Back to Blog

Reciprocal Tariffs and the Market Reaction

On April 2, President Trump announced new tariffs on nearly all major trading partners. These tariffs are “reciprocal” in that they correspond to tariffs each country imposes on U.S. goods and are on top of previously announced duties. The average tariff rate across countries is 25%, with rates for some as high as 49%. While the implementation of these tariffs was widely telegraphed by the White House, the level and scope are greater than many investors and economists expected. The immediate...

Inflation and Growth Concerns

February was a volatile month for stocks. Tech continued the selloff that started in late December, with the Magnificent 7 falling 8.1% in the month. Tariffs and inflation fueled worries about growth as the new Trump administration began implementing policy changes. Fourth quarter earnings reports were solid, though mixed economic data and policy uncertainty prompted investors to favor defensive sectors. Bonds, especially longer-dated Treasurys, helped stabilize portfolios during market volatili...

Mitigating Single Stock Concentration Risk

Many investors find themselves with a significant portion of their portfolio concentrated in a single stock. This often occurs due to stock-based compensation, inheritance, or the long-term appreciation of an initial investment. While a concentrated position may yield substantial gains, it also exposes investors to heightened volatility and potential downside risk. Addressing concentration risk is essential for protecting and diversifying wealth.Assessing Your Concentration RiskWhen evaluating y...

Market Performance in 2024: Key Investment Lessons

Markets delivered remarkable returns in 2024, with the S&P 500 gaining 25.0%, the Nasdaq up 29.6%, and the Dow Jones advancing 15.0%. International markets also posted positive results, as emerging markets rose 8.1% and developed markets added 4.3%. These gains came despite persistent worries about inflation, recession risks, monetary policy, and electoral uncertainty.The year demonstrated why maintaining market exposure during uncertain times is crucial for long-term success. While cash pos...

Year-End 2024: Post-Election Tax and Financial Planning for Equity Compensation

As 2024 comes to a close, tax and financial planning take on renewed importance, particularly following the outcome of the recent election. The reelection of Donald Trump and a Republican-controlled Congress have brought both clarity and new uncertainties to tax laws and financial strategies for employees with equity compensation. Below, we summarize the key considerations and strategies for the year ahead.Tax-Planning Outlook: The Future of the TCJAThe Republican-driven Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (T...

2025 IRS Inflation Updates: Changes for the New Tax Year

Here’s a quick overview of the key changes to help you navigate the new thresholds and deductions in 2025.Highlights of 2025 AdjustmentsTax Brackets:The top marginal tax rate of 37% now applies to single filers earning over $626,350 and married couples filing jointly over $751,600.Capital Gains Rates:The 0% capital gains rate applies to single filers with taxable income up to $48,350 and married couples filing jointly up to $96,700.The 15% rate applies to incomes up to $533,400 for single file...

Medicare Updates & Important Dates for 2025

Helping you and your family navigate Medicare changes...

Navigating Your Benefits Choices for 2025

As open enrollment season approaches, we know that navigating the array of benefit options can feel overwhelming. To help you make more informed decisions, we've put together a guide to understanding and optimizing your benefits package. This is your opportunity to review and adjust your choices for the upcoming year, ensuring your benefits align with your personal and family needs.1.     Health InsuranceHealth insurance is often the cornerstone of your benefits package. During open en...

Special Update: Perspective on the Market Sell-Off

To paraphrase Ernest Hemingway, shifts in the stock market often occur “gradually, then suddenly.” Over the past month, the market has rotated from large cap technology stocks to small caps and other sectors. Following the latest jobs report, however, global stocks experienced a sharp pullback due to concerns over the timing of Fed rate cuts, a weakening labor market, and disappointing tech earnings. Financial markets are on edge as investors adjust to a changing economic landscapeSpecifical...

Understanding the Importance of Estate Planning and Trusts

Welcome to our latest newsletter where we delve into a commonly overlooked aspect of financial planning: estate planning and trusts. While it may not be the most comfortable topic to discuss, planning for what happens to your assets in the event of incapacity or death is essential for ensuring your wishes are carried out as well as minimizing stress for your loved ones. There are various documents included in a comprehensive estate plan. In this newsletter we will focus on why a trust may be a g...

Credit Score

Are you curious about how to enhance your credit score? Understanding this financial metric can significantly impact your financial health. Here are some key questions answered:What is a credit score? A credit score, commonly known as a FICO® score, is an assessment of your creditworthiness. It is a crucial metric for anyone who wants to borrow money, rent an apartment, or even secure a job.What does a credit score mean, and why does it matter? Your credit score, often measured on a s...

How Earnings Can Guide Investors in Difficult Markets

With markets nervous about stubborn inflation, a gradually slowing labor market, and the timing of the first Fed rate cut, investors are more focused on this corporate earnings season than usual. This is because while the economy has avoided a “hard landing” corporate earnings only began to rebound in the second half of 2023. Since the stock market tends to follow the trajectory of earnings in the long run, many investors are hoping for signs that corporate profits will grow sustainably in t...

The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on the Economy, Jobs, and Capitalism

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as a transformative force reshaping economies, redefining job roles, and challenging traditional notions of capitalism. As AI technologies continue to advance at an unprecedented pace, their implications for the economy and the nature of work are becoming increasingly profound. Here, we explore how AI might affect the economy, jobs, and overall capitalism.1. Economic Transformation:AI promises to revolutionize productivity across industries, leading to si...

March Madness and the Parallels with Market Parity

As March unfolds, basketball enthusiasts eagerly anticipate the chaos and excitement of March Madness. The NCAA tournament is renowned for its unpredictability, where underdog teams often defy the odds and topple higher-seeded opponents. Interestingly, this spirited competition bears striking similarities to the dynamics of equity markets and the economic landscape, where notions of parity and unpredictability also reign supreme.In both March Madness and financial markets, the concept of parity ...

How Expectations Around the Fed, Banks and the Economy Affect Investors

When it comes to markets, day-to-day price swings are often more about what investors expect than the underlying facts. This is because markets are designed to anticipate future events and assign them a price today. This gap between reality and expectations has driven stock and bond market volatility in recent days due to the Fed's latest announcement and headlines in the banking sector. What should investors know about these developments to stay focused on the long run?Rapid Fed rate hikes crea...

Rethinking Traditional Portfolio Theories

In the ever-evolving landscape of financial markets, the question of whether traditional Modern Portfolio Theory (MPT) investing rules still hold up has become increasingly relevant. As we navigate through today's dynamic environment, it is crucial to reassess and adapt our investment strategies to align with the changing landscape.The Foundation of Modern Portfolio TheoryModern Portfolio Theory (MPT), developed by Harry Markowitz in the 1950s, has long been a cornerstone of investment strategy....

What Seasonal Patterns such as the January Effect Mean for Investors

While investing often involves recognizing patterns in economic and market data, not all patterns are equally useful or valid. On the one hand, history shows that economic trends such as the business cycle and factors that drive corporate profitability, for instance, do impact markets. There are countless other patterns that investors follow that may or may not affect returns. Distinguishing between these types of patterns is important not only for portfolio outcomes but also to prevent counterp...

Unlocking the Secrets of Bond Math

Today, we're delving into the fascinating world of bond math, demystifying the complex calculations that underlie the fixed-income market. Especially as interest rates change understanding the math behind these financial instruments is crucial for making informed decisions.Bond BasicsBefore we dive into the numbers, let's quickly review some bond basics. A bond is essentially a loan made by an investor to a borrower, typically a government entity or corporation. In return, the borrower promises ...

How Middle East Conflicts Have Historically Impacted Markets

On the morning of Saturday, October 7, Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel killing hundreds and plunging the region into further conflict. Israel immediately declared war on Hamas, responded with air strikes, and called up 300,000 army reservists. The U.S. and many U.N. Security Council members have condemned the attacks by Hamas, which is designated a terrorist organization by many major countries, and are providing assistance to Israel including the positioning of a U.S. aircraft carrie...

Incentive Stock Options (ISOs)

Incentive Stock Options (ISOs) are a common form of incentive tied to the equity of a private or public company. ISOs provide employees with the opportunity to purchase company stock at a predetermined price, known as the exercise price. Although ISOs present a great opportunity to participate in the success of a company, there are some aspects of this type of compensation that can present additional complexity.Tax TreatmentISOs are subject to specific IRS rules, and not all employees are eligib...

Navigating Medicare, Supplemental Insurance, and Travel Coverage

With healthcare expenses on the rise, understanding the intricacies of Medicare, Medicare Supplemental Insurance plans, and the benefits of travel insurance coverage is essential. Medicare: Your Foundation for Health CoverageMedicare serves as the primary health insurance for eligible individuals aged 65 and older in the United States. It consists of four parts:Part A (Hospital Insurance): Covers inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facilities, hospice care, and some home health servic...

Saving for College: The Benefits of 529 Plans

As the costs of education continue to increase at exorbitant rates, helping your loved ones save for college is one the best ways to help them secure a bright future. Setting up a College Savings Plan, commonly known as 529 plan, is one of the best options for achieving this goal. Here are the key benefits of using a 529 plan:Tax Advantages: Earnings in a 529 plan grow federally tax-deferred, and no federal or state tax is imposed on distributions used to pay for qualified expenses, which a...

The Small-Cap Advantage

While large-cap (capitalization) companies might grab the headlines, the benefits of investing in small-cap companies should not be overlooked. Small-cap companies are businesses with market capitalization ranging from a few million to a few billion dollars. They are characterized by their growth potential, nimbleness, and the opportunity for significant market out performance.Let us break down the benefits:Growth Potential: Small-cap companies often operate in niche markets, with ample room for...

RSUs

In this month's newsletter, we will be discussing the common tax and financial planning considerations that arise with RSUs, or Restricted Stock Units. RSUs are a popular form of equity compensation that companies use to incentivize their employees. While RSUs can be a great way to motivate and reward employees, they come with their own set of challenges. Unlike stock options, RSUs don't give employees the right to purchase company stock at a specific price. Instead, RSUs are a promise from the ...

How to Teach Kids About Money

Recently after asking what I do for a living a 4th grader told me if he had a million dollars, he would buy a limousine full of candy. The comment, although amusing, prompted me to think about how kids learn about money at school and inspired this month’s newsletter topic.The financial acumen we adopt as children can have a significant impact on our financial decision making as adults. If you have a child, grandchild, niece, or nephew in your life here are some tips to make money conversations...