It’s the start of a new year. We have survived the holidays, reflected on the good and the bad of 2023 (hopefully more good than bad), and are starting on our 2024 resolutions. There are many different new year’s traditions; more common in Florida are parades and fireworks and less common are jumping over seven …
2023 Third Quarter Review & Commentary
The third quarter marked a reversal for equities, which peaked for the year in July and then weakened in August and September. Bonds remain under pressure and did not provide diversification benefits for the traditional 60/40 investor during the quarter. Alternative investments, on the other hand posted positive returns for the period. We also saw a move up in longer term rates for the first time awhile.
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New Federal Beneficial Ownership Reporting Requirements in 2024
Beginning in 2024, US tax filers will have new obligations to report personal information to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network of the Department of the Treasury (“FinCEN”), regarding certain closely held businesses. Failure to report could result in civil and criminal penalties, so it’s important to know if you’re subject to FinCEN’s Beneficial Ownership Information …
2023 Second Quarter Review & Commentary
While storm clouds remain on the investment horizon, Executive Vice President & Chief Investment Officer Chris Battifarano explains why savvy investors should focus on the long-term, ignore Wall Street chatter, and be aware of mega trends that develop and impact the economic landscape.
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How Sophisticated Have Online Scams Become?
In our last trust newsletter (Click to read Common Financial Scams and How to Avoid Them), we discussed common financial scams and how to avoid them. Due to the importance of recognizing cyber fraud and how pervasive it has become, we decided to provide some additional information on online fraud to help protect you from …
2023 First Quarter Review & Commentary
Both stock and bond markets move significantly higher during the quarter, making up some of their losses posted in 2022. This, despite continued Fed rate hikes and concerns about liquidity in the banking sector. Please enjoy our latest newsletter where FineMark’s CIO, Chris Battifarano, reviews the quarter and our newest investment theme: How artificial intelligence (AI) will impact the economy in the future.
Common Financial Scams and How to Avoid Them
I know what you’re thinking, “I won’t fall for any of those financial scams I hear about because they are so obvious.” While that may have been true in the past, scammers are continually improving their craft and devising more sophisticated scams. Just as social media employs engineers to increase our use of social media, …
2022 Fourth Quarter Review & Commentary
While 2022 was a challenging year for financial markets, the steady drumbeat of high inflation that dominated headlines appears to be abating and we see reasons to be more optimistic. Executive Vice President & Chief Investment Officer Chris Battifarano shares the relevance of “Minsky Moments” in 2022 and FineMark’s informed outlook for 2023 and beyond.
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2022 Year-end Review and 2023 Outlook
While 2022 was a challenging year for financial markets, the steady drumbeat of high inflation that dominated headlines appears to be abating and we see reasons to be more optimistic. CIO Chris Battifarano shares the relevance of “Minsky Moments” in 2022 and FineMark’s informed outlook for 2023 and beyond.
2022 Third Quarter Review & Commentary
The ups and downs of a volatile market have kept investors on their toes throughout 2022. Executive Vice President & Chief Investment Officer Chris Battifarano explains why staying the course — and resisting the urge to react emotionally — is the best way to deal with erratic market environments.
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2022 Second Quarter Review & Commentary
Quantitative easing, inflation, offshore production, and rising energy costs all played a role in global market performance this quarter. Is there any relief in sight? Executive Vice President & Chief Investment Officer, Chris Battifarano breaks it all down, shares insight into current and past bear market performance, and offers FineMark’s recommendation for investors.
SLATisfaction: Hedging your Federal Estate Tax Bets With a SLAT
You have likely seen the headlines about potential changes to the federal estate and gift tax laws in the coming years. While it’s unclear what changes will ultimately be made; the uncertainty has people exploring different tax strategies to take advantage of the current tax exemptions. One such strategy is a Spousal Lifetime Access Trust …
