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Investing
Economic Overview: Improving Outlook with Risk of Volatility
The U.S. economy has been remarkably resilient in the face of many these challenges, but the damage of short-term economic trends will affect our forecast for the balance of 2026 and 2027. We see lasting damage from the Iran conflict in the bond market as yields have climbed higher. The ten-year Treasury rate was at 3.99% on February 27, and at quarter end yields stood at 4.46%.
Economic Overview: Dwindling Optimism Driven by War, Tariff Strategy
The S&P 500 fell 4.35% in the first quarter of 2026 and fell 9.78% from its late January high. So far this year we have seen a remarkable shift from A.I. euphoria in 2025 to a risk off environment driven by the war with Iran and the ensuing energy price spike. We began 2026 feeling constructive on the benefits of “The One Big, Beautiful Bill,” but this has given way to a more cynical view of the U.S. economy and an increased risk of a recession. The FOMC, who had cut the Federal Funds rate by 1.75% in 2024 and 2025, is now on the sidelines, and their path forward remains not clear.
Cash Balance Pension Plans: What to Know if Yours Is Being Terminated
From fortune 500 companies to small businesses, cash balance pension plans are becoming increasingly popular. Because they are employer funded, they allow for a higher annual contribution than traditional 401(k) plans, and employer contributions are tax-deductibles. They also provide flexibility. If an employee leaves or their employer terminates the plan, the balance can be rolled over if the employee is vested.
Economic Overview: Optimism Amid Volatility
Tariffs continued to lead to volatility and uncertainty globally as GDP growth rates fell and core inflation rose. The on again off again tariffs and resulting trade flows have created volatility in the GDP growth numbers and have made the FOMC’ s mission more difficult. The one offset is that through August 2025 the Treasury has collected $165.2 Billion in tariff proceeds, about two-thirds of which has been paid for by American consumers.
Economic Overview: Tariffs Take a Toll on Growth
Tariffs continued to lead to volatility and uncertainty globally as GDP growth rates fell and core inflation rose. The on again off again tariffs and resulting trade flows have created volatility in the GDP growth numbers and have made the FOMC’ s mission more difficult. The one offset is that through August 2025 the Treasury has collected $165.2 Billion in tariff proceeds, about two-thirds of which has been paid for by American consumers.
Economic Overview: Tariffs Sow Uncertainty, Tax Bill Could Lead Rebound
During the second quarter the Trump administration continued to push new tariffs on the United States’ largest trading partners. As we discussed last quarter, the effect of all these actions is that consumer confidence and sentiment has continued to decline as prices have moved higher.
What Families Need to Know about 529 Plans for Education Savings
Even for families with the means to pay for tuition outright, college savings plans can carry major advantages. 529 savings plans are designed to be flexible and can be long-lasting, which brings specific benefits for families. Here are some lesser-known ways to use a 529 plan to fund education expenses.
Saving for College as Easy as 529
You have several options for financing your children’s education. Learn more about 529 plans.
Economic Overview: Tariffs Present Several Challenges to Outlook
Several major economic developments occurred during the fourth quarter, including an additional 0.50 percent in federal funds rate cuts and a decisive outcome in the November election, where Donald Trump and the Republican party gained control of the White House, Senate and the House of Representatives. The underlying strength of the U.S. economy continued to surprise to the upside, setting up an interesting backdrop for 2025.
Economic Overview: New Administration Poses Opportunities, Challenges
Several major economic developments occurred during the fourth quarter, including an additional 0.50 percent in federal funds rate cuts and a decisive outcome in the November election, where Donald Trump and the Republican party gained control of the White House, Senate and the House of Representatives. The underlying strength of the U.S. economy continued to surprise to the upside, setting up an interesting backdrop for 2025.
