The June 19th Weekly Market Report

Nicole Buntgen, Contributing Writer

7 Brew Coffee is coming to the metro area. The first Omaha location will be in a to-be-constructed building at 182nd & West Maple Road next to an under-construction Chase Bank branch, according to ACCESS Commercial. A Fremont location is close to opening. A Council Bluffs location is slated for a former U.S. Bank space on Broadway. 7 Brew Coffee is based in Fayetteville, Ark., and has more than 400 drive-thru locations including existing Nebraska shops in Grand Island, Kearney, Lincoln, Norfolk and North Platte.

Santiago’s Mexican Food soft-opened June 16 at Blue Sky Bar & Patio at 10730 Pacific Street. The family-owned food truck, which launched in 2022 near 36th & Jefferson, is now operating for events only while settling into Blue Sky’s kitchen. Full truck service is expected to resume once the new location is established.

Circo, an Italian-inspired restaurant and wine bar at 19102 Q Street, is now open for lunch from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., followed by regular dinner service. The locally owned spot opened in 2023 and serves dishes like “circ-os,” cacio e pepe and duck confit.

Flora Cafe, a new concept from the owners of Sam’s Leon Mexican Food, is set to open soon at 1009 Farnam Street near Gene Leahy Mall. Taking over the former Matsu Sushi space, the restaurant will serve authentic Mexican brunch and feature an outdoor patio.

Mai Thai Omaha in Aksarben Village is switching ownership. The Thai restaurant, located at 2279 south 67th Street, is temporarily closed. The new ownership plans to renovate the space and reopen for business in August, according to Tom Millie of The Auction Mill.

Ashland Brewing Company opened for business today at 810 South 9th Avenue in Ashland. That’s on the southwest corner of Highways 6 & 66. The 10,600 sq. ft. brew pub has four pickleball courts, a rooftop deck and outdoor seating around fire pits. The locally owned restaurant is part of the 4.3-acre Whitetail development.

Construction is underway on a McDonald’s location at 16751 Willit Street. The 3,524 sq. ft. building is going up on a 1-acre lot on the northwest corner of 167th Avenue & State Street.

First Round will hold a grand opening Saturday, June 21 for its west Omaha sports bar inside the former Copps Pizza building at 2829 South 181st Street. Doors open at 11 a.m. and live music starts at 7 p.m. First Round’s existing location is at 3901 Farnam Street in the Blackstone District.

The Fifth Taste by Chef Gerald, an Asian fusion food truck, will soon debut in Omaha. Inspired by umami—the “fifth taste”—the concept will offer a rotating menu of grilled meats, vegetables and global sauces.

The Beautique will hold its grand opening June 28 at 12115 Pacific Street. The salon and boutique offers curated retail, handmade goods and beauty services in a “whimsical wonderland” setting. The first 25 customers will receive a goodie bag.

The “Restaurant & Retail Updates” section is sponsored by Anderson Convenience Market, featuring Quality AMOCO Fuels and serving Omaha since 1952, and proud to announce the return of Quality Amoco Fuels. Look for changes this Summer at Anderson Convenience Market – 8 Omaha area locations!

Learn more about Anderson Convenience market at www.Anderson1952.com

Terra Gaucha Lights Up Omaha with Brazilian Fire

It’s no secret that Omaha is a steak town. Always has been; always will be. It’s also no secret that there’s a new steakhouse in town—Omaha’s second Brazilian rodizio.

Terra Gaucha brings its own fire to Omaha—not just with juicy grilled meats, but with a deep respect for what makes this city special. Family values. Hospitality. And yes—damn good meats.

Paulo Simonetti had been with Fogo de Chão, a Brazilian steakhouse chain, since its earliest expansion in the United States, when there were just three locations. When Fogo was sold in 2012, Simonetti and a few of his coworkers set out to create a Brazilian steakhouse concept of their own—rooted in the same traditions with a higher attention to authenticity and hospitality. In 2015, Terra Gaucha opened its doors in Jacksonville, Fla., the realization of their vision.

Enter Alceu Pressi.

A veteran of Fogo with 23 years under his belt, Pressi now leads the helm in Omaha. While he wasn’t a part of Terra Gaucha’s initial founding, he joined the team in 2022, when the Stamford, Conn. location opened. He’s been meticulous about finding the right staff and training them. His goal is to make an immediate, positive impact on the Omaha food scene.

“I think we have a lot in common with the Nebraska people and with the south in Brazil,” Pressi said. “We share the same values—the family values, and people here have a similar lifestyle. So I think Omaha is very special for us.”

One of the ways Omaha’s Terra Gaucha embraces its new Midwestern setting is by sourcing as much of their product locally as possible. From the cuts served on skewers to items in the salad and hot bar, Pressi stresses the importance of freshness and proximity without compromising their authenticity.

“We know that within 200 miles from here are some of the best areas for cattle—for beef, for everything,” Pressi said. “So, we get the best steaks from this range, and we’re working with partners like Greater Omaha Packing to make that happen.”

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Omaha Ranked at #3 Mid-Sized Metro for STEM Professionals

CoworkingCafe has named Omaha as the #3 best mid-sized metro area in America where STEM professionals thrive in 2025. STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.

Nationwide, jobs in scientific fields have increased by 31percent, while wages have risen 19 percent over the past five years.

CoworkingCafe’s study evaluates large, mid-sized and small cities across nine key metrics to identify where science professionals truly thrive. Analyzing factors like STEM job availability, local STEM establishments, wage trends for science professionals, education levels, affordability and more, the study discovered that Omaha-Council Bluffs ranks #3 among mid-sized metros, scoring 62.73 points. CoworkingCafe called Omaha “a rising powerhouse for science professionals.”

When it comes to number of businesses, Omaha ranks 8th among mid-sized metros with 411 STEM-related establishments that provide diverse opportunities across industries from tech to research. Approximately 13.4 percent of all jobs in the Omaha metro are science-driven, placing Omaha 14th for STEM job concentration among mid-sized metros.

Omaha experienced a 19.5 percent increase in STEM jobs between 2019 and 2024 (#32 among mid-sized metros), reflecting a consistent expansion of the science sector. Omaha’s unemployment rate is low at 1.4 percent among residents with a bachelor’s degree or higher, ranking 2nd for workforce stability among mid-sized metros.

Science pros in Omaha earn an average annual salary of $111,734, the 2nd highest among mid-sized metros and well above the national average of $97,000 per year. Between 2019 and 2024, STEM wages in Omaha grew by 36 percent, boasting the highest increase in the mid-size category.

Lincoln is the only other metro in Nebraska that was considered in the study, ranking #14 among small metros.

Here are the Top 10 Mid-Sized Metros for STEM:

1. Durham, N.C.
2. Madison, Wis.
3. Omaha
4. Huntsville, Ala.
5. Lexington, Ky.
6. Albany, N.Y.
7. Albuquerque, N.M.
8. Provo, Utah
9. Worcester, Mass.
10. New Haven, Conn.

The top large metros are San Jose, Calif.; Boston; and Washington, D.C. The top small metros are Ann Arbor, Mich.; and Boulder, Colo.

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Isaiah Ang, Contributing Writer

White Lotus and the City of Omaha made some progress on the Civic Auditorium redevelopment project this week. The City Council approved a final plat and subdivision agreement. The original auditorium was demolished in 2016. Despite current and previous proposals to develop the property, it remains vacant.

Based on public testimony at this week’s City Council meeting, infrastructure work will soon begin. According to Dan Dolezal of Ehrhart Griffin & Associates, sewer infrastructure will start this year and be completed by 2026. Additional infrastructure like side street parking will be completed with each phase of the project.

Arun Agarwal, CEO of White Lotus, emphasized that, despite not seeing much progress since his company took over the project 19 months ago, required planning and approvals are generally on track. White Lotus is currently in vertical design and are working closely with Creighton University to possibly serve as a type of commercial extension to the university. He referenced Aggieville in Manhattan, Kan., Wrigelyville in Chicago and the Haymarket in Lincoln as comparable mixed-use districts to what they are trying to achieve at the Civic Auditorium site.

The 72nd & L Street interchange is being rebuilt under a joint project between the Nebraska Department of Transportation and the City of Omaha. The intersection is a complex system with L Street being elevated over 72nd Street. On- and off-ramps connect the roadways. The project will convert the intersection to an at-grade interchange with dual left-turn and single right-turn lanes. As a result, the existing bridge and ramps will be demolished and not replaced. Additionally, 72nd Street will be upgraded to a 6-lane roadway north of L Street.

The Omaha City Council has agreed to move forward on Creighton University’s pedestrian and bike way project. Under the agreement, the university will distribute $1,75 million to the city, while the city will complete the construction of the pathway. The university received funds from a federal Community Project Funding grant. The project will transform Burt Street from 20th to 27th streets into a pedestrian and bicycle pathway with new stormwater infrastructure and landscaping. Upon completion, the university will maintain the pathway. The project will cost $8,75 million and will begin in 2027.

The City of Omaha and Canopy South are working together to bring a multimodal infrastructure to 30th & Q Street as part of a redevelopment project. Canopy South is redeveloping the Southside Terrace public housing neighborhood, which largely encompasses an area bounded by Q, W, and 30th streets as well as 27th Avenue. The 350 current apartment units will be replaced with 577 new apartments and townhomes plus new community and commercial space. Under an agreement with Canopy South, the city will build new pedestrian lights and a pedestrian/bike path on 30th Street. The city will construct a multimodal path, roundabouts, pedestrian islands and raised medians on Q Street. The $9.2 million project will be complete by 2027.

The Collective for Hope has broken ground for its first-ever permanent home at 8000 Chicago Street. The nonprofit organization provides free grief support and community education for both adults and kids. Construction is slated to be finished in late 2026. In the interim, programming will continue at the organization’s current location at 7811 Farnam Drive.

The City of Omaha has a limited amount of annual funding to supply bicycle racks to local property owners in the city limits. The city will provide and install the rack for free if it is to be located on public property (e.g. in the public right-of-way/sidewalk). The city cannot install racks on private property, but it will supply the rack for free in some cases if the property owner agrees to install it. Racks will be inverted “U” racks. Fill out this form to express interest in receiving a bicycle rack or contact Mark McLaughlin at 402-444-5150 Ext. 2134 for more information.

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The Omaha City Council voted 7-0 against a special use that would allow U-Pull-It to operate a “car shredder” near 60th & Q Street, according to KMTV. More than 20 neighbors spoke against the shredder, citing safety and environmental concerns. A car shredder uses powerful motors and rotating blades to break down vehicles for recycling.

U-Haul Co. of Nebraska announced that Mega Saver Rentals LLC 24 & J signed on as a U-Haul neighborhood dealer. Mega Saver Rentals at 4420 S. 24th St. will offer U-Haul trucks, trailers, moving supplies and Spanish-speaking employees.

Mead Lumber celebrated the grand reopening of its Pratt, Kan. store after an extensive remodel. The Omaha-based, employee-owned, building materials dealer has 53 locations across nine Midwestern states.

Woodbury Corp. and WRK Real Estate broke ground on Gamescape by Cinemark at the Crossroads The all-in-one immersive entertainment destination will be the first in the state, and one of the first in the country. Gamescape is the first announced tenant of the development. The $850 million crossroads project is northwest of 72nd & Dodge Street.

Construction will begin this summer and is expected to take approximately two years to complete. The parking garage will be built first, followed by the Gamescape building, resulting in the first completed project on Crossroads. Also this summer, construction will begin on Block B which includes an 800-stall parking garage along with 200 multifamily units with retail on the ground floor. Block B, located off Cass Street, is expected to be completed the same time as Gamescape.

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Organizations across Nebraska are coming together to host a panel discussion on the new PBS documentary “Caregiving,” which highlights the often-overlooked experiences of family caregivers. The panel takes place on Thursday, June 26, from 6 to 8 p.m. via Zoom or in-person at the UNO Barbara Weitz Community Engagement Center. The panel will dive deeper into caregiving advocacy and other themes explored in the film, and is hosted in collaboration with the Alzheimer’s Association-Nebraska Chapter, AARP Nebraska, Brain Injury Association of Nebraska, CRCC, Munroe-Meyer Institute, Nebraska Lifespan Respite Network, Nebraska Caregiver Coalition, Nebraska Public Media, UNL Center on Children, Families and the Law, UNO/UNL Department of Gerontology, United Cerebral Palsy of Nebraska, Veterans Affairs, and Visiting Nurse Association and Easterseals Nebraska.

In an effort to showcase opportunities for volunteering throughout the year, SHARE Omaha is hosting Community Conversations: Year-round Volunteerism, June 26 from 3 to 4:30 p.m. This event will address common barriers to volunteer time off (VTO) and provide actionable strategies for both individuals and businesses to engage in meaningful volunteer activities. Panelists will share their experiences and insights on overcoming these barriers and maximizing volunteer impact.

Smart Gen Society, a nonprofit focused on improving digital wellness for youth and seniors, is merging with Lutheran Family Services. The move will see Smart Gen Society keep its name and services, but join forces with Lutheran Family Services’ programming that ranges from foster care to mental health therapy and more.

Cole Young, Contributing Writer

Jim Flannery, head coach of Creighton women’s basketball, has accepted a role with USA Basketball as a court coach for head coach Kara Lawson on the 2025 USA Women’s AmeriCup Team. The FIBA Women’s AmeriCup, FIBA Americas Zone Championship, features qualified national teams from North, Central and South America and the Caribbean and qualifies teams for events like the FIBA World Cup. Team USA will begin the FIBA Women’s AmeriCup against host-country Chile on Saturday, June 28.

Union Omaha split a pair of games last week. Last Thursday, Omaha defeated Greenville Triumph SC, 1-0 during the club’s 311 Night, avenging its loss from the first match of this season earlier in March. The Owls were back in action Sunday against the Portland Hearts of Pine, dropping the match 3-1. Union Omaha will face the Richmond Kickers next Wednesday, June 25 at 7 p.m. at Werner Park.

Gage Wood made history at the College World Series Monday, throwing the third no-hitter in CWS history. Wood joined Jim Ehler (Texas, 1950) and Jim Wixson (Oklahoma State, 1960) as the only players to throw a no-hitter in Omaha, posting the first in 65 years. His 19 strikeouts Monday were the most in a nine-inning game in CWS history and the second most in any game, just behind Ohio State’s Steve Arlin’s 20 strikeouts in a 15-inning shutout in 1965.

Minor League Baseball announced the Pitcher and Player of the Week honors for each of the respective Player Development Leagues Monday. Omaha Storm Chasers starting pitcher Thomas Hatch was named the International League Pitcher of the Week for his performance last week. Hatch threw six scoreless innings Thursday against the Toledo Mud Hens, allowing just two hits and one walk while striking out two batters.

The Omaha Beef traveled to Beaumont, Texas, Monday night in search of their third straight championship, and revenge against the Renegades, who ended the team’s 24-game winning streak on April 13 that spanned more than two seasons. Led by former Husker and 2024 NAL Championship MVP Tommy Armstrong, the Beef eventually fell short, losing for the second time this season to Beaumont in the National Arena League Championship Game.

Shadow Ridge Country Club hosted the Barstool Sports Classic Tuesday, one of only 25 courses nationwide selected to host the event. The tournament featured two-person teams competing in a four-ball, stroke play format at 50-percent handicap. The top four teams from the Shadow Ridge qualifier will earn spots in the 2025 Barstool Championship and a shot at the $20,000 grand prize. The Championship will be held November 17–19 in Scottsdale, Ariz.

Creighton volleyball announced its 2025 schedule for new head coach Brian Rosen’s first season, and the non-conference is no cupcake. Creighton will open the season against Penn State, who defeated the Bluejays in the Elite Eight last season, at the AVCA First Serve in Lincoln. Next is the Texas Longhorns, who Creighton defeated in the Sweet Sixteen last season, before Kansas in the second game of the Opening Spike Classic in Madison, Wis. Creighton will face Kansas twice next season, the second matchup coming in the Creighton Classic at D.J. Sokol Arena. On Tuesday, September 16, CU will host Nebraska at the CHI Health Center.

The Omaha Storm Chasers are hosting the Durham Bulls for a series this week at Werner Park. The Storm Chasers are behind in the series 0-2 after dropping Monday and Tuesday’s games. Tomorrow is $3 Thursday, with first pitch at 7:05 p.m. Get tickets, Busch Light and select concessions for $3 each.

Upcoming Games
• Omaha Storm Chasers vs. Durham | June 17 – June 22 | 7:05 p.m. Tonight
• Coastal Carolina vs. LSU | CWS Finals | Saturday, June 21 | 6 p.m.
• Union Omaha vs. Richmond | Wednesday, June 25 | 7 p.m.

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Culxr House, in partnership with Develop Nebraska, Empower Omaha, and Tim L Clark, are holding a Juneteenth Celebration from 2 to 9 p.m. The event will include live art with local artist Dejuan Cribbs, a community art wall, an open mic, poetry performances by Zedeka Poindexter, Bianca Swift, Melias and more, as well as an expressive dance circle headed by Calling Creatives.

The RiverFront Fourth of July Ceremony returns to the Gene Leahy Mall this year, and will feature the Omaha Symphony, along with other performers to be announced. The evening will culminate with The RiverFront’s spectacular fireworks presentation synchronized with live music. Music is scheduled to begin at 8:30 p.m., but you can come early to secure your spot on the lawn beginning at 3 p.m.

The Saddlebrook Branch of the Omaha Public Library is hosting a Harry Potter Fandom Party on June 25, from 2 to 3 p.m. Muggles and magic users of all kinds are invited to OPL for a celebration of the characters and creatures from the Harry Potter book series. Come discuss the books, get sorted into your House, and do crafts and activities based on this popular fandom. Costumes are encouraged, but not required. This program is for teens ages 13 to18. Call 402-444-5780 to register.

Joslyn Castle will be screening Oyate Woyaka (The People Speak), a documentary film that follows traditional Lakota elders and fluent speakers as they work with younger generations to restore their beautiful language and culture while processing and healing from intergenerational trauma, on June 20 at 5:30 p.m. This powerful, visually told story will offer a window into this culture, the United States history that attempted to destroy the language and the efforts being made to preserve the ancestral Lakota language.

Omaha Mobile Stage’s Battle of the Bands Youth Talent Show is happening on June 22 at 6:00 p.m. at Millwork Commons. Battle of the Bands is a themed showcase in the Omaha Mobile Stage Youth Talent Show Series. The series is an outdoor amateur talent competition for ages 3 through graduating high school seniors. www.omahamobilestage.org/youthtalentshow

Spaw Collective is a local, woman-owned dog grooming salon opening in 2025. We prioritize safety and comfort, offering traditional grooming services along with fun, safe coloring options. Our shop features a curated retail area with products from local artisans, supporting the community. Committed to quality and care, we aim to create a positive environment where pets feel loved and owners trust us with their furry babies. Spaw Collective is located at 5094 South 108th Street.

Did you know that the largest for-profit employers in Omaha are First National Bank, Mutual of Omaha, Fiserv and Union Pacific?

Did you know Omaha is the 49th “most important” city in the United States and the 54th most important in North America? That’s according to the Global City Importance Model by Justin O’Beirne.

Did you know that barges still ply the Missouri River at downtown Omaha and they can do so 10 months out of the year?

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Friday Night Movies in Turner Park happening on June 20th: Join us for a blockbuster night under the stars in Omaha’s scenic Turner Park, with Guardians of The Galaxy on the big, BIG screen. Blankets, lawn chairs and leashed pets are welcome. Arrive early to enjoy neighborhood eateries. Whether you prefer to dine inside, on the patio or take it to go for a park picnic, you’ll find a dozen locally-owned restaurants, pubs and dessert shops (many with outdoor patios) within walking distance.

Free Rainbow Connection Pride Party happening on June 21st: This free admission event doubles the fun and the love as we celebrate Pride across two amazing Omaha bars. Raise a toast with friends old and new while wearing your fabulous fit. This is your chance to connect, celebrate and make memories that shine as bright as a rainbow. Each wonderful location will have cocktail and beer specials for our friends whether they are drinking alcohol or not; no tickets needed. The playlist will be loud and proud so you can dance the day away!

Juneteenth Joyfest 2025 happening on June 21st: Join others on Saturday, June 21st from 2 to 10 p.m. at the Union for Contemporary Art as they celebrate freedom, culture and community like no other at the 5th annual Juneteenth JoyFest. This year, they’re honoring the power, presence and creativity of Black femmes, with a special tribute to the Matriarchs whose love and care have shaped our families and communities for generations. You can enjoy live music, vendors, food and drinks, spoken word, poetry and more!

16th Annual Polishfest happening on June 21st: 16th Annual PolishFest at Beer Corner USA on Saturday, June 21 brings a festive celebration of Polish culture and cuisine to the Blackstone District. An outdoor beer garden opens at noon, serving classic Polish brews such as Hevelius, Warka and Tatra, alongside tasty staples like frank Polish sausage, pierogi and cabbage rolls. Live music features the Polka Express from 12 noon to 4 p.m., followed by the Barry Boyce Band from 5 to 9 p.m. The celebration continues indoors with karaoke late into the night!

College World Series Hangout in Little Bohemia daily through June 23rd: Just 1.5 miles from Charles Schwab Field! Little Bohemia is your low-key landing spot during the College World Series. Grab a coffee from Archetype, a bagel from Know Good Eats, brunch-lunch-dinner at Fizzy’s, and cool off with a drink at Idle Wine, Beercade 2, Lumen, Czech Inn or Platypus.

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Security National Bank has promoted James “Jim” V. Huerter III to executive vice president and Chief Operating Officer, and James E. Landen Jr. to executive vice president and Chief Revenue Officer.

The University of Nebraska Board of Regents today approved the creation of the Diabetes Center for Excellence in Diabetes Care, Research and Education at the University of Nebraska Medical Center Omaha campus. The designation of this Board of Regents center unifies research and education efforts across the university system, bolstering statewide diabetes prevention and care. Dr. Andjela Drincic, professor of diabetes, endocrinology and metabolism, has been named Wahl Presidential Endowed Chair and inaugural director of the center.

The Greater Omaha Chamber is a catalyst and connector, advocating for businesses small and large. Learn, share and grow with more than 12,000 professionals from 3,000 member businesses across Greater Omaha. Click HERE to see our latest events.

LEADERSHIP & MANAGEMENT

Time poverty is “the chronic imbalance between the time a person requires and that which their work life allows them,” according to a Newsweek article by Hugh Cameron. Sixty-two percent of U.S. workers don’t take their allotted time off because of the internalized pressures of work and let about one-third of their annual vacation days go unspent. Time poverty is linked to lower mental well-being, productivity and even physical health. What should we do? Delegate, outsource and evaluate whether certain tasks are worth your time.

Side Hustles – The share of working Americans holding down multiple jobs rose to approximately 5.4 percent during the first five months of the year, according to the Wall Street Journal. That’s a range we haven’t seen since the recession of the aughts, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Roughly four in 10 millennials and Gen Zers have side jobs.

Professionalism – It’s becoming more common to see customer service workers wearing earbuds while on the job, but many customers are put off by it. In a recent Wall Street Journal article, one person referred to earbuds as “tiny white tusks of isolation, designed to repel spontaneous conversation, soft camaraderie and general signs of life.” Rudeness is not the only concern when employees never remove their AirPods. “People really can only cognitively focus on one thing at a time, said Gloria Mark, author of Attention Span. “So, when a person has earbuds in, they’re either listening to their music or they’re listening to you. They might think they’re doing both, but what they’re doing is switching their attention back and forth.”

SALES

Want to deepen trust fast? After a tough conversation or a major pitch, always follow up with a quick recap email, says sales author Mark Hunter. It shows you’re listening, you’re aligned and you’re professional. Trust accelerates when clarity is immediate.

Only 37 percent of businesses respond to online leads in under an hour, according to Harvard Business Review. A full 23 percent of businesses don’t even respond at all. Simply responding gives you an advantage over many competitors. Responding quickly gives you an advantage almost two-thirds of them!

Twenty-four percent more sales pros meet their annual quotas when they have mobile access to their CRMs, according to Aberdeen Group.

WISDOM

“Flattery is much like perfume. It’s okay to inhale it, but don’t ever swallow it.” – Fred Koch

Unless you went to elementary school on the planet Melmac, you are familiar with the fairy tale of Goldilocks and the Three Bears. It’s story about a young blond girl out wondering in the woods. She comes across an empty house owned by a family of bears. She goes inside and tries the porridge. One bowl is too hot; one is too cold. You know the story from here.

(What you don’t know is that later she was prosecuted for breaking and entering).

Now to the financial stuff. There are 90 million American workers who have an active 401(k) plan. They are required to make their own investment selections by choosing from a menu of mutual funds prepared by a licensed investment professional. The financial advisor is compensated by the mutual funds they select for the plan’s investment menu. This creates the potential for a conflict of interest.

In 2015, the U.S. Supreme Court recognized that the potential for a conflict of interest exists and ruled that employers must provide their employees with a 401(k)-fund menu that includes funds with “reasonable fees.” Those who fail to do so must compensate their employees for their overpayment. It has taken a decade of litigation to define “reasonable fees,” but the consensus seems to be that index funds are the vehicles of choice.

Recent data from the major discount brokers reveal that a majority of the investment menus contain one or all of the primary index funds; The Dow, the S&P 500 and the Nasdaq.

Investing is not a one-size-fits-all proposition. This leads us back to our Goldilocks conundrum. Which index fund is not too hard, not too soft, but just right? As a partial solution to this dilemma, I present the following: All three indexes tend to move in sync. When one goes up, they all go up. When one goes down, they all go down. Where they tend to differ is in the magnitude of their movement. Of the three, the Nasdaq is the most volatile, the Dow the least. This leaves the S&P, by some definitions, as “just right.”

Now comes the $64000 question. Which one is right for you? Are you like Goldilocks and want an index fund that is not to hard or soft, but is just right? Or are you one of Goldilocks’ step sisters who want one that is soft and stable or hot and volatile? Only you can answer that question.

The starting point is for you to recognize that it’s your money and nobody cares as much about it as you do.

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The Grow Omaha radio show broadcasts live every Saturday morning at 9:00, but now you can watch videos of each episode instead of just listening.

Grow Omaha’s brand-new website features video footage shot inside the radio studio during each week’s show!

Videos include News of the Week, Lightning Round, guest interviews, and “Grow Omaha Uncut,” a behind-the-scenes look at what happens during commercial breaks.

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