-year low, signaling softness in the job market despite limited layoffs.
• Rate hike expectations dropped sharply:
o July Fed hike odds fell from 40% to 15%.
o September hike odds fell from 80% to 60%.
o Markets effectively removed one expected rate hike in 2026.
• Fed Chair Kevin Warsh's impact: Warsh reaffirmed the Fed’s 2% inflation target but removed the forward guidance markets had become accustomed to under Jerome Powell.
• Stocks rebounded: Reduced fears of additional rate hikes helped U.S. equities recover from last month's selloff.
• Volatility decreased: The VIX fell to around 16, near its yearly low.
• Mega-cap tech led gains: The Magnificent 7 stocks rose about 6% collectively and regained market leadership.
• Risk-on sectors outperformed: Financials, communication services, and consumer discretionary stocks led the market.
• Defensive sectors lagged: Consumer staples and utilities underperformed.
• Energy weakened: Falling oil prices (near $67/barrel) hurt the energy sector.
• Dollar slipped late in the week: The U.S. Dollar Index held above 100 before falling to that key level Thursday.
• Treasury yields rose: Warsh's comments helped push yields higher.
• Precious metals stabilized: Gold and silver held important technical support levels.
• Crypto rallied: Bitcoin gained 3%, Ethereum 7.5%, and Solana 12%.
• International markets mixed: Developed-market stocks rose while emerging markets declined.

Week Ahead

• Federal Reserve focus: Wednesday's FOMC meeting minutes could offer more insight into Chair Warsh's policy plans.
• Warsh commentary may matter most: Investors will look for clues on how the Fed balances inflation and employment concerns.
• Jobless claims report (Thursday): Any increase could reinforce concerns about a weakening labor market.
• PMI data (Monday): Expected to show continued expansion in U.S. business activity.
• Additional U.S. economic data: Existing home sales and consumer credit reports will be released later in the week.
• Canada employment report (Friday): Closely watched as Canada's unemployment rate remains elevated at 6.6%.
• Global inflation updates: New inflation data from Germany, Japan, and China will be released throughout the week.
• ECB minutes (Thursday): Investors will monitor the European Central Bank's meeting minutes for policy signals.

07/06/2026

Gold prices have fallen significantly this year, with spot gold down 7% year-to-date through the first half and 28% from its January high. Central banks are expected to increase gold reserves, potentially supporting prices in the second half of the year.

07/01/2026

Trump Accounts are set to become available in early July, giving parents a new way to save. The accounts will have their pros and cons, and your best use will depend on your goals and timeline.

06/30/2026

Recap of Last Week

• AI trade pulled back: After a strong rally, investors viewed AI-related stocks as overextended, leading to broad selling.
• South Korea tech weakness: Sharp declines in Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix contributed to a 10%+ drop in the KOSPI, despite the market still being up roughly 125% year-to-date.
• Micron earnings impressed: Micron reported strong quarterly results, reinforcing expectations for continued high demand for memory chips and AI infrastructure spending.
• Apple disrupted the AI narrative: Apple announced price increases for laptops, tablets, and other devices rather than absorbing higher chip costs, raising concerns about downstream demand and pressuring technology stocks.
• Sector rotation: Investors shifted into defensive sectors:
o Winners: Healthcare, Utilities, Consumer Staples
o Laggards: Technology, Consumer Discretionary, Communication Services
• Macro backdrop remained supportive: Falling crude oil prices (below $70/barrel) helped ease inflation concerns and pushed Treasury yields modestly lower.
• Precious metals weakened: Lower inflation expectations and a stronger U.S. dollar weighed on gold and other precious metals.
• Dollar strength remained a theme: Treasury Secretary Bessent highlighted policies aimed at maintaining and expanding the U.S. dollar’s role as the world's primary reserve currency.
• Bitcoin struggled: Crypto assets found little support from the week's developments, with Bitcoin hovering near one-year lows.

The Week Ahead

• Jobs report is the key event: The June U.S. Employment Report will be the major focus of this shortened holiday week and the final major data release of the first half of 2026.
• Hiring expected to slow: Economists forecast 114,000 new jobs in June, below the March–May average of 155,000 jobs per month.
• Labor data before payrolls:
o Tuesday: JOLTS Job Openings
o Wednesday: ADP Private Payrolls
o Thursday: Official Employment Report
• Fed implications: Stronger-than-expected labor data could increase expectations for a 25-basis-point rate hike at the July FOMC meeting; current odds are around 30%.
• Oil vs. gasoline prices: Although crude oil has fallen sharply, consumers have not yet seen equivalent declines at the pump because refinery margins ("crack spreads") remain elevated.
• Russell index rebalancing: Monday’s annual Russell reconstitution is expected to drive significant trading activity.
• SpaceX index addition: The most notable change is SpaceX joining the Russell 1000 Index, with investors also positioning ahead of its expected inclusion in the Nasdaq-100 on July 6.

06/29/2026

Less guidance and more volatility can add a premium to mortgage bonds.

06/26/2026

Despite plenty of tailwinds, some investors still see causes for concern.

06/25/2026

Recap of Last Week

• Markets extended a relief rally on optimism about a potential U.S.–Iran deal and reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.
• Lower energy prices boosted Industrials and Materials; Technology gained on improved risk sentiment.
• Energy and Healthcare sectors lagged.
• The Fed (first meeting under Kevin Warsh) kept rates unchanged at 3.5%–3.75%.
• Fed messaging was more hawkish than expected, pushing short-term yields higher and flattening the yield curve.
• Long-term investors were reassured the Fed is prepared for future inflation risks.
• Economic data showed resilience, supported by strong retail sales and expected declines in gas prices.
• A stronger outlook for U.S. rates helped drive the U.S. dollar to one-year highs.
• Precious metals dipped slightly due to dollar strength.
• Crypto weakened, with investor focus shifting to AI and semiconductor stocks.

Week Ahead
• Markets will focus on the balance between strong growth and central bank inflation control.
• Falling energy prices may ease pressure on policymakers.
• PMI data (Tuesday): Australia, France, Germany, U.K., U.S.
o Recent trend: Manufacturing expanding, Services weakening (with some exceptions).
o Prices paid component will provide clues on inflation.
• Key inflation releases:
o Canada CPI (Monday)
o Australia CPI (Wednesday)
o U.S. PCE (Thursday) – the Fed’s preferred inflation measure.

Address

331 Washington Avenue NE
Marietta, GA
30060

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Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

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