Our professionals are periodically asked to weigh in on timely topics regarding the economy, capital markets and personal finance.
KXL Radio Interviews with Ferguson Wellman
Vibecession
The summer season is fast approaching, and this typically brings feelings of excitement and relaxation; a time of year that many people spend months looking forward to. However, these positive feelings may not translate to all facets of life.
Talkin' 'Bout My Generation
The world of investing is welcoming a new generation: Gen Z. A recent study by the FINRA Foundation and the CFA Institute found that a whopping 56% of Gen Z are already invested, with many starting younger than any generation before them. This tech-savvy group is also turning to social media for investment information, making their approach quite different from those of us who entered the market during or after the Great Financial Crisis (GFC).
Putting the ‘Income’ Back in Fixed Income
With the Federal Reserve taking a ‘higher-for-longer’ approach to interest rates, bond yields are higher than what the market expected at the start of the year.
Planning for an Alternate Scenario
Scott Christianson, CFP®, discusses ways in which a well-intentioned estate plan can misalign with the deceased family member's intentions and how to avoid pitfalls related to beneficiary designations.
Quarterly Publication Focus: So Far, So Good
In the cover page of our quarterly Market Letter publication, George Hosfield, CFA, provides an update to our investment strategy titled, “So Far, So Good.” In the piece, George discusses the Fed’s progress in fighting inflation and delivering a soft economic landing, plus an update on the dominant theme of artificial intelligence across equity markets.
Planning for Our Children's Future
Samantha Pahlow, CTFA, AWMA®, provides an overview of important issues to consider when making legacy plans with children and grandchildren in mind.
Mega-Cap Earnings in Focus
The U.S. stock market saw a rebound the last couple of weeks, breaking the prior three-week losing streak. The S&P 500 gains were driven by mega-cap names due in large part to their recent earnings results which exceeded investors’ expectations.
Two Steps Forward, One Step Back
The first three weeks of the second quarter have been tough for both equity and bond investors. After a great start to the year, there hasn't been any place for investors to hide in April. The chart below highlights that the three major equity classes, as well as bonds, have all posted negative returns, with Small Caps now down close to 4% for the year.
Is 3% the New 2%?
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.
Market Letter Second Quarter 2024: So Far, So Good
We present Market Letter publication for the second quarter 2024 titled “So Far, So Good” in which Chief Investment Officer George Hosfield, CFA, outlines our belief the Fed remains on course to deliver an ever-so-rare soft landing to this inflationary cycle. Dean Dordevic writes about the Japanese economy and Warren Buffett’s investment there in recent years since the introduction of the “Corporate Governance Code” and Jason Norris, CFA, provides an update on equity market valuations and how investors expect the market to grow for the remainder of the year.
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.
S is for Shrinkflation
Over the last month, the term Shrinkflation has become more popular in the media. The term was broached by President Biden during a Super Bowl interview earlier this year, but has been gaining traction more recently (see chart below on Google search trends) due to a proposed bill in Congress, as well as Sesame Street’s Cookie Monster complaining on X (formerly Twitter).
Productivity = Prosperity
By March, our feelings of excitement for a new year have generally worn off and we have settled into our winter routines. The hope of an early spring and longer days are normally what carries us through the season, but this year, more excitement is brewing.
Norris Interviewed by KXL Radio
Jason Norris, CFA, recently spoke with KXL Radio about the recent increase to the Consumer Price Index.
This one-minute interview can be heard below.
Just More of It
It was an action-packed week in the capital markets headlined by the Federal Reserve’s first meeting of 2024. The central bank decided to leave their benchmark interest rate unchanged at a 23-year high – a level at which it has been since July of last year.
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.
