Forty "W"ritings

Global equities rose in April despite banking stress and worsening leading economic indicators.

Quick Take Despite the stress in the banking system, including the failure of Silicon Valley Bank, global equity markets held up remarkably well in March and posted solid returns for the quarter. Underneath the calm market surface there was wide dispersion in returns across sectors, market caps and styles. Fixed-income markets had a strong quarter as longer-term bond yields fell, generating price gains.

* Silicon Valley Bank experienced a classic run on deposits from their start-up tech company client base. * Consensus is this not another 2008-type financial crisis. * Fear will likely remain elevated in the short-run especially for other regional banks. * We are going to continue to monitor to manage risk and look for opportunities.

Rising rates have investors jumping around as bond yields compete with stocks for investor money.

January-at-a-Glance... Amid inflation, investor sentiment starting to believe in no-economic-recession scenario

Sweeping changes for retirement plans were signed into law on December 29, 2022 as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act. We break down the most important provisions based on whether you are retired or currently working.