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By Chris McCall April 25, 2025
Markets started strong but lost momentum due to tariff concerns, while international stocks outperformed U.S. markets, helped by stronger foreign currencies and stable economic trends. Bonds provided stability, and a weakening U.S. dollar could make global diversification increasingly attractive.
By Chris McCall January 17, 2025
Major indexes had mixed fourth-quarter results as the U.S. dollar surged, bond yields rose, and inflation concerns lingered, but stocks—especially in the U.S.—still posted strong annual gains, while international stocks lagged due to weaker foreign currencies. Looking ahead to 2025, central banks are expected to cut rates, capital investment in key sectors remains strong, and strategic diversification will be critical amid expected market volatility and normalization.
By Chris McCall November 12, 2024
You may have heard the saying, “Money isn’t everything… it’s the only thing.” That mindset is so prevalent in our society, it can be a major roadblock to living the life you are meant to live—a life of joy and abundance. When you hear the word wealth, what comes to mind?
October 14, 2024
Major market indexes had a strong showing in the third quarter as “economic activity has continued to expand at a solid pace,” to use the words from the September 18th federal reserve meeting. At that meeting, the fed announced a 0.50% cut in the federal funds rate while acknowledging that inflation is trending down towards its long-term targe
By Jessica Stembridge September 9, 2024
When I read the textbook definition of legacy, I was pretty underwhelmed. It felt both transactional and materialistic, and was far removed from the understanding of legacy that I've had for most of my professional life. It made me wonder if others hold the meaning at such a low bar, and if perhaps Merriam-Webster should consider a revision.
A person is writing on a blackboard with chalk
By Chris McCall January 29, 2024
The average gain for stocks within the S&P 500 Index was just shy of 14% (as measured by the S&P 500 equal weighted index) while smaller US companies and companies internationally were up in the 15-20% range.
A couple of salt and pepper shakers sitting on top of a wooden tray on a table.
By Jessica Stembridge November 15, 2023
So you plan to host Thanksgiving this year? For a lot of folks, the thought of hosting can be quite overwhelming! I've found that the key to keeping it low-stress is to plan ahead.
A group of people are working on a robot on a computer screen.
By Chris McCall July 17, 2023
How AI might affect financial markets and your investments: It is difficult, if not foolish, to prognosticate how something like AI will impact financial markets. There are too many variables at play and so many unknowns to make reliable predictions.
A sticky note that says big tax changes ahead
By Andy Avera January 24, 2023
On December 29, 2022, SECURE Act 2.0 was passed into law. The SECURE Act 2.0 has many more provisions than the original SECURE Act, portions of which do not take effect until next year or later. Some of the provisions still need...
A man is riding a paper boat in the ocean.
By Chris McCall January 20, 2023
Predicting what the stock market will do is easy. It’s getting the prediction right that’s difficult. If you could tell me what corporate earnings (or net profits) will be for this year and what investors would be willing...
A group of people are sitting around a table with boxes and laughing.
By Chris McCall December 13, 2022
In our Insights piece last month titled, “Do You Feel Called to Philanthropy,” we talked about how someone who is philanthropic sacrifices out of love for mankind. Giving of our time, talent, and treasure can bring about...
A hand is reaching out towards the word give back.
By Chris McCall October 26, 2022
Have you ever sat down and thought about the purpose of money? What are we supposed to do with it? The world tells us our money is ours to do with it as we please. While we do have free will to make choices, our life will be judged and our legacy will be defined by those choices.
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