Today Ryan, Brian, and Eric all jumped on the podcast to discuss today's news that the Federal Reserve is cutting the Fed Fund rates by 0.50%, the first cut by the Fed in 4 years and the first of what is likely many to come.

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- Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@fordfinancialgroup
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- Share your stories or questions: info@FordFG.com
- Find us on the Web: FordFG.com

The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. All performance referenced is historical and is no guarantee of future results.

There is no assurance that the views or strategies discussed are suitable for all investors. To determine which investment(s) may be appropriate for you, consult your financial professional prior to investing. Investing involves risks including possible loss of principal. No investment strategy or risk management technique can guarantee return or eliminate risk. Indexes are unmanaged statistical composites and cannot be invested into directly. Index performance is not indicative of the performance of any investment and do not reflect fees, expenses, or sales charges. The economic forecasts set forth in this material may not develop as predicted.

The advisors of Ford Financial Group are Registered Representatives with and securities are offered through LPL Financial member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advice offered through Perennial Investment Advisors, a registered investment advisor. Ford Financial Group and Perennial Investment Advisors are separate entities from LPL Financial. Ford Financial Group, Perennial Investment Advisors, and LPL Financial do not provide tax advice or services.

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In this episode, we dive into the complexities of 401(k) plans and the audits conducted by the Department of Labor (DOL). The Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA) is the group responsible for investigating and auditing 401(k) plans, which can be a significant challenge for plan sponsors.

Key insights discussed:

• EBSA’s investigations recovered an average of $573.5 million annually from FY2019-FY2023, with more than 65% of cases resulting in corrective action.
• This marks a significant increase from prior years, reflecting the growing impact of these investigations.

Join Brian, Ryan, and expert Marc Fowler from 401k provider Human Interest as they explore:

1. What triggers a DOL audit?
2. What happens during a DOL audit?
3. How can employers or plan sponsors prepare for these audits?
4. Who can assist with navigating a DOL audit?

Tune in for expert advice on ensuring your 401(k) plan stays compliant and audit-ready.

**Connect with Us:**
- Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@fordfinancialgroup
- Subscribe to the Casual Friday - Financial Insights podcast: Apple and Spotify
- Share your stories or questions: info@FordFG.com
- Find us on the Web: FordFG.com

The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. All performance referenced is historical and is no guarantee of future results.

There is no assurance that the views or strategies discussed are suitable for all investors. To determine which investment(s) may be appropriate for you, consult your financial professional prior to investing. Investing involves risks including possible loss of principal. No investment strategy or risk management technique can guarantee return or eliminate risk. Indexes are unmanaged statistical composites and cannot be invested into directly. Index performance is not indicative of the performance of any investment and do not reflect fees, expenses, or sales charges. The economic forecasts set forth in this material may not develop as predicted.

The advisors of Ford Financial Group are Registered Representatives with and securities are offered through LPL Financial member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advice offered through Perennial Investment Advisors, a registered investment advisor. Ford Financial Group and Perennial Investment Advisors are separate entities from LPL Financial. Ford Financial Group, Perennial Investment Advisors, and LPL Financial do not provide tax advice or services.

Send in your questions!

To paraphrase Ernest Hemingway, changes in the stock market often happen "gradually, then suddenly." This week Brian and Ryan discuss how, over the past month, there has been a rotation from large-cap technology stocks to small caps and other sectors. However, following the latest jobs report, global stocks experienced a sharp pullback due to concerns about the timing of Fed rate cuts, a weakening labor market, and disappointing tech earnings. Financial markets are on edge as investors adjust to this shifting economic landscape.

The Nasdaq is now in correction territory, marked by a 10% decline from recent highs. The S&P 500 has dropped 5.7% from its peak three weeks ago, while the Dow has been more stable with a 3.5% decline. The VIX, often referred to as the market’s "fear gauge," has surged to its highest level since early 2023. Additionally, the 10-year Treasury yield has fallen below 3.8%, a significant drop from 4.7% just three months ago.

**Connect with Us:**
- Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@fordfinancialgroup
- Subscribe to the Casual Friday - Financial Insights podcast: Apple and Spotify
- Share your stories or questions: info@FordFG.com
- Find us on the Web: FordFG.com

The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. All performance referenced is historical and is no guarantee of future results.

There is no assurance that the views or strategies discussed are suitable for all investors. To determine which investment(s) may be appropriate for you, consult your financial professional prior to investing. Investing involves risks including possible loss of principal. No investment strategy or risk management technique can guarantee return or eliminate risk. Indexes are unmanaged statistical composites and cannot be invested into directly. Index performance is not indicative of the performance of any investment and do not reflect fees, expenses, or sales charges. The economic forecasts set forth in this material may not develop as predicted.

The advisors of Ford Financial Group are Registered Representatives with and securities are offered through LPL Financial member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advice offered through Perennial Investment Advisors, a registered investment advisor. Ford Financial Group and Perennial Investment Advisors are separate entities from LPL Financial. Ford Financial Group, Perennial Investment Advisors, and LPL Financial do not provide tax advice or services.

Send in your questions!