Taxpayers may want to consider a Roth IRA conversion for 2024 but need to act before the end of the year to realize income this year. Our Bill Cass explains when a Roth conversion may make sense.
We believe that there are several guardrails in place that considerably limit the extent of presidential influence over monetary policy decisions.
I must confess, I have been aware of quantum computing for quite some time, but it was one of those things that always seemed far off. It’s now getting much closer.
This brief market commentary will run through some stats and provide context to the market’s recent fluctuations.
As the year comes to a close, we revisit some of the key market themes and moves for 2024 and the year ahead.
Despite the expectation of rate cuts, a push-pull dynamic could exist if high inflation continues, opening the door for short-term bonds.
As expected, the Fed delivered a 25-basis point rate cut at the December FOMC meeting, but what comes next is far from clear. Kevin Flanagan explains why future rate moves depend on shifting economic signals and why the Fed’s definition of “neutral” may be evolving.
With persistent inflation and a resilient economy, the Fed's updated projections show two rate cuts next year.
With economic growth rising at a stronger rate than expected for this part of the cycle and inflation holding above the 2.0% target, the Fed appears more cautious about the need for rate cuts.
As the year comes to a busy conclusion, we’re still catching up with news that didn’t make the front page. In the first week of November, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics published a data release that’s even less frequent than the four year presidential election cycle.
The modern Chinese political system emphasizes stability and control, qualities that enabled the country to become the world’s “ultimate producer.” But these qualities imply tight control over social norms and individual behavior, and they are far less applicable to official efforts to boost household consumption.
The Exchange Team is full of gratitude for our sponsors and the community coming to the 2025 financial services conference.
Taxes are on my mind. Do I factor in whether a dividend is considered qualified or ordinary when making my recommendations?
On Friday December 6th, the U.S. stock market pushed to the most extreme level of valuation in U.S. history
U.S. stocks retreated as the Fed indicated it likely would lower rates only twice in 2025. The Dow dropped more than 1,000 points, and the S&P slid almost 3%. The Nasdaq lost 3.6%.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recently blocked the merger of Albertson’s and Kroger, which are the two largest stand-alone grocery chains.
As we approach the start of a new year, it is a good time to take a fresh look at your portfolio to ensure that it still aligns with your long-term goals.
As cash yields dwindle, the case for fixed income becomes increasingly compelling.
Why cyclical leadership in equities could continue into 2025.
The range of potential economic outcomes is wide, but a solid starting point suggests resilience.
In his 2025 investment outlook, Head of U.S. Fixed Income Greg Wilensky outlines the most likely scenarios for the U.S. economy and which asset classes he believes will be best positioned under each scenario.
At the time of year where everyone is reflecting on the things that matter most to them in their personal lives, it is important to also consider what matters when it comes to investing. In this investment commentary, Johnson Financial Group shares what really matters as you put your money to work.
A conversation with our stock selection team, part two.
Brent Olson and Thomas Ross, fixed income portfolio managers, believe that high yield bonds offer comfortable driving for now, but investors might need to negotiate more difficult terrain later in 2025.
Surprises most often are hiding in plain sight. Being aware and prepared with a plan for the unexpected are keys to achieving goals.
We continue to agree with market pricing following the ECB’s latest rate cut, but see additional downside risks to growth post-U.S. election.
Last weekend, the Cathedral of Notre Dame reopened after being severely damaged in a fire five years ago. It took thousands of craftsmen and a reported €840 million to restore the iconic structure.
If history repeats itself, this trend could be especially pronounced in 2025, given the potential for lower US corporate tax rates and domestic-friendly policies.
Understanding the trajectory of corporate earnings is crucial for investors, as these earnings significantly influence stock valuations and market performance.
On the latest edition of Market Week in Review, Investment Strategist BeiChen Lin discussed U.S. equity-market strength as well as recent rate decisions from key central banks.
VettaFi discusses the significant improvement in MLPs over the last decade.
The U.S. economy is experiencing a remarkable period of economic stabilization and growth
Although AI has great potential to bring exciting changes to education, art, medicine, robotics, and other fields, it also poses major risks, most of which are not being addressed. Judging by the response so far from political and other institutions, we can safely expect many years of instability.
The most fun anyone has had at a Jerome Powell presser was when a reporter asked about President Trump removing Powell from his job.
GMO has posted a new 7-Year Asset Class Forecast.
We expect gears to shift as potential policy changes under the Trump administration add to uncertainty about inflation and the global economy.
As we approach next week’s Federal Reserve FOMC meeting ... it would be interesting to ask ourselves what we would do if we were members of the committee.
Every year, most investors face a near-certain reality: taxes on their investment portfolio.
Last week’s market narrative was defined by yet another extraordinary surge in tech stocks, inflation developments generally aligning with expectations, and anticipation of the upcoming Federal Reserve meeting.
Today’s video on Information Technology companies is another in the continuing series of videos where we are looking for value in each of the 10 major sectors as reported by Standard & Poor’s. This particular video is going to be on the Technology Sector.
International commerce often follows the simple rule: one nation’s loss can result in another’s gain. China’s loss from escalating trade tensions with the U.S. is generating gains for several Asian economies, but India is not one of them.
Tax cuts alone can’t save a weak business, but high-quality companies can put a tax-break windfall to good use for investors.
Newly released research from State Street Global Advisors breaks down why financial advisors are embracing model portfolios more this year.
Short-term bond exchange-traded funds (ETFs) can provide yield seekers with a viable alternative to money market funds.
How a diversified liquidity strategy might help time-strapped corporate treasurers reduce vulnerabilities and improve adaptability in uncertain markets while maintaining access to cash.
While analysts are currently very optimistic about the market, the combined risk of high valuations and the need to rebalance portfolios in the short term may pose an unanticipated threat.
Energy is everything. Or, if Einstein was right, you and I are just energy in material form. Accelerate us to lightspeed squared and we might become something else.
The clouds hanging over Boeing’s operations finally appear to be clearing.
Many hot trends have been turned into equity portfolios. But fads aren’t investing themes and may be flawed as standalone investments.
The blog touches on how the "Magnificent Seven" tech giants—Apple, Amazon, Alphabet, Meta, Microsoft, Nvidia, and Tesla—achieved a remarkable 21% earnings growth in Q3 2024, propelling the S&P 500 to a 5.9% overall increase.
