"We're still constructive on the fixed income side, especially if the Fed has maybe peaked in rates here and looking to cut. That could be supportive of bond prices as well," said Jerry Braakman. Jerry Braakman, President and Chief Investment Officer, and Scott Dudgeon, Director of Equity Research, share their insight on current business cycles ... Read More›

Private Credit: A Strategic Allocation for Enhanced Portfolio Resilience Private credit has emerged as a significant alternative investment asset class, attracting investors seeking to enhance portfolio diversification while achieving attractive risk-adjusted returns. As market dynamics continue to evolve, incorporating private credit into a ... Read More›

On July 4, 2025, tax legislation known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) was signed into law. This roughly 900-page bill introduces sweeping tax policy changes, many of which will significantly impact individuals and businesses alike. While some of the OBBBA provisions are entirely new, much of it builds upon or extends the rules ... Read More›

The second quarter of 2025 was marked by continued volatility in U.S. financial markets, shaped by intensifying geopolitical tensions, persistent inflationary pressures, and growing signs of economic deceleration. Despite this, equity markets staged a strong rally in May and June with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq both closing at record highs amid a ... Read More›

“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›