June 2022- A challenging market environment continues in the second quarter. Though most risk assets have recovered somewhat over the past few weeks, volatility remains ahead. The economic slowdown induced by central bank tightening has begun. While we are closer to the bottom in equity markets, we are not out of the woods just yet. 

May 2022- Grantor retained annuity trusts (GRAT) are estate planning instruments in which a grantor locks assets in a trust from which they earn annual income. Upon expiry, the beneficiary receives the assets with minimal or no gift tax liability. GRATs are most useful to wealthy individuals who face significant estate tax liability at death. In such a case, a GRAT may be used to freeze the value of their estate by shifting a portion or all of the appreciation onto their heirs. Please read on to learn more and call us so we can help!

April 2022- Surging inflation, the war in Ukraine, and recession fears made for a difficult start to the year for both equities and fixed income. Equities are experiencing their first correction since March 2020. The S&P 500 has dropped nearly 13% and the NASDAQ over 20%. Volatility remains the dominant force as the market digests Federal Reserve rate hikes, geopolitical turmoil, and continuing macroeconomic imbalances. Bonds, faced with sharply higher and rising interest rates, failed to fulfill their traditional role as defensive ballast. The average bond, as measured by the Barclay’s US Aggregate Index, is down 9% year to date.