The Consumer Price Index (CPI) is a measure of goods and services prices across the economy, and a popular gauge of inflation. The headline CPI rose 3.5% in March from a year earlier, which was higher than economists had forecast and an increase from February’s 3.2% reading. The Core CPI, which excludes the volatile food and energy components, also rose more than expected, with medical care and auto insurance boosting the non-housing service prices.
Second Quarter 2024 Investment Strategy Video: So Far, So Good
Head of Fixed Income and Principal Brad Houle, CFA, presents the firm's quarterly Investment Strategy titled, "So Far, So Good." In the video he discusses how the Fed's fight on inflation is faring, our belief that commercial real estate is not similar to residential real estate circa 2008 and investors' expectations for earnings for the remainder of the year.
Helping the Next Generation with Buying a Home
The current residential real estate market continues to apply pressure on potential home buyers, with many feeling the constraints of high housing prices and relatively high interest rates for mortgages.
Wealth Management Insights Second Quarter 2024: Planning for Our Children's Future
We present our second quarter 2024 issue of Wealth Management Insights titled “Planning for our Children’s Future.” In it, Samantha Pahlow, CTFA, AWMA®, discusses the crucial aspects to consider when planning for the distribution of assets for minor children. Scott Christianson, CFP®, writes about planning ahead for unanticipated outcomes in our estate plans and what we can do with estate planning to avoid major pitfalls and Charissa Anderson, CFP®, CDFA®, provides a considerations when saving for education and utilizing a 529 account.
Oregon Business Magazine Names Ferguson Wellman Number One on Financial Planners Powerlist
Ferguson Wellman has been named by Oregon Business magazine as a top financial planner on their annual Powerlist. Oregon Business ranked Ferguson Wellman first in the state on their list of 11 financial planning companies. The listing was compiled based upon assets under management in Oregon.
Investment Strategy Video: Inflation's Flame Flickers
George Hosfield, CFA, discusses Ferguson Wellman's quarterly strategy titled, "Inflation's Flame Flickers," which addresses the narrow market leadership, the impact of higher interest rates on inflation and how assets are priced at this stage of the economic cycle.
2023 Mid-Year Update Video
In spring 2023, members of our team have hosted events throughout the Pacific and Inland Northwest. Following our “tour,” we created a video of our presentation for clients who missed an event or don’t reside in the Northwest.
Debt Drama Update
Many people believe the world’s largest and most important economy is on the brink of default. Indeed, politicians generally do a disservice by pushing their agenda until the last minute and then lose the trust of their constituents and investors. However, negotiations on the debt ceiling have improved over the last few days and the risk of default has decreased.
Wealth Management Insights: Caring for Ourselves and Our Loved Ones
Collaborative planning for care needs can reduce family stress and ensure our housing, financial management, legal arrangements and healthcare is consistent with our personal preferences. In this quarter’s Wealth Management Insights video, Mary Lago, CFP®, CTFA, shares common decision points and items we can address in advance.
Investment Strategy Video: Stalemate
George Hosfield, CFA, discusses the firm's quarterly strategy titled "Stalemate," which highlights the Fed's ongoing battle to tame inflation along with our views on the health of the banking industry and capital market expectations for the balance of the year.
Chappell Authors Spokane Journal of Business Article
Our colleague, Casia Chappell, CFP®, CPWA®, recently wrote a piece for the Spokane Journal of Business. In it, she discusses how donor-advised funds can help streamline strategic giving.
Data > Headlines
To both economists and investors, one of the biggest surprises to begin 2023 has been the resilience of the economy, and in particular the labor market. Coming off the back of the most rapid Federal Reserve tightening cycle in decades, many assumed that economic data would prove recessionary as soon as the calendar flipped. While leading indicators still point to a slowing in the economy ahead, recession still seems a ways away.
Optimizing the Tax Benefits of Charitable Giving
Samantha Pahlow, CTFA, AWMA®, provides an overview of planned philanthropic donations and the tax benefits associated.
The Fed Holds Fast
This week, all eyes were on the inflation report and the subsequent Federal Reserve announcement a day later. Since these were the last announcements of their kind for 2022, market participants were paying close attention, with the hope of gaining some insight into what the rest of the year might look like for markets.
A December to Remember
As investors handicap the most anticipated recession in history, fourth quarter equity returns are playing out as expected. Historically, the fourth quarter, specifically the month of December, delivers the best results for equity investors. While this quarter has continued the positive trend, December is not acting as planned.
JOLT to the Job Market
Jerome Powell has the most difficult job in America. The Fed Chairman and the Federal Reserve Open Market Committee are tasked with lowering inflation and they primarily have only one blunt tool to accomplish this goal, adjusting interest rates.
Lago Authors Spokane Journal of Business Article
Our colleague, Mary Lago, CFP®, CTFA, recently wrote a piece for the Spokane Journal of Business. In it, she discusses how financial strategies can optimize charitable giving.
Anderson on KOIN Wallet Wednesday
Charissa Anderson, CFP®, CDFA®, appeared on KOIN News Wallet Wednesday on October 12, 2022, and discussed the pluses and minuses of receiving financial advice from TikTok.
Bond Math
Principal and Head of Fixed Income, Brad Houle, CFA, discusses the math at work in fixed income investing and the relationship between bonds and interest rates.
Daibes Higgins on KOIN Wallet Wednesday
Krystal Daibes Higgins, CFA, appeared on KOIN News Wallet Wednesday on July 27, 2022, and discussed the recent Fed Hike, inflation and gas prices.