“We haven't seen a negative print on GDP in probably at least 18 months, if not more...but we also have to look at why we have a negative print this time....With those tariff policy announcements, and even before Liberation Day, there were already a lot of concerns that higher tariffs to Mexico and Canada was going to upset that supply chain. The ... Read More›

Equity markets have performed well over the last few years, and that may mean your portfolio has fallen out of alignment relative to current goals, objectives, and risk tolerances. Recent equity market volatility serves as a reminder to review your portfolio composition and potentially take advantage of tax-loss harvesting opportunities. ... Read More›

The first quarter of 2025 was marked by significant volatility in U.S. financial markets, driven by escalating trade tensions, policy uncertainty, and shifting investor sentiment. Despite a resilient labor market and robust corporate earnings, the imposition of new tariffs at the beginning of the second quarter and concerns over Federal Reserve ... Read More›

Jerry Braakman, First American Trust President and CIO, and Christopher Schwarz, Ph.D., UC Irvine Professor and Faculty Director, discuss the economy, markets, rates, and potential impacts of changes in government policy. Watch the recorded Executive Webinar to learn more. Recorded March 19, 2025 Speakers: Read More›

“We still have a growing GDP although it's slowing a little bit. Remember, we've come off a very hot economy that was driven by high inflation. We did have another uptick in the inflation reading this morning…and the concern there is how it starts impacting monetary policy, specifically the Federal Reserve and the fed funds rate and whether we can ... Read More›

First American Trust is proud to be recognized by Irvine Public Schools Foundation (IPSF) on its annual list of Top 100 Corporate and Community Partners Supporting Educational Excellence. Read More›

Retirement planning continues to evolve over the years and 2025 is no exception. As you continue to plan and manage for your retirement, it is important to know the significant changes in the automatic enrollment for 401(k) and 403(b) plans, how the final regulations of the SECURE 2.0 Act have affected Required Minimum Distributions, as well as ... Read More›

In the fourth quarter of 2024, U.S. equities continued to appreciate, although at a slower pace relative to gains delivered earlier in the year. All told, the S&P 500 finished the year with a 25.0% gain, building on the 24.2% rise in 2023, which marked the best back-to-back yearly performance for the index since 1997 and 1998. These strong ... Read More›

David Yoo, Director of Tax and Financial Planning and Beth Vasquez, Chief Fiduciary Officer and Legal Counsel of First American Trust discuss tax planning, strategies, and what to prepare for before year end and in the following tax year. Read More›

As we embark on the final few months of 2024, exploring year-end tax planning opportunities should be top of mind. This is especially true this year with a host of favorable tax provisions afforded by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) set to expire on December 31, 2025, as well as proposed legislative changes that could upend the estate planning ... Read More›

Now that the Fed has tiptoed into monetary easing, how much more will they do in 2025? Will lower mortgage rates spur more transaction volume or will sellers remain on the sidelines and buyers continue to struggle with affordability constraints? Watch the Executive Webinar recording from October 3rd to learn more. Read More›

U.S. equities were buoyant in Q3-2024 as anticipation of an atypically large U.S. interest rate cut, generally strong second quarter corporate earnings and a long-awaited Chinese economic stimulus program triggered a broad rally in financial assets. The quarter was also marked by a welcome change in market and sector leadership as investors ... Read More›