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

Why First American Trust’s Chief Investment Officer Sees No Quick End To Regional-Bank Turmoil

By Trust Matters Editor on May 2, 2023
‘Banks of all sizes have liquidity risk in a bank run scenario,’ said First American Trust’s Jerry Braakman “We do not think the turmoil is done running its course. As we saw from [this week’s] GDP release, overall economic activity is weakening, while the consumer is still resilient despite higher rates. Both housing and auto sales are dependent ... Read More

Investments

First American Awarded a Great Place to Work

By Trust Matters Editor on April 11, 2023
Excited to announce that for the eighth year in a row, First American has been recognized as 100 Best Companies to Work For® in the U.S. by Great Place to Work US® Institute in partnership with Fortune Magazine! #100BestCos Read More

Investments

Tesla Is Losing a Big Force Behind This Year’s Rally

By Trust Matters Editor on March 28, 2023
Retail traders are pulling back on Tesla Inc. shares this month over a recent investor day and the overall health of the economy. Additionally, there are concerns over another price cut on its most expensive cars. Competitors typically follow Tesla’s cuts by lowering their own prices and “since Tesla has higher gross margins to begin with, the ... Read More

Investments

Stocks Gain on Hopes for First Republic Rescue

By Trust Matters Editor on March 20, 2023
Jerry Braakman, president and chief investment officer said he “expects bigger banks to emerge as one of the beneficiaries from this crisis. Depositors are already moving money out of regional banks to national banks, which can help shore up liquidity for the latter.” Learn more about the current economy and how investors are reacting in this ... Read More

Investments

S&P 500 Haters Now Make Enough in Treasuries to Bid Stocks Farewell

By Trust Matters Editor on March 8, 2023
“We think we’re headed into economic deterioration and the current volatility in the market is enough for us to be very cautious in equities, and you’re getting paid in the meantime to wait with cash. So we do think it’s an attractive space to be in fixed income versus equities at this point,” said Jerry Braakman, president and chief investment ... Read More

Investments

How Baby Boomers With Real Estate Investments Can Utilize Tools like DSTs, 721 Exchanges and UPREITS for Estate Planning

By Trust Matters Editor on March 6, 2023
According to the 2020 Census the baby boomer generation is estimated at about 73 million with more reaching retirement daily. And many who own property are (or should be!) starting to plan for ways to transfer their wealth and assets to their heirs, which can be a daunting and challenging exercise. But by using careful, proactive estate planning ... Read More

Investments

Tips to Prepare You for Tax Season

By Trust Matters Editor on March 6, 2023
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has officially kicked off the 2023 tax filing season and has begun accepting and processing tax returns for tax year 2022 as of January 23, 2023. With tax season underway, there are a few things to think about as you compile your tax documents and get your tax affairs in order. Read More

Investments

Market Review Q4 2022

By Trust Matters Editor on March 6, 2023
Global equities and bonds rose in the fourth quarter of 2022, closing out the worst year in more than a decade. The fourth quarter rally across risk assets was driven by sentiment that inflation has peaked and is decelerating, and thus the Fed's historic tightening campaign may soon be coming to an end. The rebound in markets was also supported by ... Read More

Investments

Stock Rally Hits a Wall; QQQ Gains in Late Trading: Markets Wrap

By Trust Matters Editor on January 31, 2023
“It’s almost like people are trying to project forward toward the end the Fed tightening policy and trying to find a bottom here and a new bull-market rally,” said Jerry Braakman, chief investment officer of First American Trust. “But that’s in light of deteriorating economic statistics and I think that’s a little premature.” Read More

Investments

Powers of Appointment - The Swiss Army Knife of Estate Planning

By Trust Matters Editor on December 14, 2022
Among the most useful tools at an estate planner’s disposal is a power of appointment. There’s an almost infinite variety of powers of appointment, and they can be used to accomplish numerous important tax and non-tax estate planning objectives. In addition, powers of appointment may have significant, and sometimes surprising, tax consequences. In ... Read More

Continuing Education

S&P 500 Notches Five-Day Losing Streak as Investors Mull Path for Rates

By Trust Matters Editor on December 8, 2022
“How long can the consumer stay strong in light of this monetary policy? said Jerry Braakman, president and chief investment officer of First American Trust in California." Read more about why investors are concerned about the stronger-than-anticipated U.S. economic data in this Wall Street Journal article. Read More

Investments

Assorted Ethics-Based and Related Legal Conundrums for Estate Planning Professionals

By Trust Matters Editor on November 18, 2022
The world of estate planning and trust administration is fraught with a variety of landmines, and only the diligent can detect and avoid them consistently. An estate planning professional’s behavior and performance may be judged unethical or even illegal in a given circumstance even if he or she is exceptionally knowledgeable about the substantive ... Read More

Continuing Education