Trust Matters
Welcome to the First American Trust media center. Our experts discuss topics ranging from estate planning to investment outlook. Be sure to look for upcoming events and register for live participation.

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 ... Read More

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 ... Read More

Company News

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 ... Read More

Investments

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 ... Read More

Company News

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 ... Read More

Investment Webinars

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 ... Read More

Investments

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 ... Read More

Investments

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 ... Read More

Investment Webinars

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 ... Read More

Investments

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 ... Read More

Investments

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 ... Read More

Investments

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. Read More

Company News