July 15, 2019 Our Most Interesting Chart Right Now: Bull Run Not (Yet) Strongest or Longest by Matthew D. Palazzolo The US stock market continues to hit new highs this month, buoyed by optimism that the Fed will resume monetary policy accommodation—by lowering interest rates—which should further support the economy and corporate profitability. Despite this, investors are still fixated on the duration of the current bull market—now over 10 years. The implication of these concerns is that the rally’s duration is reason enough to become more cautious. We disagree. Wealth Planning Likes 1 SHARE Bookmarks
July 15, 2019 Mission First, People Always by Clare Golla While nonprofit leaders are working to secure long-term organizational financial stability, and in some cases, even providing financial literacy programs to the community, many employees who tirelessly serve their organizations’ respective missions are falling behind on securing their own long-term financial well-being. Endowments & Foundations, Wealth Planning Likes 0 SHARE Bookmarks
July 11, 2019 The ESG Edge to Concentrated Equity Investing by Mark Phelps, James T. Tierney, Jr., Ton Wijsman There are many ways to apply responsible investing principles to portfolios. But some investing approaches may be more conducive to creating a portfolio with strong environmental, social and governance (ESG) qualities than others. Concentrated equities are a case in point. Equities, Responsible Investing/ESG Likes 0 SHARE Bookmarks
July 05, 2019 One Number Every Business Owner Needs to Know by Andrew Bishop, Daniel Brunello Most entrepreneurs eyeing the exit have a “magic” number in their head—a price tag they feel they need to secure before handing over the reins. But few can show their math, leading many to overestimate the amount they truly require. Business Owners, Wealth Planning Likes 0 SHARE Bookmarks
July 01, 2019 The X’s and O’s of Tariff Management by Matthew D. Palazzolo Despite seemingly constructive talks between the US and China over the weekend at the G20 Summit in Osaka, the threat of further trade escalation looms. The initial rounds of US tariffs on Chinese goods were focused mostly on industrial products. But, if the US proceeds with tariffs on “List 4”–the remaining $300 billion of Chinese goods not yet tariffed–consumers are likely to feel the effects. The reason? This next and final round places a 25% tariff on predominantly consumer goods like toys, apparel, sporting goods, and sneakers, among others. Capital Markets Outlook, Trade Wars Likes 0 SHARE Bookmarks
June 25, 2019 Following UN Goals to Sustainable Equity Themes by Dan Roarty The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) offer a good guide for investing in companies making a positive impact on society. But where do you begin? Start by drilling deeply into the SDGs themselves to identify investible themes. Equities, Responsible Investing/ESG Likes 0 SHARE Bookmarks
June 24, 2019 Four Ways Women Give Differently by Beata Kirr, Tara Thompson Popernik When it comes to charitable intentions, women exhibit some distinct preferences and behaviors. That doesn’t mean women are better at giving—or even that all female donors feel the same way. What does Wealth Planning, Women & Wealth Likes 1 SHARE Bookmarks
June 20, 2019 Fed Looking for an Ounce of Prevention with Rate Cuts by Eric Winograd The Fed left its benchmark rate unchanged this week, but also signaled a very high probability of cuts later this year. Historically, rate cuts have been a sign of trouble—typically made in response to slower growth and rising unemployment. But this time around, growth data aren’t showing much weakness. What’s the story? Economics, Fixed Income, Later in the Cycle Likes 0 SHARE Bookmarks
June 14, 2019 Investing in Healthcare Disruption by Moira McLachlan Healthcare has traditionally been a defensive sector with spending that is less sensitive to overall growth than other parts of the economy. As a result, healthcare stocks have tended to produce more consistent returns than the broader market. But disruption on multiple fronts is challenging the status quo and undermining the sector’s defensive qualities. Disruption, Equities Likes 0 SHARE Bookmarks
June 12, 2019 The Staying Power of Commercial Real Estate by Greg Young The US is approaching the longest economic recovery in history, and some investors are worried that a slowdown is on the horizon and the commercial real estate cycle is nearing an end. We agree that an economic slowdown will happen at some point, but think that it matters less for long-term investors in private commercial real estate. Alternatives, Real Estate Likes 0 SHARE Bookmarks
June 10, 2019 Stock-Picking in a World of Digital Assets by Paul Robertson The Digital Economy is challenging the way investors find opportunity. Old Economy rules no longer apply. Disruption, Wealth Planning Likes 0 SHARE Bookmarks
June 06, 2019 Trade Wars Likely to Change the Fed’s Interest-Rate Game Plan by Eric Winograd The trade war has taken a harsher turn, threatening to further dampen economic growth. We expect the Fed to respond with sizable rate cuts, but the timing and amounts are more speculative than normal. Why? Economic data haven’t yet taken a major downward turn, and there’s uncertainty over how the Fed will react. Economics, Fixed Income, Trade Wars Likes 0 SHARE Bookmarks
June 04, 2019 Equities: Concentrate on Right Risks for Right Reasons by Mark Phelps Investors shouldn’t avoid risk: it’s how you generate return. One solution is to find good companies that have the right risks for the right reasons and for the right time horizon. With a concentrated portfolio, you can spend more time on fewer companies, get to know them better and see if they’ve got a great runway for growth. Equities, Volatility Likes 0 SHARE Bookmarks