U.S. stocks logged a fourth straight week of gains last week amid light trading activity around Thanksgiving. For the week, the S&P 500 climbed 1.0% and the Dow Jones and Nasdaq Composite returned 1.3% and 0.9%, respectively.

If you're exploring retirement savings options, you've probably considered opening a 401(k) or an Individual Retirement Account (IRA). But what’s the difference between them? What are the benefits of an IRA? What are the benefits of a 401(k)? And is one better than the other?

Stocks were up for the third week in a row. The main excitement for last week was the CPI numbers that came out on Tuesday, which we spoke about in our last Private Wealth Perspectives. In addition to the consumer inflation report, the October PPI and retail sales reports bolstered market expectations that inflation will continue to decelerate ahead without the need for additional rate hikes from the Fed.

If you're looking for a fast way to grow your savings, a Certificate of Deposit (CD) can help you reach your goals.

U.S. equities extended their gains last week as market sentiment has improved looking into year-end amid growing confidence on the potential for the Federal Reserve to be done hiking rates, and today’s cooler than expected consumer inflation report was another data point in that direction.