2019 has given (almost) all investors a reason to smile – but can it continue?

Ways to assess if your giving is making the impact you'd like.

Income and cash flow in retirement planning is a crucial conversation that involves an analysis of different asset classes and a view on the economic cycle. Income is measured in terms of yield, but higher yielding asset classes often come with an elevated level of risk. Therefore, it is critical to pair yield and income needs with an assessment of volatility and client risk tolerance.

Congress has proposed new regulations which would provide generous tax breaks to investors in Qualified Opportunity Funds and investors that directly operate businesses in Qualified Opportunity Zones.

Solid US economic data and recent positive China Purchasing Managers Index keep us optimistic US Equities will trend higher, albeit at lower annualized returns than the past decade. Within equity sectors, we are most bullish on technology and healthcare. We believe communication services, financials, and REITs are the least attractive sectors.

The Federal Reserve’s policy intentions sparked a dramatic first quarter rally in risk assets, municipal bonds continued their strong performance, but relative value has diminished versus other fixed income asset classes. We have a modestly positive view for the remainder of 2019, yet it is a good time to reduce risk where appropriate.

One of the greatest challenges facing investors, and people in general, is to know when it is time. Time to buy a house? Time to follow a lifelong passion, or stay in your comfort zone? Time to retire? Time to get into the market, or time to get out? In the case of the markets, with hindsight we can always identify the perfect time.

As poorly as risk assets performed in the fourth quarter of 2018, the reality that the global economy was showing few signs of falling over the precipice into recession sparked a rally in the first quarter of 2019, as positive sentiment carried risk assets universally higher.

As poorly as risk assets performed in the fourth quarter of 2018, it is obvious why investors were looking to 2019 with a mix of both hope and caution.