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.
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.
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.”
Opening a Washington office had long been a goal for Ferguson Wellman. In 2021, as businesses globally grappled with remote work transitions, we established our first office in the state.
Even the best estate plan will go sideways without the right fiduciaries ready to step in and manage your affairs when you are no longer able to do so, whether by reason of death or incapacity during lifetime. It can be difficult to make these selections, considering family dynamics, time burden, availability, cost and the skills required. Thoughtful consideration in advance will be a gift to your loved ones when they may be called to enact your wishes.
It is easy to put off creating or updating an estate plan. Afterall, most of us believe we have at least a bit more time before it will be necessary and the excuses are obvious and plentiful. Herein, we will outline common impediments and corresponding benefits of a relevant plan with the intent of encouraging us all to take on the challenge.
When we think of estate planning, we often think of legal documents, trusts and tax strategies. Often, the most challenging aspect of creating a successful plan is the human element: your family’s unique dynamics. The good news is that many common conflicts are predictable and can be reduced with planning and clear communication.
Software stocks have experienced a selloff of over 30% since October 2025, largely driven by uncertainty around the competitive risks of artificial intelligence (AI). While AI will have a significant impact on software companies, the more relevant question for investors is understanding if it is an opportunity or a risk for individual businesses.
In the first quarter, several market-disrupting events took place: the Supreme Court struck down International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) tariffs, war began in the Middle East, oil prices rose over 70%, expectations for two Federal Reserve rate cuts evaporated and AI substitution fears triggered a 20% selloff in software stocks, the S&P 500’s second-largest industry. While none of these are positive developments for the capital markets, the fact that the S&P 500 is only down 4% year-to-date suggests the economic fallout may be much less than the current headlines suggest (as of March 31, 2026).
PORTLAND, Ore.—(Businesswire)—Ferguson Wellman Capital Management, a 50-year-old investment firm with broad employee ownership, is presenting its 2026 Outlook to clients through a 13-city tour in Western states.
It was an exceptionally busy week for economic data, and by and large, the news this week was very favorable. After a period of weakness in the second half of 2025, the labor market appears to be finding its footing.
PORTLAND, Ore.—(Businesswire)—Ferguson Wellman Capital Management, a 50-year-old investment firm with broad employee ownership, is presenting its 2026 Outlook to clients through a 13-city tour in Western states.
Ferguson Wellman Capital Management, an independent investment firm based in Portland, Oregon, has announced the acquisition of Great Northern Asset Management as of January 1, 2026. The Great Northern office will remain in downtown Vancouver, Washington. This will be Ferguson Wellman’s second office in Washington.
Investors had to contend with plenty of noise in 2025. Tariff uncertainty disrupted markets, the longest government shutdown in U.S. history delayed economic data and the Fed resumed its easing cycle.
This past week offered a trifecta of market-moving headlines: the Federal Reserve lowering interest rates, the latest chapter in the U.S. - China trade saga and a flurry of earnings reports from the leaders in tech and AI.
When a company needs a big loan to buy a competitor or fund a major project, they traditionally go to big banks or sell bonds on the public market. Private credit funds changed this process, allowing for more streamlined borrowing. Private credit funds act as the bank, lending money directly to companies in bespoke deals.
On Wednesday, Congress failed to reach an agreement to fund the government, resulting in the first shutdown since 2018. While news headlines are filled with political drama, the financial markets have told a different story.
We’re caught in a strange economic limbo with the U.S. employment market. Large-scale layoffs and a climb in the unemployment rate that signals a recession has not materialized; but the robust hiring that signals a healthy economy has vanished. The result is a labor market completely stuck in neutral, and the official numbers we’ve relied on for decades are looking shakier than ever.
Over the course of the third quarter, the focus among investors, economists and the Fed itself shifted from tariff policy to jobs. We’ve arrived at a dynamic in the labor market that can best be described as a “stalemate.” Both hiring and firing rates sit at low levels. Businesses, uncertain about the future, are holding onto the employees they have, while simultaneously hesitating to bring on new staff. Top of mind is whether the frozen labor market will thaw through a resumption of hiring or whether we are in the early stages of an eventual rise in the rate of unemployment.
Josh Frankel, CFP®, was on KOIN AM Extra's Wallet Wednesday to share some tips on how to best teach kids about money.
Each year, central bankers, finance ministers and academics gather in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, for an economic policy symposium (or boondoggle, whichever you prefer).
