A few thoughts about setting expectations for portfolio returns for the next ten years.

U.S. stocks stalled near record highs and declined Wednesday amid risk-off sentiment on fears that red-hot CPI readings triggered by supply chain snags could complicate the recovery.

It was a troubling week or bulls as the long standing sequence of gains banked since late October gave way to a couple of days of sharp profit taking. 

The market is in a favorable seasonal period and companies are performing well financially.

Verizon stock has lagged the overall market as it is down (-11%) this year. This fact is why we will be discussing Verizon as a good dividend stock for those investors looking for income now. 

Indices enjoyed excellent gains last week, but the rate of market ascent is not one that can be maintained in the long run. How markets consolidate over the coming week will say much about the strength of these - very positive - breakouts.