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›

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›

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›

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›

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›

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: Read More›

First American Financial Corporation was recognized as one of Chapman University’s Top Employers of 2024. Read More›

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 ... Read More›

Global equities and bonds rose in the fourth quarter of 2023, capping a year of outsized gains in the former and avoiding another year of negative returns in the latter. The broad fourth quarter rally across risk assets was driven by a dramatic change in Federal Reserve tone from continued monetary tightening toward potential upcoming rate cuts on ... Read More›

“Our concern is with market valuations, especially right at record highs, when the economy is not as strong as it was,” said Jerry Braakman, chief investment officer at First American Trust. Read More›

"While the Fed has broadcast that the federal funds rate is likely to drop later this year, Friday’s jobs report “supports the soft landing and higher-for-longer stance many were hoping for,” he said. “That’s not positive for gold,” as the metal normally reacts best to lower rates, a weaker dollar, and slower economic growth, Braakman told ... Read More›

The second half of the year got off to a rocky start as equities suffered a broad decline in Q3-2023 as technology stocks came off the boil and market interest rates spiked. The market narrative shifted away from the much talked about “soft-landing” as continued economic strength and slowing disinflation forced investors to contemplate what ... Read More›