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The last several trading days have reminded us that equity markets do in fact have volatility.  This volatility in the near-term can be very unsettling for us as investors.  Warren Buffet made a famous statement concerning the markets, “In the short run, the market is a voting machine, but in

Summary Impact on Economy – Short-term improvement in GDP, long-term impact unclear Impact on Corporations – Highest tax payers experience greatest benefit, highly leveraged businesses may suffer Impact on Individuals – It depends on specific circumstances History and Background: The Republican-led Congress passed, and the President has now signed into

Please find the next blog in our monthly series that provides timely market data as well as perspectives on the current state of the economy and the global financial markets. Global Economy: President Trump signed into law the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, the most sweeping change to our nation’s

Recently, congress passed the biggest overhaul of the tax code since 1986. As far as year-end planning, here are a few reminders on planning opportunities: Ordinary Income – in situations where you have flexibility to control the timing between 2017 and 2018, in most cases recognizing this next year will

Policy Normalization on Target:  Despite a pair of more dovish dissenters, the FOMC voted to raise the target range for the Fed Funds rate to 1.25% to 1.50%.  This 25 bps hike was well-telegraphed and completely expected by the market, with a recent implied probability of action very near 100%. 

Global Economy: An active month saw both the House and the Senate narrowly passing tax reform measures, while the President formally nominated the next Fed Chair. Tax reform is not a done deal, as Congressional leaders will attempt to come up with a compromise that will suit both chambers. Valuations

Global Economy: Common measures of US economic health continue to be positive, with 3Q-17 real gross domestic product (GDP) initially estimated at 3.0%.  Surveys around consumer sentiment and manufacturing ended at multi-year highs, and retail sales posted the best month-over-month results in two and a half years.  That said, Core

Global Economy: Backward-looking economic signals continue to be positive, with 2Q-17 real gross domestic product (GDP) revised up to 3.1%.  While manufacturing and producer surveys remained positive, core PCE, the Federal Reserve’s preferred measure of price inflation, moved down to 1.3% on a year-over-year basis. The unemployment rate dropped to

Please find the next blog in our monthly series that provides timely market data as well as perspectives on the current state of the economy and the global financial markets. Global Economy: Themes of mild inflation, moderate growth, low unemployment and persistently low volatility are shared around the globe, even

Please find the next blog in our monthly series that provides timely market data as well as perspectives on the current state of the economy and the global financial markets. Global Economy: The global economy finds itself unusually calm, despite being surrounded by several strong currents.  As it relates specifically