Maximizing the Tax Advantages of Business Ownership
Every stage of growing your business brings different things to tackle, but they all have one thing in common – taxes. Business owners have unique tax advantages. The key to maximizing them is not leaving it until your annual meeting with your tax accountant.
U.S. Economy Grinds Through Tighter Fed Policy…For Now
Economic data shows the U.S. economy continues to grind along.
The Modern Family Office Is a New Model of Advice
The pinnacle of ultra-high-net-worth financial services is a “Family Office.” It's a firm dedicated to meeting all the needs of one, or perhaps a small number, of very wealthy families.
Is It Time to Hire a Financial Advisor?
For most people, there’s usually a point where their financial life becomes complicated enough that they realize it’s time to hire a professional. This could be at any stage of life; it’s more about the individual situation and how an advisor can help.
Comparing Mild and Deep Recessions
The July CPI report came out this week, and the headlines were positive and below expectations. The market’s initial reaction was overwhelmingly positive as the inflation slowdown reignited hopes for a peak in inflation and potentially a Fed tightening slowdown.
Recession or Nah?
The economy and markets (this week) appear to be at odds in light of recent economic data. Despite the week’s strong returns, economic data has been poor.
3Q 2022 Investor Letter
This quarter’s letter recaps the first half of 2022 and discusses the top investment themes heading into the second half of 2022.
Bear Bones
As markets open today with the S&P500 down over 20% from its January all-time, investor sentiment appears to be declining. However, context is important for perspective, so I wanted to share my forward-looking thoughts.
Expanding On Our “Less Bearish” Views
Skate to where the puck is going, not where it is today.
Financial markets are in full-on panic mode. After playing a game of chicken with the Fed during 1Q22, the S&P 500 has traded down over 10% since April 1. Trading screens are filled with red as investors dump risk assets, including U.S. and international stocks, Treasury bonds, investment grade and high yield corporate bonds, and cryptocurrencies. It appears investors now understand how serious the Fed is about controlling inflation. It may sound contrarian, but objectively....
2Q2022 Earnings Update
Approximately half of the S&P 500 Index has reported 1Q22 earnings. This week's Strategy Snapshot examines the key trends coming out of earnings season thus far. The data paints an overall positive picture of corporate earnings. While inflation is hurting the consumer, it is also boosting sales across every sector except Utilities. Most sectors are experiencing some degree of margin pressure, but pricing power is allowing companies to pass through at least some of their increased costs.
How Geopolitical Events Impact Your Portfolio
Geopolitical risk is rising as tensions between Russia and Ukraine escalate in Eastern Europe. Financial markets are watching closely as the situation evolves. Given these headlines, you may be wondering how geopolitical events historically impact the stock market. Below is a list of 12 historical geopolitical events from past decades, and the S&P 500’s performance in the days and months after each of the events.
How the Federal Reserve Impacts Your Portfolio & Borrowing Costs
The Federal Reserve increased the federal funds rate +0.25% on March 16th. The market expected the increase, but it will still impact bond yields and lending rates. The federal funds rate is the interest rate banks charge each other to borrow and lend excess reserves overnight, but it also influences the prime interest rate. In turn, the prime rate influences the interest rate on financial products, including credit cards, personal loans, and auto loans. The charts below examine how the Federal Reserve’s action may impact Treasury yields and lending rates.
Political Influence ― S&P 500 Performance During Election Years
The stock market is off to a volatile start in 2022, and history suggests it could remain volatile ahead of this year’s midterms. Midterm elections won’t officially take place until November, but the next nine months of campaigning and political speeches will give investors plenty to think about. January’s Chart of the Month aims to separate the emotion of politics from investing by looking at the S&P 500’s historical performance during election years.