The firm’s most recent quarterly newsletter can be found at the link below! In this edition, Jeff Witt, CFA, CFP, CIPM, enlists ChatGPT to write an article, and then he reacts to what is returned. Then Tamara Ballensky, CPA, discusses an important change by the IRS regarding digital asset transaction reporting. Finally, learn more about our two new Associate Wealth Advisors, Chris Paolantonio, CFA, and Jonas Noack, CFA!

Check out our July 2023 Newsletter! President Jeff Witt, CFA, CFP, CIPM, shares why the firm has remained committed to a simple fee structure that ensures we are always on the same side of the table as our clients. Then, Chief Investment Officer David Allen, CFA, CFP® discusses how the largest, tech-exposed companies in the US have driven the rally in US equity markets so far this year.

While there were signs in the data that the Fed’s cumulative interest rate increases to date are negatively impacting output, consumers seem undeterred, and the underlying growth trend in the economy is solid.

Check out our April 2023 Newsletter! David Allen, CFA, CFP® discusses the impact of last month’s regional bank failures on the US monetary policy outlook. Also, Teresa Whorton shares some tips for preserving your digital legacy. And be sure to review a few tips and reminders from our operations department.

The February jobs report showed the labor market remains very strong, but there are some signs of weakening for the Fed to consider ahead of its next meeting later this month.

This week’s ISM Manufacturing and Services surveys for February provided an update on the relative activity levels of these important economic sectors. The data showed that the economic expansion continues to be led by the service sector, though the manufacturing sector did show signs of improvement.

The Federal Reserve continued to slow the pace of interest rate increases at its first meeting of the year and Chair Jerome Powell’s dovish message following the meeting was well-received by markets.

While 2022 was a challenging year, it also paved the way for many new opportunities. While markets will likely remain volatile, investors should take this opportunity to rebalance portfolios and focus on the long-term potentials that opened as a result of a challenging year.

Given the growing pessimism surrounding the economic outlook, it’s a good time for investors to review the history of recessions in the US and how US equity markets have performed during those recessions.

The term “Backdoor Roth” has been floated around the political sphere recently. But what is a Backdoor Roth and who can benefit from using the strategy?

The Fed voted to increase short-term interest rates by 50 basis points in its final meeting of 2022, but most of the focus was on policymakers’ more hawkish set of economic projections.

In November, core consumer prices grew at the slowest pace since early 2021, strengthening the case for the Federal Reserve to slow the pace of rate increase at its final meeting for 2022.

US businesses continued to add jobs at a solid pace last month, but the unemployment rate also rose, sending mixed signals as the Federal Reserve debates how far rates need to rise to slow elevated inflation.

Over the last few weeks, the third quarter earnings season shifted into high gear with some of the largest companies in the S&P 500 reporting results. Though results have been better than expected on the surface, risks to earnings in future periods are mounting.

The Federal Reserve voted unanimously to increase the Federal Funds rate by 75 basis points. The post-meeting communications suggest the Fed is planning to slow the pace of rate increases but potentially raise them higher than previously expected.

The pace of overall growth in the third quarter was mainly due to a substantial contribution from international trade. Unfortunately, trade is unlikely to maintain this pace of growth, and the underlying economic growth is much weaker.

Very few instances exist when you can earn income or have growth of an asset while having no tax liability. A Roth IRA is one of those rare tools.

As the FOMC tries to find this soft landing, the committee will also be guided by an economic concept you may be unfamiliar with: the neutral rate of interest, or R-star.

US businesses continued to add jobs at a solid pace last month and the unemployment rate unexpectedly fell, illustrating a strong labor market that puts the Federal Reserve on track for another 75 basis point interest-rate hike.

The Federal Reserve increased rates by 75 basis points for the third consecutive meeting and laid out a path for continued rate increases into 2023.