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.”
On Wednesday, the Federal Reserve lifted their key interest rate by 0.25% in the first of six expected rate hikes for this year, and possibly another four proposed increases in 2023. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell had indicated that this increase was coming. So, when the stock market rose on Wednesday in response, it was less about the rate hike itself and more about Powell’s language associated with the move.
Our 2022 Investment Outlook features the Superman and Clark Kent theme, a metaphor referencing past extraordinary economic stimulus provided by the Federal Reserve and the U.S. government during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the supercharged earnings growth that served as a key tailwind for stocks last year.
While news coverage is understandably focused on the devastation in Ukraine, we remain keenly focused on the fundamentals of the U.S. economy and the companies we follow. We realize that during times of stress markets become disconnected from the underlying fundamentals of the economy, but just like water always finds its equilibrium, markets similarly return to the fundamentals.
The geopolitical situation between Russia and Ukraine remained atop the headlines this week and without a doubt have had a material impact on the capital markets.
When you sell real estate and make a profit, you may be taxed on that gain. When it comes to the sale, both how the property was used and the length of time you’ve owned the property will impact your taxation.
Some while ago as I was preparing for my first solo overseas flight, I told a friend in the aviation industry that I disliked turbulence; the stomach-churning drops and swings were too sudden and unpredictable for my appetite.
It would appear that the alternative investment industry has the complete focus of the SEC, and it is not hard to see why. Attracted by the high return potential and uncorrelated nature of many alternatives, sophisticated investors from significant pension plans, sovereign wealth funds, family offices and high-net-worth individuals have significantly increased allocations to the asset class over the last few decades.
Here are highlights of the 2022 key financial figures that, depending on your stage of life, may impact your tax planning this year.
During our collective years in investment management, we’ve come to use several phrases over and over. Our long-time clients may begin to roll their eyes as we repeat an oft-used phrase, “The Fed is raising rates for the right reason.”
The West Bearing team has expanded, with the hiring of their third portfolio manager, Nathan Putnam. West Bearing recently surpassed $500 million assets under management and needed additional capacity to serve more clients.
In our Outlook 2022 publication titled "Extraordinary to Ordinary" we highlighted that more volatility would be a feature of 2022. Volatility was extraordinarily high in 2020 during the zenith of the COVID-19 crisis and well below average during the robust economic recovery of 2021. This year we expect an environment of more normal volatility.
The Federal Reserve has maintained near-zero interest rates for nearly two years, and by now, it is clear this extraordinary policy is no longer needed. Over the last several months, continued elevated inflation readings, coupled with a tightening labor market, have led the Fed to suggest rate hikes are coming both sooner and faster than previously expected.
For many owners, selling or transitioning their business often ranks as the most important financial decision of their lives. Not only is this decision often highly emotional, but many additional factors exist that require careful attention and evaluation.
Inflation was front and center this week with the release of the December Consumer Price Index (CPI) report. Inflation of 7% Headline and 5.5% Core (ex Food and Energy) were in line with consensus expectations.
Mary Lago, CFP®, CTFA, discusses the theme for the first quarter of 2022, “Valuing the Resources of Time and Money.”
Santa Claus came in the waning days of December and brought his namesake rally. But as the calendar turned, Santa left, and the markets started the year with a stumble.
