For investors who can withstand the risk, investments made to support climate change and generate competitive returns can be found in the private equity markets—it’s one of the top five ways to adapt your portfolios to climate change and support the Paris Climate Agreement. Another way is to integrate your values with your investments by using environmental, social and governance (ESG) data.
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What does the passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act mean for high-net-worth taxpayers? Comparing the Act to current law, we outline the provisions and focus on the proposals most relevant to high income and high-net-worth taxpayers and businesses.
Signs point to the U.S. economy being near or in a late (or pre-recession) stage, yet stock market valuations are elevated and inflation is inexplicably soft. We share its outlook for the U.S. and global economies and—in light of stretched valuations, low bond yields, and expected higher volatility—where qualified investors can look for investment opportunities.
Sometimes, unfortunately, a trip to the hospital is unforeseen and unplanned. Often, however, procedures and elective surgery are scheduled in advance. If this is the case for you or a loved one, planning ahead for a hospital stay and taking a few simple steps can ensure greater comfort and a faster recovery. This is important for everyone, but especially for those who are older.
At more than one thousand pages, the new tax reform package has plenty of both carrots and sticks for U.S. taxpayers. Both the short- and long-term effects of the new legislation on economic growth in the U.S. are uncertain at this point, but changes in the tax code will undoubtedly confer both benefits and penalties on certain segments of the U.S. economy. Until the tax accountants ferret out every new wrinkle, let’s examine the most likely impacts that the new law will have on the investment landscape in the coming years.
The broadest index of global stock market performance (MSCI ACWI) has gone more than 400 days without a pullback of 5% or more, the longest such streak in 30 years. It is no surprise, then, that experienced investors are riding the rally with one foot on the gas and a hand on the parking brake. The only thing that can be said with certainty is this streak will end, but the question is when. The key to surviving the next downturn is proper mental preparation.
An IRS advisory published in late December could prevent individuals from deducting property tax prepayments in 2017. According to the advisory, taxpayers can deduct a property tax prepayment in 2017 depending on whether the tax was both assessed and paid before January 1, 2018. Prepayments of anticipated real property taxes that have not been assessed before January 1, 2018 are not deductible in 2017. Whether a tax has been assessed is a question of state or local law, and states vary widely in when and how they assess property tax.
Moving into 2018 there is a need to prepare for a subtly changing investment environment. It is time for a comprehensive reality check, and the Ten Themes for 2018 can help you understand the opportunities and risks ahead. We think that we will see another year of positive, if generally rather lower, investment returns. Beginning with theme number 1—forewarned is forearmed—we believe that you should be prepared, at the very least, for higher levels of volatility.
Now that The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the Act) has been signed into law, you may be wondering what this means for you and your family. The Act is broad in scope and will change the tax rules for individuals and businesses in 2018 and beyond. When thinking about the impact of the Act on you, your family, and your business, it’s important to remember that every individual has their own set of circumstances, and is uniquely affected by tax reform.
Investors focus on the yield curve with good reason—an inverted curve has historically led to recession and eventual stock market losses. However, these stock market declines take time to materialize, suggesting that an inverted yield curve is less a “predictor” of stock market declines than a challenge to economic functioning. The Fed is cognizant of this history and, absent an upsurge in inflation that forces its hand, will seek to avoid significant yield curve flattening.