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 Friday, stock and bond investors wrestled with conflicting conclusions from jobs reports. Two surveys report jobs data: the payroll survey and the household survey. The payroll survey showed a gain of 272,000 new jobs. However, the household survey showed a loss of jobs and an uptick in the unemployment rate to 4.0%.
In our most recent Wealth Management Insights publication, Scott Christianson, CFP®, explained the importance of beneficiary designation in estate planning and the different options to ensure that assets are distributed to the intended heirs.
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.
In our most recent Wealth Management Insights publication, Charissa Anderson, CFP®, CDFA®, explained why it is important to name a successor owner for a 529 account and discussed gift and estate tax implications relating to the account.
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).
The debate about the value of a four-year college degree has received renewed attention in light of media reports showing annual total costs exceeding $100,000. Understandably, many families are reconsidering their higher education plans and evaluating other options including two-year degrees, trade schools, or a combination of starting at community college and then transferring after pre-requisites have been completed.
While market participants were keenly focused on fresh inflation data this week, the Dow Jones Industrial Average crossed another milestone, passing 40,000 for the first time. Whenever the stock market reaches a new territory, we always want to revisit what the world was like when our firm was founded in 1975. When Ferguson Wellman opened its doors, the Dow traded at a price of 616.
In our most recent Wealth Management Insights publication, Samantha Pahlow, CTFA, AWMA, provided a primer on considerations when naming minors beneficiaries of retirement and other financial accounts.
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.
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.
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.
Samantha Pahlow, CTFA, AWMA®, provides an overview of important issues to consider when making legacy plans with children and grandchildren in mind.
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.
Last weekend, as my kids played in the park, a fellow dad struck up a conversation. During our talk, he sighed and asked, "Everything feels so expensive these days, doesn't it?" I’ve heard this sentiment frequently, from friends, family and clients who have expressed curiosity about the rising costs of everyday goods and services. While many individuals are feeling the strain on their finances, inflation measures, such as the Consumer Price Index (CPI), appear to be trending downward, showing a rosier economic picture. So why are people feeling the pinch?
Tyler Conroy, CFP®, writes about the IRS waiving required minimum distributions in 2024 and shares a resource for individuals for whom this may apply.
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.
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.
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.
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.
