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Our Investment Views
Emilie Ma
Investment Strategy Video: Inflation's Flame ...

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.

Investment Strategy Video: Inflation's Flame Flickers
Our Investment Views
Guest User
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.

Investment Strategy Video: Stalemate
Our Investment Views
Guest User
Third Quarter 2022 Investment Strategy Video: ...

Director and Chief Investment Officer George Hosfield, CFA, discusses the Fed raising interest rates, peaking inflation and our view on equities and volatility across all asset classes in our Investment Strategy titled, “Balancing Act.”

Third Quarter 2022 Investment Strategy Video: Balancing Act
Annual Report
Mary Faulkner
2021 Annual Report

2021 Annual Report

2021 Annual Report
Wealth Management
Guest User
First Quarter 2022 Wealth Management Insights ...

Mary Lago, CFP®, CTFA, discusses the theme for the first quarter of 2022, “Valuing the Resources of Time and Money.”

First Quarter 2022 Wealth Management Insights Video: Valuing the Resources of Time and Money

West Bearing Investments

Data vs. Drama: The Real Economic Story

Data vs. Drama: The Real Economic Story

After a 20% rebound from its April 7 lows, the S&P 500 is positive for the year, marking one of the most significant short-term comebacks in market history. The market rallied on Monday following weekend news about tariff negotiations with China. In a complete reversal from the earlier “Liberation Day” tariff announcement, the punitive 145% tariff rate on Chinese goods was reduced to 30%, with a 90-day pause implemented. In response, China lowered its retaliatory tariff rate on U.S. goods from 125% to 10%.

A Break From Tariff Talk

A Break From Tariff Talk

This week, for the first time in months, tariff news was overshadowed by economic and earnings headlines. Those of us in the business of analyzing the market and economy can agree that this was a refreshing shift.

Taking the Time to Share Our Outlook

Taking the Time to Share Our Outlook

One of the sayings most often heard in our firm is, “It’s not about timing the market”—it’s about time in the market. With this long-term view in mind, one might ask why we spend so much time preparing our Outlook each year when the messaging has been consistent over the years. Simply put, each year brings new challenges for investors, but our commitment to clients is to stay focused on the long term.

To Gift or Not to Gift and Other Questions

To Gift or Not to Gift and Other Questions

According to the latest report by Cerulli & Associates, $124 trillion is expected to change hands by 2048. Just under 15% is expected to be given to charity and the remaining balance will go to heirs.  

Three Pitfalls to Avoid with 529 Plan Withdrawals

Three Pitfalls to Avoid with 529 Plan Withdrawals

When it comes to saving for college, 529 accounts are a popular choice. These tax-advantaged savings plans are designed to help families set aside funds for future education expenses. You can choose from various investment options and enjoy tax-free growth and withdrawals for qualified education costs. 

Tariff Tensions

Tariff Tensions

After last November’s election, it was widely expected that tariffs would become a significant focus in 2025. Initially, markets downplayed these concerns, viewing them primarily as negotiating tools rather than serious economic threats. 

Turn Down the Volume

Turn Down the Volume

After a quick start that saw the S&P 500 jump 5% in the first three weeks of the year, markets abruptly reversed course and gave it all back and then some, with the blue-chip index posting a 4.3% loss for the quarter. 

Pick Your Poison

Pick Your Poison

Equity markets surged on Monday only to come under pressure to close the week at a 1.5% loss. Absent a rally greater than 4% on Monday, this will be the first quarter since the summer of 2023 when investors have lost money in domestic stocks.

Global Gains, U.S. Pains

Global Gains, U.S. Pains

Something is happening that hasn’t occurred in a very long time – international stocks are outperforming the U.S. markets. This shift marks a significant departure from the long-standing dominance of U.S. equities, which have historically been driven by robust earnings growth and technological innovation.

Saving for College

Saving for College

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.  

Tariffs and Volatility: Turn Down the Volume

Tariffs and Volatility: Turn Down the Volume

This week, we sent this communication to all Ferguson Wellman and West Bearing clients in response to heightened market volatility. We felt that this message was also appropriate to reiterate for our weekly blog.

KXL Radio Interviews with Ferguson Wellman

KXL Radio Interviews with Ferguson Wellman

Our professionals are periodically asked to weigh in on timely topics regarding the economy, capital markets and personal finance.

The Tariff Tantrum

The Tariff Tantrum

After last November's presidential election, it was widely understood that tariffs would be on the agenda for 2025. Early this year, however, markets largely shrugged off these concerns, viewing tariff threats primarily as a negotiating tactic rather than a serious economic risk.

Lessons Learned from the California Wildfires

Lessons Learned from the California Wildfires

This article was originally published in 2020. As the author, I chose to focus on the Camp Fire in northern California as a case study for fire safety and financial preparedness during disasters. My colleague, Mary Lago, CFP®, CTFA, grew up in Paradise, California, and tragically her mom lost her home in the fire.  

Falling Snow, Rising Inflation

Falling Snow, Rising Inflation

This week, Portland residents braved the cold to venture outside and watch snow blanket the city. In contrast, January's inflation data was seemingly the opposite, rising higher month-over-month and year-over-year. While the snowfall might have been a pleasant surprise for some Oregonians, this inflation data was anything but for most investors and consumers.

Real Estate Investing: The Good, the Bad and the Office Space

Real Estate Investing: The Good, the Bad and the Office Space

In our Investment Outlook 2025 events, we will share our thoughts on the real estate market and the opportunities ahead. While the commercial real estate sector appeared to hit bottom early last year, it showed a positive trend in the latter half, with core real estate values increasing 6% per the Green Street Commercial Property Index (Green Street CPPI). As mentioned in previous publications, we favor opportunities in industrial warehouses, apartments and data centers, which saw values increase last year. However, our publications have not as deeply explored one segment of commercial real estate (CRE): office space.

Understanding the SECURE 2.0 Act: Key Changes for 2025

Understanding the SECURE 2.0 Act: Key Changes for 2025

There are two SECURE Acts, both of which were designed to enhance retirement savings and provide more flexibility for savers by updating and introducing new retirement planning rules.

Remember Tomorrow

Remember Tomorrow

What a year it’s been for the equity markets. In our last Weekly Market Makers post for 2024, our colleague Jason Norris, CFA, reminds us to remember our own long-term horizons when contemplating the short-term market activity in 2025.

Reason or Excuse?

Reason or Excuse?

On Wednesday, in a widely expected move, the Federal Reserve cut the policy interest rate by 0.25% to a new range of 4.25% - 4.50%. This brings cumulative interest rate cuts to 1% for calendar year 2024.

Working With Your Team of Financial Professionals

Working With Your Team of Financial Professionals

Wrapping up any tax year results in a flurry of activity. Not just holiday shopping and family gatherings, but also tax strategy implementation and estate planning actions. At Ferguson Wellman, we regularly provide guidance and field questions about appropriate strategies for our clients’ situations.