Fed Independence Under the Microscope: What It Means for Bond Investors

Fed Independence Under the Microscope: What It Means for Bond Investors

The Federal Reserve’s independence is a cornerstone of U.S. financial stability. It underpins confidence in Treasury markets, the world’s deepest and most liquid, and supports the U.S. dollar’s role as the global reserve currency. Recent actions and statements from the White House, however, have stirred a debate over that independence and prompted a reasonable investor question: Will markets react to politics, or will they continue to focus on the data?

Eyes on the Tetons

Eyes on the Tetons

Each year, central bankers, finance ministers and academics gather in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, for an economic policy symposium (or boondoggle, whichever you prefer).

Umbrella Insurance: Common Mistakes

Umbrella Insurance: Common Mistakes

Umbrella insurance is one of the most commonly misunderstood and overlooked types of insurance coverage available. This form of liability coverage sits on top of your existing auto, homeowners or watercraft policies and is designed as an additional layer of protection from large claims that exceed your standard policy limits.

From AI to CPI

From AI to CPI

The word unprecedented has appeared often in headlines this year — and for good reason. Breaking news has been in no short supply, and this week brought another wave of significant government and business activity.

Ferguson Wellman remaining in downtown Portland, moving headquarters to Fox Tower in 2026

Ferguson Wellman remaining in downtown Portland, moving headquarters to Fox Tower in 2026

To recognize this milestone anniversary, Ferguson Wellman is launching a new initiative to promote more financial education and literacy.

Changes

Changes

Over the last week, the Bureau of Labor Statistic (BLS) released several data points highlighting some weakness in the jobs market.

All You Can Eat: Data Deluge Edition

All You Can Eat: Data Deluge Edition

This week delivered an unprecedented convergence of critical market-moving events that tested investors' ability to parse signal from noise.

Lago on KOIN Wallet Wednesday

Lago on KOIN Wallet Wednesday

Mary Lago, CFP®, CTFAM was on KOIN AM Extra's Wallet Wednesday to discuss disaster preparedness and preparing your finances.

Wealth Management Insights Video Third Quarter 2025

Wealth Management Insights Video Third Quarter 2025

In this quarter’s Wealth Management Insights video, "Navigating the Retirement Shift," Samantha Pahlow, CTFA, AWMA®, discusses the multifaceted journey of retirement and highlights the need for thoughtful preparation to ensure a fulfilling retirement.

Steady Drip

Steady Drip

Despite a somewhat quiet week from an economic data perspective, capital markets were anything but. A steady drip of news about home sales, second-quarter company earnings updates and new trade deals provided investors with plenty to digest ahead of next week’s much-busier economic news cycle.

Important Tax Update: New Legislation Signed into Law

Important Tax Update: New Legislation Signed into Law

Congress recently approved, and the President signed, new legislation affecting taxes, spending cuts and other policy changes that are particularly relevant to financial planning.

Warning Shots

Warning Shots

This week's economic data painted a picture of an economy caught between competing forces, with implications that are keeping Fed officials on edge. While June's CPI report showed inflation ticking up to 2.7% annually from May's 2.4%, there were encouraging signs beneath the surface, with vehicle prices falling during the month and shelter prices rising at their slowest pace in years.

Serve with Confidence: Fortifying Your Personal Protections on a Nonprofit Board

Serve with Confidence: Fortifying Your Personal Protections on a Nonprofit Board

For many people, serving on a nonprofit board is a rewarding experience. It’s a chance to lend expertise, guide strategy and contribute meaningfully to a cause they believe in.

Goldilocks Yields

Goldilocks Yields

Bond yields, and specifically yields on U.S. treasuries, are a great barometer for the overall U.S. economy and to a lesser extent, the global economy. Chief among all the debt issued by the U.S. government is the 10-year Treasury, whose yield is one of the most closely followed indicators in global financial markets.

Investment Strategy Third Quarter 2025

Investment Strategy Third Quarter 2025

In this quarter’s investment strategy video, "Actions Over Words," George Hosfield, CFA, delves into the disconnect between consumer sentiment and actual economic behavior. Despite low consumer confidence, retail sales are soaring and the labor market is stabilizing.

Red, White and Blue Labor Market? Hardly.

Red, White and Blue Labor Market? Hardly.

Summer is in full swing, and many will observe the 4th of July this weekend with family, friends and traditions. For those planning to celebrate, I hope the holiday weekend is filled with pleasant weather and unforgettable memories with the people who matter most. However, for many, the week isn’t over yet.

Outlook and Insight Third Quarter 2025

A Long, Evolving History with Institutional Clients

A Long, Evolving History with Institutional Clients

In 1975, the founders of Ferguson Wellman saw an opportunity to manage money for workers, setting the stage for a 50-year, evolving relationship with our institutional clients.

Preparing for Fire Season and Other Potential Risks

Preparing for Fire Season and Other Potential Risks

What are the chances that two employees at Ferguson Wellman have parents who lost their homes in wildfires?

Why Clear Financial Goals Matter in Retirement Planning

Why Clear Financial Goals Matter in Retirement Planning

Retirement represents the achievement of financial stability and being able to choose whether or not to work, a goal many of us share.