Michael Garcia, Ferguson Wellman's chief technology officer, offers tips for keeping information secure when online.
Tips for Staying Secure Online
Ferguson Wellman and West Bearing Recognized at Corporate Philanthropy Awards
Ferguson Wellman Capital Management and West Bearing Investments have been named by Portland Business Journal as a leader in corporate philanthropy in Oregon and southwest Washington.
Mixed Signals
Spooky season was in full force this week with contradictory messages from the economy versus the stock market. The week was chock-full of news with over 40% of the S&P 500 market capitalization reporting third quarter earnings, the release of third quarter economic growth, and finally, fresh data on the Fed’s preferred measure of inflation, the Personal Consumption Expenditure Index.
Ferguson Wellman 73 on Barron’s Top 100 RIA Firms List for 2023
Ferguson Wellman Capital Management was listed 73 out of 100 in the U.S. on Barron’s* annual “2023 Top 100 RIA Firms” list and in The Wall Street Journal.* Ferguson Wellman is the only registered investment advisory (RIA) firm recognized in Oregon.
Rates and Rates
The 10-year U.S. Treasury touched 5% earlier this week, the first time since 2007. By the end of the week, yields had settled at 4.9%, representing a significant increase from the rates of 3.7% on January 1. In the world of “bond math,” bond values fall when rates rise. Therefore, bond returns, as measured by the Bloomberg Aggregate Index, are down over 3% this year.
Wealth Management Insights Forum: Impactful Planning through Life's Phases
We present the recording of the “Wealth Management Insights Forum: Impactful Planning through Life’s Phases.”
Staying Organized: Managing an Efficient Relationship with Your Tax Professional
With a complex and ever-changing tax and financial landscape, individuals and businesses rely heavily on the expertise of tax professionals, including Certified Public Accountants and Enrolled Agents, to manage their financial affairs, ensure compliance with tax laws and make informed financial decisions.
Augmenting Intelligence
Earlier this week we celebrated the one-year anniversary of the 2022 stock market bottom. At that time, inflation was hitting multi-decade highs while 100% of economists surveyed by Bloomberg were forecasting a recession within 12 months. Fortunately, the U.S. economy has held up better than expected, resulting in a strong bounceback in stocks.
King Dollar and the Bond Vigilantes
Last week, the benchmark 10-year U.S. Treasury bond yield reached 4.8%, the highest since June 2007. Bonds reached another milestone last week when the aggregate bond index posted its 38 consecutive monthly drawdown, marking this the longest bond bear market on record. The specific forces pulling the levers of the bond market are numerous, and the math is complex.
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.
Fourth Quarter 2023 Market Letter: Inflation's Flame Flickers
Presenting our fourth quarter 2023 publication of Market Letter titled, “Inflation’s Flame Flickers.”
Fourth Quarter 2023 Wealth Management Insights: Gifting IRA Funds to Charity and Other Smart Philanthropic and Tax Strategies
Presenting the fourth quarter 2023 publication of Wealth Management Insights titled, “Gifting IRA Funds to Charity and Other Smart Philanthropic Strategies.”
CNBC and Financial Advisor Names Ferguson Wellman to 2023 RIA Ranking
Ferguson Wellman and West Bearing were recently named by CNBC and Financial Advisor to their “FA 100: Top-Rated Financial Advisory Firms of 2023” ranking. The firm was listed at 21 of 100 companies.
Legends of the Fall
We have consistently messaged our belief the Fed would accomplish its goal to bring inflation down to 2%, and this week’s latest reading on its preferred measure of the price level supports our thesis. The core version of the personal consumption deflator moderated again in the August reading, rising 3.9% from last year’s level, in line with expectations and moderating from the 4.2% increase registered in July.
Seasons Change But History Remains
As the seasons change and we move into fall, the focus shifts from summer vacation to back to school and football. And just like the calendar, the markets stay true to history. The S&P 500 is down over 3% this month, led by technology stocks which are down 7%. While there is some angst, these declines are normal.
Is China's Economic Dream in Trouble?
Gracing the cover of Time Magazine in 2017, famed political author and Eurasia Group founder, Ian Bremmer claimed “China Won.” This statement was not necessarily controversial, as economists and political pundits all but guaranteed a new age of geopolitical and economic dominance led by the fast-growing nation.
Medicare and Open Enrollment Season
With summer winding down and fall ramping up, many households are looking towards a change in the seasons and fall activities. For those older than age 65 and on Medicare, an annual review of medical insurance coverage may reduce medical costs over time.
The Waiting Place
For almost two years now, investors have been waiting for one of the most anticipated recessions—and understandably so. After 11 rate hikes in the past 18 months, the most aggressive rate hike period in over six decades, the U.S. has defied the odds of a hard economic landing so far. When the Fed has raised rates this aggressively in the past, it’s typically been followed by a recession or “something breaking.”
Daibes Higgins on KOIN Wallet Wednesday
Krystal Daibes Higgins, CFA, was on KOIN AM Extra's Wallet Wednesday to discuss the unemployment rate, high cost of living and the possibility of another rate hike.
Cooling of the Labor Market
As we celebrate Labor Day this weekend, we thought it appropriate to look at the current employment situation in the United States. The job market has been surprisingly robust since the elevated unemployment due to the COVID-19 pandemic and economic shutdown.