Jerry Braakman, President and Chief Investment Officer, and Jason Nerio, Director of Investment Research & Strategy share their insight on current business cycles and market trends. Watch this video to learn more about the following topics: Read More›

Attend a CE course that covers the potential opportunities and challenges regarding estate planning. An objective to effectively managing a qualified retirement plan or IRA's is to maintain much of the plan for the longest duration to achieve a maximum income tax-deferred return; all while aiming to preserve a high level of dispositive ... Read More›

After the worst first-half performance for markets in almost 50 years, the third quarter of 2022 got off to a strong start driven by a “peak inflation” and “peak Fed hawkishness” narrative. Stocks and bonds rallied in tandem throughout July and into August, boosted by second quarter earnings that were “not as bad as feared” and the perceived shift ... Read More›

Housing market potential sagged to its lowest point since May 2020 in September, falling 3.6 percent from August to an estimated 5.38 million at a seasonally adjusted annualized rate (SAAR). Year over year, the market potential for existing-home sales is down 16.7 percent. Market dynamics and the broader economic outlook have changed dramatically ... Read More›

“When you look at bear markets and economic turmoil, markets get a little bit irrational, and sometimes do the opposite of what you expect,” Jerry Braakman, chief investment officer and president of First American Trust, said in an interview.” Learn more about the recent volatility roiling the markets in this Yahoo article. Read More›

“A lot of investors are looking at inflation to get guidance on what the Fed is going to do, to find the bottom in the market once the Fed pivots,” Jerry Braakman, chief investment officer and president of First American Trust..." Read more about how US stocks fell in reaction to a University of Michigan report in this Bloomberg article. Read More›

Join us for a CE course for estate planning attorneys and CPAs. Asset protection planning can greatly aid your clients and their family during vulnerable financial situations from aggressive creditors. As an Estate planner, you should strive to offer your clients the advantages and techniques to implement asset protection early in the estate ... Read More›

Higher mortgage rates have reduced affordability and cooled the housing market, while economic uncertainty has added to buyer hesitation. Watch Odeta Kushi, Deputy Chief Economist for First American Financial Corporation, discuss the state of the nation’s economy and housing market. This recorded session focuses on the health of the U.S. economy, ... Read More›

We’re looking forward to connecting with you at the 2022 ALTA ONE conference October 11-14 in San Diego, CA. Read More›

“We are very excited about the integration with SoftPro Select,” commented Sheri Olsen, First American Trust national director banking services. “This integration allows agents to manage daily banking responsibilities directly in their SoftPro platform creating efficiencies and cost savings. First American Trust is an expert in title and escrow ... Read More›

Jerry Braakman, president and chief investment officer of First American Trust in Santa Ana, Calif., said he is seeking safety in the U.S. Treasury bonds, cash and defensive stock sectors this year. He isn’t looking to add to his international equity exposure, such as in emerging markets, China, Japan and Europe in the near term, he added. Read ... Read More›

“They’re not so concerned about heading into a recession as they are in combating inflation—so that makes for a very dangerous setup,” said Jerry Braakman, president and chief investment officer of First American Trust in Santa Ana, California.” Read more about the anticipated interest-rate increases following Federal Chairman Jerome Powell’s ... Read More›