Maximize your real estate strategy with confidence, trust and full service. First American’s unique structure and deeply rooted real estate experience gives us the competitive edge in providing full support in every phase of your real estate investment. Read More›

U.S. equity and financial markets delivered strong performance in Q3-2025, buoyed by renewed optimism about monetary easing, solid corporate earnings, and AI-related enthusiasm on the back of massive data center and semiconductor investment. The performance was impressive considering markets overcame a series of underlying risks, including ... Read More›

Private Credit: A Strategic Allocation for Enhanced Portfolio Resilience Private credit has emerged as a significant alternative investment asset class, attracting investors seeking to enhance portfolio diversification while achieving attractive risk-adjusted returns. As market dynamics continue to evolve, incorporating private credit into a ... Read More›

On July 4, 2025, tax legislation known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) was signed into law. This roughly 900-page bill introduces sweeping tax policy changes, many of which will significantly impact individuals and businesses alike. While some of the OBBBA provisions are entirely new, much of it builds upon or extends the rules ... Read More›

The second quarter of 2025 was marked by continued volatility in U.S. financial markets, shaped by intensifying geopolitical tensions, persistent inflationary pressures, and growing signs of economic deceleration. Despite this, equity markets staged a strong rally in May and June with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq both closing at record highs amid a ... Read More›

Equity markets have performed well over the last few years, and that may mean your portfolio has fallen out of alignment relative to current goals, objectives, and risk tolerances. Recent equity market volatility serves as a reminder to review your portfolio composition and potentially take advantage of tax-loss harvesting opportunities. ... Read More›

The first quarter of 2025 was marked by significant volatility in U.S. financial markets, driven by escalating trade tensions, policy uncertainty, and shifting investor sentiment. Despite a resilient labor market and robust corporate earnings, the imposition of new tariffs at the beginning of the second quarter and concerns over Federal Reserve ... Read More›

Jerry Braakman, First American Trust President and CIO, and Christopher Schwarz, Ph.D., UC Irvine Professor and Faculty Director, discuss the economy, markets, rates, and potential impacts of changes in government policy. Watch the recorded Executive Webinar to learn more. Recorded March 19, 2025 Speakers: Read More›

Retirement planning continues to evolve over the years and 2025 is no exception. As you continue to plan and manage for your retirement, it is important to know the significant changes in the automatic enrollment for 401(k) and 403(b) plans, how the final regulations of the SECURE 2.0 Act have affected Required Minimum Distributions, as well as ... Read More›

In the fourth quarter of 2024, U.S. equities continued to appreciate, although at a slower pace relative to gains delivered earlier in the year. All told, the S&P 500 finished the year with a 25.0% gain, building on the 24.2% rise in 2023, which marked the best back-to-back yearly performance for the index since 1997 and 1998. These strong ... Read More›

David Yoo, Director of Tax and Financial Planning and Beth Vasquez, Chief Fiduciary Officer and Legal Counsel of First American Trust discuss tax planning, strategies, and what to prepare for before year end and in the following tax year. Read More›

As we embark on the final few months of 2024, exploring year-end tax planning opportunities should be top of mind. This is especially true this year with a host of favorable tax provisions afforded by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) set to expire on December 31, 2025, as well as proposed legislative changes that could upend the estate planning ... Read More›