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The stock markets had the worst December in 2018 since the Great Depression. Even so, the U.S. economy is showing its resiliency with unemployment at its lowest level in 49 years, wage growth reaching levels not seen since 2009, and consumer spending and industrial production remaining strong. Read our recap of the month of December's market and economic activity.

One method of getting income out of your portfolio is to invest in stocks that pay dividends. Benjamin C. Halliburton, Tradition's Chief Investment Officer, offered a couple of stock choices, Citigroup (C) and Qualcomm (QCOM), in the U.S. News & World Report article, "7 Great Dividend Choices for the New Year." 

U.S. News & World Report recently quoted Tradition's Chief Investment Officer, Benjamin C. Halliburton in the article, "3 Dividend Stocks to Buy in January." Below is an excerpt from the article:

• Historically the markets in December are strong, but this year returns are at -14%.

• Most asset classes are down for the year.

• 4 reasons we think the Grinch may have a change of heart:

  • The Federal Reserve

  • China Trade

  • Brexit

  • Economic Activity

The alteration in the standard deduction and how taxpayers have been accustomed to using it may be the single most important factor for tax planning into 2019. The increase in the standard deduction is designed to simplify taxes for millions of tax payers.

The Wall Street Journal quotes Tradition's Michael Ciccone, CFP in the recently published article "Where to Put Your Money in 2019." Below is an excerpt from the article:

Charitable giving is a popular subject this time of year. Using funds in your IRA to donate to charity is one way seniors use to potentially lower their tax burden.

Volatility in the markets continued in November due to uncertainty surrounding trade, Fed rate hikes, and economic prospects. Read our recap of November's economic and market activity. Highlights include:

• The U.S. is now the largest oil producer in the world.

• With the holiday season and end of year fast approaching, now is the time to think about charitable giving.

• Now is an opportunity to donate highly appreciated stocks to your favorite charity.

• Another option is to make a qualified charitable donation from an IRA.

• Both options may reduce your tax bill as well as give money to the charity of your choosing.

• Treasury bond supply/demand imbalance looms.

• U.S. Treasury is set to issue $1.4 trillion in bonds in 2019. 

• The Federal Reserve is now a net seller of bonds.

• We believe this imbalance will contribute to rising interest rates in the next few years.