In a surprise move earlier this week, Kirstjen Nielsen announced that she would leave her position as secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). She was confirmed to this post by the U.S. Senate just 16 months ago, on Dec. 5, 2017.

First quarter earnings season is upon us and for the first time since the second quarter of 2016, the S&P 500 Index will most likely report a decline in aggregate year-over-year earnings. Piling on, estimates for the second quarter are essentially flat and will likely be revised into negative territory if the downward trend continues. This sets up the possibility of back-to-back quarters of negative earnings growth or an “Earnings Recession” which typically does not bode well for the equity market.      

For many years, the prevailing advisory remuneration model has led financial advisors to look at just one variable – investable assets – when deciding whether or not to work with a client. 

Ah, spring break. It’s not only college students who long for a few lazy days come March and April. Congress adjourned last week and now is in the middle of a two-week “district work period,” which most politicos refer to instead as recess. Unlike the students who flock to Miami, though, lawmakers likely aren’t sitting by the pool or even resting much.