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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New Influences in the Financial Market - Executive Webinar with Christopher Schwarz
By
Trust Matters Editor on April
2, 2024
Christopher Schwarz, Ph.D., UC Irvine Professor and Faculty Director, and Jerry Braakman, First American Trust President and CIO, engage in a wide-ranging conversation about what is shaping our financial world. Watch this video recording to learn more about the following topics:
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Q1 Investment Update (recording): Market Review and Outlook
By
Trust Matters Editor on February
15, 2024
“…2023 was, was a great year for equities. The S&P 500 was up 26%, the Nasdaq was up 45%. Even the Russell 2000 small caps are up 17%, and bonds put up respectable mid-single digit returns as well. You're probably wondering how this all happened. Everyone was worried about a recession, and ironically that helped the setup,” said Scott Dudgeon. ...
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First American Financial Corporation Recognized as Top Employer at Chapman University
By
Trust Matters Editor on February
15, 2024
First American Financial Corporation was recognized as one of Chapman University’s Top Employers of 2024.
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Understanding Required Minimum Distributions
By
Trust Matters Editor on February
15, 2024
During the past three years, the retirement industry has experienced unprecedented changes. For industry professionals, like those of us at First American Trust, it is a complex task to understand and digest all of these changes. For the consumer, we know it is even more challenging. A Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) is the amount that must be ...
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