While the 24-hour news cycle careened from one potential political crisis to the next, from North Korea, to the Affordable Care Act repeal, to Supreme Court changes, and finally to tax reform, volatility in the equity markets remained subdued, and the pace of the upward climb continued throughout 2017...

As 2017 closed, it has become clear that the "animal spirits" that guide the markets can shake off natural disasters, populist uprisings, a nuclear threat, and an ongoing stream of fodder for what once would have been Presidential scandals, but now pass for business as usual in the Trump Administration...

On December 19, 2017, the House and Senate approved final passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (H.R. 1). The law provides $5.5 trillion in tax cuts with $4 trillion in offsetting tax increases. This leaves a net $1.5 trillion of unfunded tax cuts.

Whether you have a child beginning elementary school, entering high school or heading back to college, now is an ideal time to engage them in conversations about money. From back to school supplies to new shoes or dorm items, they are actively shopping with you for items they care about. As you pull out your wallet, take a few minutes to revisit some common sense saving and spending tips that will inspire them to think about what they are buying.

With the failure of Congressional Republicans to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act, tax reform is now thrust to the front of the line as the White House and Congressional Republicans look for their first major legislative policy win.

Many U.S. based investors largely invest in domestic companies and institutions, whether through equity investments in U.S. companies, the purchase of debt issued by those same companies, or debt issued by state and federal governments. However, ignoring the myriad opportunities available outside the United States can potentially hinder performance in the long term.