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Markets have had a very turbulent start to 2016, and the global economy faces a number of clear challenges. The implications of four interlinked issues—China, crude oil, credit markets, and central banks—are unsettling capital markets. The global economy faces several challenges, but it is continuing to grow, and there are reasons to maintain cautious optimism. A disciplined investment process is essential in the current environment.

Cybersecurity continues to heat up alongside consumer’s growing dependence on devices and the growth of the Internet of Things. Hacking has evolved from the teenager attempting to modify a high school report card to a highly profitable business run by sophisticated groups. As a result, more and more cybersecurity companies are being founded and funded as investors look for the next big win in this market. Until companies can find the technology to end all cyber-attacks, there are things that can be done to better protect essential data and improve personal security measures.

For each parcel of real property owned, the local assessor sends a Notice of Assessment, Taxable Valuation, and Property Classification. If it hasn’t already been received, it is on its way to the mailbox. Printed on the top of the Notice in big, red capital letters is: THIS IS NOT A BILL. So, most people are inclined to throw the Notice away. Don’t. The Notice lists five important things about the property as determined by the assessor, including the appeal process deadline.

At some point, most families ask if they should have a family meeting, recognizing the importance of providing a forum for sharing news, concerns, opportunities, and challenges in an open and direct way. Family meetings are often seen as a great place to learn, whether the topic is investments, business, legal matters, or the family itself. Furthermore, the interplay of generations is a great way to model and develop family leadership and help nurture the family legacy.

During uncertain times, it is easy to get caught up in the latest headlines proclaiming a possible U.S. recession. Although many variables such as growth in hourly earnings or high yield spreads over Treasury bonds have been shown to “predict” recessions in advance, the slope of the yield curve remains a powerful indicator of what lies ahead for the U.S. economy. Using history as a guide and active monitoring of leading indicators (including what the yield curve is signaling), the analysis shows the U.S. economy will grow at a modest but uneven pace.

As December’s difficult market conditions spilled over into 2016, the new year was greeted with worries about China’s economic slowdown, the US dollar, the Federal Reserve’s intentions for future interest rate increases, falling oil prices, and dampening global economic activity. Today the world’s capital markets are in a delicate place, and it’s too soon to be sure how the markets will sort themselves out. In times of uncertainty, it’s always best to stick with the fundamental truths of disciplined investing.

Making decisions that will affect future wealth is daunting under the best of circumstances. And these days can hardly be described as the best of times. Economies are in transition, US interest rates have begun to rise, China’s growth economy is slowing, and stock prices are more volatile than they have been in quite a while. In periods of uneasiness—with the short-term market pendulum swinging back and forth—historical data shows it’s time to place trust in equities to deliver the returns needed to reach long-term, investment goals.

Global growth is shifting East. As the capital markets and stock exchanges in developing economies become more sophisticated, companies from the West will be increasingly looking to the Asian markets in order to tap into their growing wealth and the associated profile a local listing may provide. Shanghai has emerged as potentially the most attractive venue for foreign listings in 2025.

Continuous learning and adapting is essential to effectively managing wealth and accomplishing family goals and missions. Having a guide and quick reference to key information—best practices and latest economic, legislative, and risk management developments—is an important element to ensuring long-term plans are up to date. Like the families themselves, family wealth requires care, thoughtful attention, and flexibility. The key is keeping informed in the fundamental areas of wealth management, practicing active engagement, and being ready to act.

Successful family offices combine financial, philanthropic, legal, and administrative operations and help ensure that family objectives are achieved from generation to generation. These responsibilities create a range of liability risks for the family office entity and its executive and professional staff. With these risks, it is important for family offices to be aware of management liability red flags and take protective measures to prepare for potential claims.