529 plans offer tax-free savings for a variety of education expenses, including K-12 tuition, vocational training and apprenticeships. Our Bill Cass discusses the trends in 529 savings plans.
Debt collectors have been unpopular since ancient times, but they play a necessary role in the lending lifecycle. Their jobs are not easy: I recall one collector noting that there are few ways to communicate with defaulted borrowers.
The share of outstanding US consumer debt that’s in delinquency rose in the first quarter to the highest in five years, reflecting an end to the pandemic-era pause on reporting delinquent student loan payments on credit reports.
529 plans provide tax benefits, estate planning advantages, and flexible education savings. Our Bill Cass explains how 529 plans can be part of an estate planning strategy.
We maintain a focus on resiliency as elevated yields within high quality fixed income continue to offer attractive opportunities.
While the U.S. and U.K. have different economic and regulatory landscapes, there are clear opportunities for the U.S. to improve retirement readiness by adopting some best practices from across the pond.
US inflation rose by less than forecast in April amid tame prices for clothing and new cars, suggesting little urgency so far by companies to pass along the cost of higher tariffs to consumers.
At Wednesday’s press conference, Chair Jay Powell signaled a wait-and-see approach, as the Fed keeps a close eye on inflation pressures and the job market.
The federal government recently resumed student loan collections after a multi-year pause. This affects millions of borrowers who have been in forbearance since March 2020. Our Bill Cass outlines some options for borrowers in default.
Over the past two weeks, the market has had a furious nine-day rally, the longest winning streak in 21 years.
In recent times, central bank independence has been taken as gospel. Political pressure for easy money contributed to extremes of inflation in the 1970s.
One of the best-known market trends, the “sell in May” effect is backed by decades of historical performance: Investing in a fund that debuted in 1993 and tracks the S&P 500 during the May-October period yielded a cumulative return of 171%, compared to a 731% gain for November-April, an analysis from Bespoke Investment Group found.
Ultimately, advisors should choose a rebalancing strategy that best serves their client’s needs without putting undue strain on their own operations.
Unexpected wider and larger-scope tariff announcements have sent tremors through bond and equity markets, resulting in a brisk sell-off that signals investors’ caution.
Tesla Inc. reported abysmal numbers for the first quarter on Tuesday evening. Naturally, Chief Executive Officer Elon Musk kicked off the call with a discussion on why he must fix America’s finances, facing down an army of alleged moochers.
Many retirees hold substantial assets in traditional IRAs and taxable brokerage accounts. When planning for retirement income and considering your legacy, Roth IRA conversions can be a strategic way to reduce your tax burden and maximize the wealth you pass on to your heirs.
A tax-advantaged account offers certain tax benefits to encourage individuals to save or invest for specific purposes, such as retirement, education or healthcare. These accounts can help you lower your taxable income, defer taxes or avoid taxes altogether if used for qualified expenses.
Inflation risk has been a significant topic of discussion in the mainstream media for the last few years.
Navigating market volatility can be challenging for investors. Our Bill Cass shares several tax planning strategies to consider.
Taxpayers plan to use their tax refunds for essentials and debt repayment, as well as savings strategies. Bill Cass shares ideas and strategies to consider this year.
With uncertainty in abundance, we think investors should avoid drastic moves.
When it’s finally completed seven years from now, Citadel LLC’s New York tower will be the second tallest building in the city, after the World Trade Center. It will also loom over the headquarters of JPMorgan Chase & Co. just a few hundred yards south along Park Avenue.
Lost in the focus on the bludgeoning that tariff policy has had on equity markets, is the impact on global currencies. From the end of February through April 3rd, the U.S. Dollar is down 5.1% relative to other developed market currencies (DXY). In addition, we’ve also seen a violent unwinding of the popular currency carry trade.
We’re adjusting our stance in response to rising risk while maintaining a disciplined view on long-term strategy.
We reexamine our macroeconomic outlook in light of newly announced tariffs, which have exceeded market expectations and prompted us to update our assumptions and analysis.
We examine the April 2 tariff announcement from President Trump, outlining key proposals and the potential implications for trade and market sentiment.
Social Security faces funding issues by 2035, but major changes to the program are unlikely in the near term.
As policy uncertainty grows, we consider how tariffs and other government actions might impact inflation, interest rates, and market sentiment.
The theme among so many writers seems to be “vibe shift.” And indeed, there is a concern the economy is slowing and may even be in a recession.
When we think of the U.S. government's finances, we often focus on the massive debt. But what about the assets? What does Uncle Sam actually own, and which asset is the largest?
After years of poor decision-making, the federal government’s $1.64 trillion student loan program is in critical condition. Congress needs to stanch the bleeding — and give serious thought to overhauling this flawed system for the longer term.
Receiving an unexpected gift or inheritance is something that people may dream about. Our Bill Cass discusses some key considerations if that dream becomes reality and you do receive a financial windfall.
Last week’s economic data was plagued by uncertainty. A brief respite in inflation pressures was overshadowed by sentiment concerns.
This morning’s retail sales report is a bit of relief. The economy, as of the end February, is not in free fall as the control group increase of 1.0% offset the same decline in January. Nevertheless, the underlying concerns that emerged over the last few days cannot be ignored.
Navigating tax season can be even more confusing when facing the range of rules around IRA withdrawals, 529 plan distributions, and charitable deductions. Our Bill Cass details some common questions around tax filing.
The risk of a recession in the U.S. is not zero. This is particularly true as the current Administration tackles Government bloat and implements tariffs. However, before we discuss why the risk of a recession could increase, it is crucial to remember the 2022 experience.
Most of us associate 529 accounts with college savings. They’re flexible, allowing you to transfer assets to anyone, including yourself, for the express purpose of furthering the education of your beneficiary. But did you know that a 529 can be a powerful estate planning tool?
For decades, the U.S. dollar’s dominance has rested on two pillars: America’s deep capital markets and its global security alliances. Today, both are under strain.
The world’s recent experience of faster inflation may make it harder for central banks to control prices in future, former US Federal Reserve Chair Ben Bernanke said.
Just recently, S&P Global released its 2026 earnings estimates, which, for lack of a better word, have gone parabolic. Such should not be surprising given the ongoing exuberance on Wall Street. Unsurprisingly, rationalizations justify illogic when too much money is chasing too few assets.
Looming U.S. and global policy shifts may potentially rattle markets, but a tactical and flexible approach could help investors navigate risks and opportunities regardless of how events play out.
Investor sentiment around small-cap companies is worse than it’s been in months. As it turns out, the mood isn’t much better inside their corporate boardrooms.
General Motors Co. plans to step up its program of buybacks by repurchasing $6 billion in shares and raising its dividend, rewarding investors by pushing more cash off its balance sheet.
When constructing a target-date fund (TDF) glide path, providers have many decisions to make, such as what asset classes to include, when to include them, and how much to allocate to each.
Chief Investment Officer of Global Asset Allocation, Anwiti Bahuguna, Ph.D., outlines the investment themes and return expectations from our new 10-year outlook.
Consider estate planning strategies to minimize the impact of taxes on your estate. Our Bill Cass highlights several key actions including document reviews, naming beneficiaries and the use of 529 college savings plans to enhance tax efficiency.
Meta Platforms Inc.’s recent record-breaking, 20-day rally propelled the share price to a level where investors may start calling on the company to split its stock for the first time since going public in 2013.
The latest reports on consumer & wholesale prices indicated persistent inflation pressures. Retail sales posted a large drop.
Our research shows how artificial intelligence can potentially enhance performance of equity investing.
Investors in America’s biggest company are increasingly focused on China, where Apple Inc. is striving to win over a crucial customer base while also facing tariff-related risks.
We explore why extreme market concentration is unsustainable, how competition and innovation drive broader market performance, and why diversification is key as volatility rises. Don’t let market extremes catch you off guard.
Tariff threats offer a glimpse of what is in store.
We analyze the impact of U.S. tariff proposals on markets and how investors can manage their portfolios accordingly.
Prepare for 2024 taxes by organizing forms, documenting charitable contributions, maximizing retirement savings and reporting rental income.
The stock market posted some noteworthy streaks of its own in the fourth quarter.
Deregulation is among President Donald Trump’s most enduring policy themes. In his 2016 campaign, he called for widespread deregulation and made it a central plank in both his economic and energy platforms.
In our view, active investors face opportunities to outperform created by looming policy changes and the macro landscape.
DeepSeek, a Chinese artificial intelligence startup, has developed a model that can apparently answer questions as well as any chatbot in the US. It might even help answer a long-running question on Wall Street without being asked.
We explore how evolving priorities under the new U.S. administration may influence markets and investor outlooks.
Are U.S. stocks in a massive valuation bubble? We don’t think so. Will U.S. stocks outperform their European and Asian counterparts over the next 10 years? Maybe.
We explore how advancements in indexing solutions have allowed investors to tailor their portfolios according to their specific objectives or risk profiles.
State and federal agencies are providing immediate assistance and financial aid for essentials for wildfire victims in California. Our Bill Cass shares some financial strategies to secure emergency funds and plan finances.
Outlooks for higher education and healthcare are the weakest while transportation and essential utilities are the strongest. Resiliency to withstand an economic downturn is strong for all sectors.
Rough times are coming, yes, but I think we have at least 12 good months before the worst gets here. Let’s look at some of the reasons why things should be okay and then look at some of the potential problems.
A look at the 2025 tax rates and contribution limits means individuals may save or gift more this year. Our Bill Cass shares the updated key tax figures and some planning considerations for the year ahead.
Despite a lackluster 2024 for most bonds, investors with an eye on the long-term time horizon could reap future benefits.
We’re continuing the Advisor Perspectives tradition of highlighting the most-read investing articles for 2024. Enjoy!
We prefer equities over fixed income, in particular U.S. equities as the outlook for the U.S. economy is solid and promising.
It’s that time of year when Wall Street polishes up its crystal balls and predicts next year’s market returns. Since Wall Street never predicts a down year, these forecasts are often wrong and sometimes very wrong.
We believe that there are several guardrails in place that considerably limit the extent of presidential influence over monetary policy decisions.
How a diversified liquidity strategy might help time-strapped corporate treasurers reduce vulnerabilities and improve adaptability in uncertain markets while maintaining access to cash.
The transition from bank-dominated lending to a diversified financing ecosystem offers unprecedented opportunities for private credit investors.
Corporations are currently producing the highest level of profitability, as a percentage of GDP, in history.
We expect high yield bond issuers to maintain healthy balance sheets and defaults to remain low.
Here are six key areas where AI can make a transformative impact on financial advisory practice.
We examine how a potentially complex bond market in 2025 could still offer opportunities in high-yield bonds, municipal bonds, and inflation-protected securities.
U.S. policies are set for a major reshaping as full Republican control takes hold in 2025.
With year-end looming, consider taking action now to determine if annual gifts make sense. Our Bill Cass shares useful strategies to consider for estate planning.
We launched QuantStreet a little over three years ago, and our first accounts went live as of December 2021.
Today’s video 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.
Our model, How America Spends, has been tracking the purchasing behavior of 135 million U.S. households since 2014. This model is not a black box – it is a data file representing the spending of 135 million households on goods and services since 2014.
With a "Red Sweep" in Washington likely, markets are now pricing in a more aggressive policy agenda.
The Fed’s rate cut last month has not jumpstarted U.S. housing market. Buyers need lower rates to get back in the game.
As you know, economists are normally criticized and accused of being ‘two-handed.’ This is because when we talk, we typically say, “on the one hand, and on the other hand.” Many argue that we are hedging our bets and lack the spine to take a position. While we disagree with that simplistic view of our job, we can understand why we are accused of being ‘two-handed.’
RIAs should consider becoming more like VC firms by adopting the principles that govern them.
Legendary investors Paul Tudor Jones and Stan Druckenmiller are short bonds. You might want to carefully consider the data before you follow their lead.
The Northern Trust Economics team shares its outlook for growth, inflation and interest rates in major markets.
Year-end can be an opportune time to review finances, rebalance portfolios, and possibly reduce taxes. Our Bill Cass shares some highlights from a year-end planning checklist.
529/College Planning
529 Plans: Not Just for College
529 plans offer tax-free savings for a variety of education expenses, including K-12 tuition, vocational training and apprenticeships. Our Bill Cass discusses the trends in 529 savings plans.
Student Debt Default Deluge
Debt collectors have been unpopular since ancient times, but they play a necessary role in the lending lifecycle. Their jobs are not easy: I recall one collector noting that there are few ways to communicate with defaulted borrowers.
Student Loans Drive US Delinquency Rate to Highest Since 2020
The share of outstanding US consumer debt that’s in delinquency rose in the first quarter to the highest in five years, reflecting an end to the pandemic-era pause on reporting delinquent student loan payments on credit reports.
A 529 Plan Can be an Effective Component of an Estate Plan
529 plans provide tax benefits, estate planning advantages, and flexible education savings. Our Bill Cass explains how 529 plans can be part of an estate planning strategy.
Income Fund Update: Focus on Stability Amid Turbulence
We maintain a focus on resiliency as elevated yields within high quality fixed income continue to offer attractive opportunities.
Cross-Atlantic Retirement Readiness: What the U.S. Can Learn from the U.K.
While the U.S. and U.K. have different economic and regulatory landscapes, there are clear opportunities for the U.S. to improve retirement readiness by adopting some best practices from across the pond.
US Inflation Comes In Softer Than Forecast for a Third Month
US inflation rose by less than forecast in April amid tame prices for clothing and new cars, suggesting little urgency so far by companies to pass along the cost of higher tariffs to consumers.
Increased Risks to Both Sides of the Dual Mandate
At Wednesday’s press conference, Chair Jay Powell signaled a wait-and-see approach, as the Fed keeps a close eye on inflation pressures and the job market.
For Students With College Debt in Default, it’s Time to Pay the Bill
The federal government recently resumed student loan collections after a multi-year pause. This affects millions of borrowers who have been in forbearance since March 2020. Our Bill Cass outlines some options for borrowers in default.
“Resistance Is Futile” – For Both Bulls And Bears
Over the past two weeks, the market has had a furious nine-day rally, the longest winning streak in 21 years.
Criticism of The Fed: Rule, Not Exception
In recent times, central bank independence has been taken as gospel. Political pressure for easy money contributed to extremes of inflation in the 1970s.
Old Wisdom of ‘Sell in May’ Back in Focus as Stock Market Churns
One of the best-known market trends, the “sell in May” effect is backed by decades of historical performance: Investing in a fund that debuted in 1993 and tracks the S&P 500 during the May-October period yielded a cumulative return of 171%, compared to a 731% gain for November-April, an analysis from Bespoke Investment Group found.
What Is the Optimal Portfolio Rebalancing Strategy?
Ultimately, advisors should choose a rebalancing strategy that best serves their client’s needs without putting undue strain on their own operations.
Bracing for Impact
Unexpected wider and larger-scope tariff announcements have sent tremors through bond and equity markets, resulting in a brisk sell-off that signals investors’ caution.
Tesla’s Cure for Musk’s Missteps Is More Musk
Tesla Inc. reported abysmal numbers for the first quarter on Tuesday evening. Naturally, Chief Executive Officer Elon Musk kicked off the call with a discussion on why he must fix America’s finances, facing down an army of alleged moochers.
Roth IRA Conversions in Retirement: How to Successfully Minimize Taxes & Maximize Wealth
Many retirees hold substantial assets in traditional IRAs and taxable brokerage accounts. When planning for retirement income and considering your legacy, Roth IRA conversions can be a strategic way to reduce your tax burden and maximize the wealth you pass on to your heirs.
Tax-Advantaged Accounts: A Powerful Addition to Your Financial Plan
A tax-advantaged account offers certain tax benefits to encourage individuals to save or invest for specific purposes, such as retirement, education or healthcare. These accounts can help you lower your taxable income, defer taxes or avoid taxes altogether if used for qualified expenses.
Inflation Risk Is Subsiding Rapidly
Inflation risk has been a significant topic of discussion in the mainstream media for the last few years.
Six Tax Planning Ideas for Navigating Market Volatility
Navigating market volatility can be challenging for investors. Our Bill Cass shares several tax planning strategies to consider.
Putting Your Tax Refund to Work
Taxpayers plan to use their tax refunds for essentials and debt repayment, as well as savings strategies. Bill Cass shares ideas and strategies to consider this year.
Tariff Shock: Managing a Portfolio Through the Turmoil
With uncertainty in abundance, we think investors should avoid drastic moves.
Shadow Banks Are Too Big to Stay in the Shadows
When it’s finally completed seven years from now, Citadel LLC’s New York tower will be the second tallest building in the city, after the World Trade Center. It will also loom over the headquarters of JPMorgan Chase & Co. just a few hundred yards south along Park Avenue.
Carry Trade Destruction
Lost in the focus on the bludgeoning that tariff policy has had on equity markets, is the impact on global currencies. From the end of February through April 3rd, the U.S. Dollar is down 5.1% relative to other developed market currencies (DXY). In addition, we’ve also seen a violent unwinding of the popular currency carry trade.
Recalibrating for Higher Risk Without Overcorrecting
We’re adjusting our stance in response to rising risk while maintaining a disciplined view on long-term strategy.
The Price of Protectionism - Tariffs Toll On Growth
We reexamine our macroeconomic outlook in light of newly announced tariffs, which have exceeded market expectations and prompted us to update our assumptions and analysis.
Navigating Tariff Complexities
We examine the April 2 tariff announcement from President Trump, outlining key proposals and the potential implications for trade and market sentiment.
Will Social Security Change As Spending Cuts Are Considered?
Social Security faces funding issues by 2035, but major changes to the program are unlikely in the near term.
Tariff Tantrum
As policy uncertainty grows, we consider how tariffs and other government actions might impact inflation, interest rates, and market sentiment.
The Inflationista Illuminati, Part 2
The theme among so many writers seems to be “vibe shift.” And indeed, there is a concern the economy is slowing and may even be in a recession.
The Fed's Financial Accounts: What Are Uncle Sam's Largest Assets?
When we think of the U.S. government's finances, we often focus on the massive debt. But what about the assets? What does Uncle Sam actually own, and which asset is the largest?
The Fed's Financial Accounts: What Are Uncle Sam's Largest Assets? (Q4 2024)
When we think of the U.S. government's finances, we often focus on the massive debt. But what about the assets? What does Uncle Sam actually own, and which asset is the largest?
The Student Lending Mess Needs to Be Fixed
After years of poor decision-making, the federal government’s $1.64 trillion student loan program is in critical condition. Congress needs to stanch the bleeding — and give serious thought to overhauling this flawed system for the longer term.
Your Ship Finally Came In. Now What?
Receiving an unexpected gift or inheritance is something that people may dream about. Our Bill Cass discusses some key considerations if that dream becomes reality and you do receive a financial windfall.
Weekly Economic Snapshot: Inflation Relief Tempered by Sentiment Concerns
Last week’s economic data was plagued by uncertainty. A brief respite in inflation pressures was overshadowed by sentiment concerns.
Tariffs Shake Markets as Sentiment Plummets
This morning’s retail sales report is a bit of relief. The economy, as of the end February, is not in free fall as the control group increase of 1.0% offset the same decline in January. Nevertheless, the underlying concerns that emerged over the last few days cannot be ignored.
Seeking Clarity at Tax Season: Tackling Common Confusions
Navigating tax season can be even more confusing when facing the range of rules around IRA withdrawals, 529 plan distributions, and charitable deductions. Our Bill Cass details some common questions around tax filing.
The Risk Of A Recession Isn’t Zero
The risk of a recession in the U.S. is not zero. This is particularly true as the current Administration tackles Government bloat and implements tariffs. However, before we discuss why the risk of a recession could increase, it is crucial to remember the 2022 experience.
529s Are More Than a College Savings Tool
Most of us associate 529 accounts with college savings. They’re flexible, allowing you to transfer assets to anyone, including yourself, for the express purpose of furthering the education of your beneficiary. But did you know that a 529 can be a powerful estate planning tool?
Why the U.S. Dollar Is Losing Some of Its Luster
For decades, the U.S. dollar’s dominance has rested on two pillars: America’s deep capital markets and its global security alliances. Today, both are under strain.
Bernanke Says Recent Price Surge May Impact Inflation Control
The world’s recent experience of faster inflation may make it harder for central banks to control prices in future, former US Federal Reserve Chair Ben Bernanke said.
Estimates By Analysts Have Gone Parabolic
Just recently, S&P Global released its 2026 earnings estimates, which, for lack of a better word, have gone parabolic. Such should not be surprising given the ongoing exuberance on Wall Street. Unsurprisingly, rationalizations justify illogic when too much money is chasing too few assets.
Two Policy Risks in the Spotlight
Looming U.S. and global policy shifts may potentially rattle markets, but a tactical and flexible approach could help investors navigate risks and opportunities regardless of how events play out.
Small-Cap Stocks’ Gloom Deepens as Executive Sentiment Sours Too
Investor sentiment around small-cap companies is worse than it’s been in months. As it turns out, the mood isn’t much better inside their corporate boardrooms.
GM Boosts Investor Payout With New Buybacks, Dividend Hike
General Motors Co. plans to step up its program of buybacks by repurchasing $6 billion in shares and raising its dividend, rewarding investors by pushing more cash off its balance sheet.
TDF Glide-Path Essentials: Setting the Right Starting Point
When constructing a target-date fund (TDF) glide path, providers have many decisions to make, such as what asset classes to include, when to include them, and how much to allocate to each.
Capital Market Assumptions: 10-Year Outlook
Chief Investment Officer of Global Asset Allocation, Anwiti Bahuguna, Ph.D., outlines the investment themes and return expectations from our new 10-year outlook.
Five Estate Planning Ideas for 2025
Consider estate planning strategies to minimize the impact of taxes on your estate. Our Bill Cass highlights several key actions including document reviews, naming beneficiaries and the use of 529 college savings plans to enhance tax efficiency.
Meta Platforms’ Record Winning Streak Puts Stock Split in View
Meta Platforms Inc.’s recent record-breaking, 20-day rally propelled the share price to a level where investors may start calling on the company to split its stock for the first time since going public in 2013.
Weekly Economic Snapshot: Inflation Heats Up as Consumer Spending Cools
The latest reports on consumer & wholesale prices indicated persistent inflation pressures. Retail sales posted a large drop.
Exploiting the Benefits of Artificial Intelligence for Factor Investors
Our research shows how artificial intelligence can potentially enhance performance of equity investing.
Apple’s Stock-Market Performance Is Increasingly Made in China
Investors in America’s biggest company are increasingly focused on China, where Apple Inc. is striving to win over a crucial customer base while also facing tariff-related risks.
Narrow Markets Are the Exception, Not the Rule
We explore why extreme market concentration is unsustainable, how competition and innovation drive broader market performance, and why diversification is key as volatility rises. Don’t let market extremes catch you off guard.
Twists and Turns of Tariffs
Tariff threats offer a glimpse of what is in store.
What the U.S. Tariffs Mean for Investors
We analyze the impact of U.S. tariff proposals on markets and how investors can manage their portfolios accordingly.
Early Planning Can Mean Smooth Sailing for Tax Season
Prepare for 2024 taxes by organizing forms, documenting charitable contributions, maximizing retirement savings and reporting rental income.
We're Going Streaking
The stock market posted some noteworthy streaks of its own in the fourth quarter.
Trump 2.0: The Deregulation Agenda – No New Rules?
Deregulation is among President Donald Trump’s most enduring policy themes. In his 2016 campaign, he called for widespread deregulation and made it a central plank in both his economic and energy platforms.
Capital Markets Outlook 1Q 2025: Mind the Gaps
In our view, active investors face opportunities to outperform created by looming policy changes and the macro landscape.
Nvidia’s Stock Crash Solves a Wall Street Puzzle
DeepSeek, a Chinese artificial intelligence startup, has developed a model that can apparently answer questions as well as any chatbot in the US. It might even help answer a long-running question on Wall Street without being asked.
The Price of Progress
We explore how evolving priorities under the new U.S. administration may influence markets and investor outlooks.
The Mother of All Bubbles?
Are U.S. stocks in a massive valuation bubble? We don’t think so. Will U.S. stocks outperform their European and Asian counterparts over the next 10 years? Maybe.
Index Investing as an Active Decision: An Exploration of Evolution and Customization
We explore how advancements in indexing solutions have allowed investors to tailor their portfolios according to their specific objectives or risk profiles.
Rebuilding Hope: Immediate Assistance and Financial Guidance for Wildfire Victims
State and federal agencies are providing immediate assistance and financial aid for essentials for wildfire victims in California. Our Bill Cass shares some financial strategies to secure emergency funds and plan finances.
2025 Municipal Bond Sector Outlook: Stability and Resiliency
Outlooks for higher education and healthcare are the weakest while transportation and essential utilities are the strongest. Resiliency to withstand an economic downturn is strong for all sectors.
A Partly Cloudy Year
Rough times are coming, yes, but I think we have at least 12 good months before the worst gets here. Let’s look at some of the reasons why things should be okay and then look at some of the potential problems.
Key Tax Figures for 2025
A look at the 2025 tax rates and contribution limits means individuals may save or gift more this year. Our Bill Cass shares the updated key tax figures and some planning considerations for the year ahead.
Bond Investors Could Reap Rewards in the Long Term
Despite a lackluster 2024 for most bonds, investors with an eye on the long-term time horizon could reap future benefits.
Our Top 10 Most Popular Investing Articles of 2024
We’re continuing the Advisor Perspectives tradition of highlighting the most-read investing articles for 2024. Enjoy!
High Hopes, Solid Grounds
We prefer equities over fixed income, in particular U.S. equities as the outlook for the U.S. economy is solid and promising.
Prediction For 2025 Using Valuation Levels
It’s that time of year when Wall Street polishes up its crystal balls and predicts next year’s market returns. Since Wall Street never predicts a down year, these forecasts are often wrong and sometimes very wrong.
Is Fed Independence at Risk of Presidential Influence?
We believe that there are several guardrails in place that considerably limit the extent of presidential influence over monetary policy decisions.
Treasurers: Balancing Liquidity, Diversification, and Daily Demands
How a diversified liquidity strategy might help time-strapped corporate treasurers reduce vulnerabilities and improve adaptability in uncertain markets while maintaining access to cash.
Private Credit: Asset-Based Finance Shines as Lending Landscape Evolves
The transition from bank-dominated lending to a diversified financing ecosystem offers unprecedented opportunities for private credit investors.
The Kalecki Profit Equation And The Coming Reversion
Corporations are currently producing the highest level of profitability, as a percentage of GDP, in history.
Yields and Credit Quality Make High Yield Bonds Attractive for 2025
We expect high yield bond issuers to maintain healthy balance sheets and defaults to remain low.
How Artificial Intelligence Can Transform Your Practice
Here are six key areas where AI can make a transformative impact on financial advisory practice.
Bond Market Opportunities for Investors in 2025
We examine how a potentially complex bond market in 2025 could still offer opportunities in high-yield bonds, municipal bonds, and inflation-protected securities.
An Investor’s Guide to Potential U.S. Policy Changes in 2025
U.S. policies are set for a major reshaping as full Republican control takes hold in 2025.
Year-End Estate Planning: Strategies for Maximizing Tax Benefits and Legacy Planning
With year-end looming, consider taking action now to determine if annual gifts make sense. Our Bill Cass shares useful strategies to consider for estate planning.
QuantStreet December 2024 Letter: Our Three-Year Anniversary
We launched QuantStreet a little over three years ago, and our first accounts went live as of December 2021.
Discovering Income and Value in Energy Cyclicals
Today’s video 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.
An Investor's Guide to Potential U.S. Policy Changes in 2025
U.S. policies are set for a major reshaping as full Republican control takes hold in 2025.
How America Spends: A Macroeconomic Inflation Model
Our model, How America Spends, has been tracking the purchasing behavior of 135 million U.S. households since 2014. This model is not a black box – it is a data file representing the spending of 135 million households on goods and services since 2014.
Notes From the Desk: Red-Wave Recalibration: Navigating the Post-Election Market Shift
With a "Red Sweep" in Washington likely, markets are now pricing in a more aggressive policy agenda.
The Housing Market Is Still Stuck
The Fed’s rate cut last month has not jumpstarted U.S. housing market. Buyers need lower rates to get back in the game.
Oh, No, a Three-Handed Economist
As you know, economists are normally criticized and accused of being ‘two-handed.’ This is because when we talk, we typically say, “on the one hand, and on the other hand.” Many argue that we are hedging our bets and lack the spine to take a position. While we disagree with that simplistic view of our job, we can understand why we are accused of being ‘two-handed.’
Think Fast: How RIAs Can Make Decisions at the Speed of Venture Capital
RIAs should consider becoming more like VC firms by adopting the principles that govern them.
Can Paul Tudor Jones and Stanley Druckenmiller Be Wrong?
Legendary investors Paul Tudor Jones and Stan Druckenmiller are short bonds. You might want to carefully consider the data before you follow their lead.
Closing The Year Well
The Northern Trust Economics team shares its outlook for growth, inflation and interest rates in major markets.
Get a Jumpstart on Year-End Planning With This Useful Checklist
Year-end can be an opportune time to review finances, rebalance portfolios, and possibly reduce taxes. Our Bill Cass shares some highlights from a year-end planning checklist.