Our team of skilled professionals share their expertise on financial planning, wealth management, investing, the economy and the latest market trends.
Past Insights and Interests
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Special Market Update
While we have experienced a few downturns in the past decade, the start to 2022 has certainly been an unsettling period for investors. In moments of market stress, it is always important to refocus on things that we can control and take advantage of any market mispricing.
Navigating Biden's Tax Plan
You’re probably familiar with the old Benjamin Franklin adage that “in this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes.” But when it comes to the tax code provisions themselves, the only certainty is that those provisions will change.
Given the prospect of future potential changes under the Biden administration, here are some helpful tools that we use when thinking about how those potential changes may impact taxpayers.
Mid-Year Financial Check Up
The first half of 2021 is behind us. As we continue to experience the ups and downs of living through a pandemic, a mid-year financial checkup may be more important than ever. Take a look at the different ways you can keep your financial situation on the right path.
Is Inflation Coming Back?
We’ve all been hearing a lot about inflation in the news lately. In this month’s PCM Insights we dig into the numbers for some perspective on current inflation trends, whether those trends are here to stay or short-term aberrations, and what this all means to investors.
American Rescue Plan Act of 2021
“The hardest thing in the world to understand is the income tax.” – Albert Einstein
The American Rescue Plan Act, signed into law March 2021, includes many provisions intended to assist Americans financially impacted by the pandemic. Our summary covers some of the additional complexities that may impact your tax filing process, recovery rebates, 2021 child tax credits, dependent care credits and more.
Important 2021 Financial Deadlines
“You can break that big plan into small steps and take the first step right away.” – Indira Gandhi
There are important financial deadlines occurring throughout the year. Schedule some time with your advisor to review these deadlines and other numbers to keep in mind when planning financial decisions in 2021.
New Year Tax Planning
“There is an ancient belief that the gods love the obscure and hate the obvious. Without benefit of divinity, modern men of similar persuasion draft provisions of the Internal Revenue Code.” – Martin D. Ginsburg
As we near the start of a new year it is important to start thinking about making financial resolutions and planning for annual milestones.
Election 2020: Post-Election Overview
“A house divided against itself cannot stand.” – Abraham Lincoln
This month’s commentary focuses on the incoming Biden Administration, vaccine development, economic momentum, interest rates, and tax reform.
Financial Planning - An Overview
“Our goals can only be reached through a vehicle of a plan in which we must fervently believe, and upon which we must vigorously act. There is no other route to success.” – Pablo Picasso
This year has thrown us some curveballs, but now is a great time to consider starting or revisiting your financial plan. Before jumping in though, take some time and look at what financial planning is, what it can encompass, and how you can get started.
Election 2020: 75 Days and Counting
“Just because you do not take an interest in politics, doesn’t mean politics won’t take an interest in you.” – Pericles
The 59th United States presidential election is upon us this fall and the stakes could not feel higher. The global economy experienced one of the sharpest contractions on record in the second quarter of 2020 with a recovery that depends on containing the COVID-19 pandemic and related economic fallout.
Learn what this all could mean in the months and year ahead.
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Past Quarterly Newsletters
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Fourth Quarter 2022
Stocks and bonds rebounded in the quarter but ended the year on a sour note. Decelerating global growth outweighed inflation concerns as investors became increasingly anxious about an economic slowdown.
Third Quarter 2022
Stocks and bonds declined for the quarter as markets continue to digest high inflation, continued monetary tightening, and slowing global growth. Nearly all major equity indices remain in a bear market.
First Quarter 2022
During Q1 2022, global equity and fixed income returns were largely negative as persistent inflation, rising interest rates, and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine dominated headlines. We review these and other major drivers of the markets in this edition of our Quarterly Commentary.
Fourth Quarter 2021
Although equities market returns were strong during 2021, we faced many challenges that will persist into 2022. However, the economy continued to advance as it continues to adapt to the everchanging COVID-19 landscape.
Third Quarter 2021
“The supply chain stuff is really tricky.” - Elon Musk
As the leaves began to change in September, investor sentiment also started to shift. Concerns about supply chain issues, elevated levels of inflation, the COVID-19 delta variant, and the potential for increased taxes all weighed on investors’ minds. Global stocks declined during the month of September and ended the quarter down 1%. US stocks were also down in September but ended the quarter with a slight gain. We explore these topics and more in the enclosed commentary.
Second Quarter 2021
“Humility is not thinking less of yourself, it’s thinking of yourself less.” – C.S. Lewis
In Q2 2021, equities markets posted solid gains, while scarcity of resources propelled wages and inflation, and discussions around monetary policy and interest rates.
First Quarter 2021
“An open heart is an open mind.” – Dali Lama XIV
Global equity markets continued to notch record highs in the first quarter as investors embraced better than expected corporate profits, increasing business activity, and improving COVID-19 vaccination progress.
Fourth Quarter 2020
“Keep on Rockin' in the Free World.” - Neil Young
Capping off a tumultuous year, global equities delivered strong returns in the fourth quarter of 2020 finishing at record highs. Multiple catalysts including rebounding economic fundamentals, COVID-19 vaccine milestones, and certainty regarding the U.S. 2020 elections fueled these gains. To say 2020 was a volatile year is an understatement.
Third Quarter 2020
“The ultimate rulers of our democracy are not a President and senators and congressmen and government officials, but the voters of this country.” – Franklin Roosevelt
The third quarter of 2020 delivered solid returns across the board for broad-based global asset classes. On a YTD basis, U.S. stock returns have been positive and foreign stocks remain negative. Unprecedented U.S. monetary and fiscal stimulus, a strong dollar, and significant technology weightings within U.S. indices have driven U.S. outperformance.
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