At the beginning of 2018, the handoff in leadership from monetary policy to fiscal policy was well underway as a driver of consumer spending,business investment, and corporate profits, ultimately supporting continued economic growth and stock market gains. As we turn the corner to the second half of 2018, we’d like to share the LPL Research Midyear Outlook 2018 with our valued investors. Here you’ll find insights and guidelines to establish important portfolio strategies for the balance of 2018. MidYearOutlook_2018

In this edition of LPL Research Timely Topics, we take a look at a few of the implications of the final tax bill. The new law is intended to boost economic activity and simplify the U.S. tax code. Given clarity on the new tax law, we are raising estimates for U.S. GDP and S&P 500 operating earnings for 2018.

Timely Topics – New Tax Law

As we look ahead to 2018, we are sharing Outlook 2018 – Return of the Business Cycle by LPL Financial Research with you, our valued investors. Here, you’ll find valuable insights and guidelines to establish important portfolio strategies in the coming year.

Outlook_2018

Long Term Care refers to a variety of services in the area of health, personal care, and social needs of persons who become chronically disabled, ill, or unable to perform normal activities of daily living.

• LTC insurance typically covers basic daily needs over an extended period of time. While health care insurance or Medicare helps pay for immediate medical expenses – such as a surgeon’s bill or a doctor’s visit – it will not cover the costs associated with long term chronic illnesses and daily care.
  • Medicare by itself will cover up to 100 days of care in a nursing home only after spending three days in the hospital and requiring skilled care.
  • Medicare will cover some home health care, with strict requirements – usually does not approve more than 4-10 hours per week.
    • Approved hours vary based on condition and doctor recommendation. 24/7 home care is never covered.
  • Medicare will pay for hospice care for people who are terminally ill.
  • Any services covered by Medicare must be received in a Medicare-Certified skilled nursing facility, home health or hospice agencies.
    • Medicare will never pay for care in a continuing care retirement community or in an assisted living facility.

Per the American Association for Long-Term Care Insurance, a list of states participating in Partnership Program can be found here:

http://www.aaltci.org/long-term-care-insurance/learning-center/long-term-care-insurance-partnership-plans.php#approved

Content in this material is for general information only and not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. Insurance guarantees are based on the claims paying ability of the issuing insurance company.

The gauges say the growth engine for the U.S. economy and markets is changing. Monetary policy is powering down, business fundamentals are powering up, and fiscal policy and economic growth are on the verge of being taken off standby. As we turn the corner to the second half of 2017, we’d like to share the LPL Research Midyear Outlook 2017 with our valued investors. Here you’ll find insights and guidelines to establish important portfolio strategies for the balance of 2017. Midyear_Outlook_2017_Executive_Summary