Recent Posts by Trust Matters Editor
Will Fed rate cuts reignite the housing market?
By
Trust Matters Editor on September
27, 2024
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? Of course, we will continue to debate these issues while we wait for the Fed (Godot) to arrive in 2025 ...
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Check Fraud and How to Prevent It
By
Trust Matters Editor on September
26, 2024
"As an industry leader in fraud prevention, our goal is not just to meet the current needs of settlement agents,but to anticipate and prepare for future challenges. We have several security measures and specialty solutions to safeguard your funds and protect against fraud." Check fraud is not new, but it has been on the rise. It can be ...
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Industry leaders share how ‘failure’ can lead to success
By
Trust Matters Editor on September
19, 2024
At the second annual Women’s Leadership Summit hosted by October Research, Sheri Olsen, Senior Vice President and National Sales Director of Banking Services, shared her experiences of success and failure in the real estate industry. She also discussed the lessons she learned to help others in their pursuit of success. "As we’re going through this ...
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First American named on the Fortune Best Workplaces in Financial Services & Insurance list for the 8th consecutive year
By
Trust Matters Editor on September
17, 2024
Our parent company, First American, has been recognized on the 2024 Fortune Best Workplaces in Financial Services & Insurance™ list for the eighth consecutive year. We're excited to be part of a company that has a strong commitment to its employees. To delve deeper into our ranking and see what our employees have to say, be sure to check out ...
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Q3 Investment Update (recording): Market Review and Outlook
By
Trust Matters Editor on August
7, 2024
“The GDP, the measure of our economy, is still strong and 3% is definitely higher than we've seen in the past. We do see signs of it starting to slow, but not yet slowing to a point where we're in a recession,” said Jerry Braakman. Jerry Braakman, President and Chief Investment Officer, and Scott Dudgeon, Director of Equity Research, share their ...
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Market Review Q2 2024 and Outlook
By
Trust Matters Editor on July
26, 2024
Global equities were broadly positive in Q2-2024 though the pace of gains was slower than in the previous quarter and the relatively strong index gains, particularly in the U.S., were driven almost exclusively by a narrow subset of mega cap stocks. Government bonds were mixed as U.S. Treasury yields seesawed – rising as the Federal Reserve ...
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Considerations for Emergency Savings
By
Trust Matters Editor on July
17, 2024
Building an emergency savings fund is a critical component of financial stability and security. Key Reasons to Have an Emergency Savings Unexpected Expenses: It helps cover unforeseen costs like medical emergencies, car repairs, or urgent home repairs without incurring debt. Job Loss: It provides a financial cushion to support living expenses if ...
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Q2 Investment Update (recording): Market Review and Outlook
By
Trust Matters Editor on June
10, 2024
“…at the beginning of this year, there was an expectation and truly that expectation has been in the market for probably 18 months or so that we would potentially be facing a recession and economic slowdown. [Since that] was being priced in the market, one of the reasons the markets performed very well last year is that the expectation of the ...
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Unmasking the Corporate Transparency Act
By
Trust Matters Editor on April
29, 2024
Act I: The Masquerade Begins Historically, the U.S. corporate landscape resembled a grand masquerade ball. Behind masks of "LLCs" and shadowy subsidiaries, some took to financial mischief ranging from money laundering to downright fraudulent enterprises. In a move to lift these veils, Congress enacted the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) in ...
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Market Review Q1 2024 and Outlook
By
Trust Matters Editor on April
29, 2024
Global equities continued to roar ahead in Q1-2024 buoyed by the resilient U.S. economy and ongoing investor infatuation with all things AI which powered technology stocks globally. Government bonds generally declined as slowing U.S. disinflation and stronger GDP growth pushed Treasury yields higher and prompted a reappraisal of expectations for ...
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Considerations for Wealth Planning - Taxes
By
Trust Matters Editor on April
17, 2024
It’s that time of year again…yes, it’s tax season, which are due this year on April 15th (unless you file for an extension)! Key Takeaways It’s important to know where you fall in the current tax. Recent standard deduction increases may make it easier for you to file your taxes in the future. With 401(K) contribution limit increases in 2024, it’s ...
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Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For® in 2024
By
Trust Matters Editor on April
4, 2024
We are proud to be named to the Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For® in 2024 list.
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