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The passive income trap: Why total return is a smarter strategy for 2025
For many investors the appeal of creating passive income from their portfolio is strong. The idea of generating a steady stream of cash flow from income-based investments is intuitively attractive. However, focusing too narrowly on income can often lead to unintended consequences, such as lower long-term growth and tax inefficiencies. A more effective approach for ... Read more
The cautious case for REITs: Why I'm avoiding real estate stocks in 2025.
REITs have long been a popular asset class for income and diversification. However, the current economic landscape presents a challenging combination of headwinds for REIT investors. Here is why we're cautious about REITs today.
Q2 2025 Performance Review: A volatile quarter for stocks ends on a high.
The second quarter was a period of extremes. In early April, the S&P 500 briefly fell into bear market territory, having declined more than 20% from its highs on worries about the “Liberation Day” tariff announcement. But after the initial tariff plan was put on “pause” stocks began to recover. By the end of the quarter global stocks were trading at all-time highs. Here are our thoughts on what happened this quarter, how it impacted our strategies, and what we expect in the coming quarters.
Israel-Iran conflict: A guide for U.S. investors amid market uncertainty.
The recent conflict in Iran has understandably put investors on edge. But what might the actual economic impact of this conflict be? Does it suggest any portfolio changes? Here are our thoughts in how these events could influence the economy, markets and your money.
When will the Fed cut rates? June meeting points to a timeline.
As was widely expected, the Federal Reserve held interest rates steady at its June meeting, navigating a difficult moment with risks to both inflation and economic growth. While a potential tariff-driven price spike is keeping the Fed on hold for now, a closer look at their projections and Fed Chair Jerome Powell's comments reveals a clear bias towards cutting rates later this year.
Stock market 101: A beginner's guide
What is the stock market? What are stocks? How do stocks fit into your overall financial plan? Here are some answers.
What is an emergency fund?
An emergency fund is designed to be a safety net for “surprise” expenses. Learn more about what it is and why it is important.
The real reason mortgage rates are so high (and why they probably won't drop soon)
Mortgage rates have remained stubbornly elevated, hovering around 7% for much of the last three years. Many are understandably hoping for rates to drop, whether to purchase a new home or to refinance an existing mortgage. This analysis will explore the key drivers of mortgage rates and offer our perspective on where they might be ... Read more
"One Big Beautiful Bill": Tax cuts, deficit impact and investor outlook
A significant budget deal, officially titled the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, recently passed the House of Representatives. Investors are already trying to game out how the budget could impact the economy, interest rates and stocks. Here are our views on how this budget could impact your investments.