Gold’s value has fascinated investors for centuries, and it is one of the most polarizing assets in existence, right up there with Bitcoin. Some consider gold to be the premier hedge against economic uncertainty, while others view it as non-productive with no income. The truth lies somewhere in the middle.

The first quarter of 2023 was marked by resilience in global stocks and intermediate-term bonds. However, the quarter was anything but calm, with inflation, Fed rate hikes, and unexpected bank failures all contributing to elevated uncertainty.

In a rising interest rate environment, investors often wonder what they should do with cash set aside for short-term financial goals, emergencies, or everyday expenses. While there is always some risk involved, here is a list of available options to earn interest without risking the principal amount, ranked from the least to the most risky.

Tax-loss harvesting (TLH) can be an effective tax management tool for investors. In this article, we explore how TLH works, what the expected benefits are, and what specific risks investors should consider.

The Fed took center stage this week with its FOMC meeting, where committee members announced a 25-bps rate hike in their latest policy decision. What’s intriguing is the swift shift in the narrative on what the Fed might or might not do.

The sudden and dramatic downfall of Silicon Valley Bank led to a surge of withdrawals. In response, the FDIC swiftly established the Deposit Insurance National Bank of Santa Clara, and transferred all deposits from the defunct bank into it. Ultimately, the FDIC’s goal is to protect depositors and prevent any damage to the broader economy.

Those of us who follow the stock market are always on watch for a different, more maddening March Madness — the unexpected market or economic news that can send the markets fluctuating between airballs and slam dunks.

In periods of heightened volatility and uncertainty specific to the health of our financial institutions, investors rightfully require assurance that their bank deposits are not at risk and that their “safe money” is indeed safe.

Great in theory, lousy in practice. That about sums up the historical experience of investing in “thematic” mutual funds and ETFs. The challenge of thematic investing, particularly in public markets, is that it charms you into imagining what’s possible at the expense of recognizing what’s probable. Its intentions are pure, but it’s the unintended consequences that inevitably lead to its demise.

Many investors rely on bonds as a core component of their asset allocation for income and stability. This research brief explores the opportunities and risks bonds can offer investors and their potential fit in a broadly diversified portfolio.

Turning the page to 2023, it’s the land of the unknown. It’s fair to ask: “Will things get better?” In response, one could say — it’s hard to imagine there’s much left that can surprise the markets.

On January 19th, the U.S. hit its debt ceiling at a staggering $31.4 trillion. Raising the debt ceiling requires Congress to set a new limit. It appears we may be on track for heated discussions surrounding the debt ceiling this year.