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Non-fungible tokens (NFTs) are the latest advancement in the ongoing evolution of the blockchain market. Putting this phenomenon into context, a series of papers will examine NFTs from various perspectives, including the legal issues arising from this new technology. This paper is part one in the series: introducing NFTs from the technological and market perspectives.

The challenging market environment and the fear of several interest rate increases by the U.S. Federal Reserve in 2022 has led to a sell-off in global equities. Concurrently, the U.S. is facing inflation rates not seen in more than 40 years, adding to investor concerns. The Dollar's resilience continues to negatively impact Non-Dollar investment returns for U.S. investors.

Many of the challenges the fixed income market has experienced are part of the natural long-term economic cycle. While volatility is likely to remain in 2022, diversified fixed income portfolios can benefit from the rise in interest rates and wider credit spreads.

Decades of globalization have led to the developed world relying more on foreign nations, sometimes with competing interests. The pandemic and recent geopolitical events have shifted attention to the challenges inherent to an increasingly connected world. As nations—and companies—reconsider their cross-border relationships, how does this impact investors?

Both successful business leadership and portfolio management depend on many similar traits, including conviction, expertise, hard work, and teamwork. But to be successful as an investor over the long run also can require some fundamental adjustments in mindset and direction. In making this transition, five recommendations are presented for those looking to build an investment framework that can be as successful and personally rewarding as building a business.

Haunted by double-digit inflation of the past, some fear the U.S. economy is poised for runaway inflation. Some above-trend inflation is to be expected as the economy begins to open up more broadly. It can be argued that a modest jump in inflation should be viewed as a positive sign, indicating the economy’s return to normal. Long-term price pressures leading to double-digit inflation are possible but not likely, given the slack that currently exists in the economy.

Anxieties brought on by periods of turmoil can cause individuals to forsake rational thinking and act impulsively, usually to their own detriment. This phenomenon often manifests itself in equity markets. Outside of the modicum of intangible psychological comfort, sales of risky assets motivated by fear and panic provide investors no value, and can ultimately have disastrous impacts on the long-term returns of an investment portfolio.

The economy is still aimlessly lurching from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, and those fits may spill over into tax-filing season. It’s likely that a disproportionate number of filers will have some income and capital gains they weren’t expecting as the result of mutual fund distributions last year. Through an effective tax-managed investment strategy, even a tumultuous year like 2020 can produce benefits. If the investor structures realized losses to manage tax burden, even a difficult year can help you meet your investment goals.

Digital platforms make microbusinesses possible for millions of people, and companies like Etsy and GoDaddy have been an essential backbone behind them, especially during the pandemic (Etsy sellers contributed $13 billion and almost 3 million jobs to the economy last year). In this NOW episode, we discuss the evolution of microbusinesses and what they mean for the growth and resilience of our communities. Later, David Powell, co-portfolio manager of Brown Advisory's Large-Cap Sustainable Growth strategy, joined the conversation to discuss takeaways for investors.

The cryptocurrency market, and specifically Bitcoin, has grown significantly and offers investors high potential returns. It is commonly argued that Bitcoin should be considered by investors as a store of value and portfolio hedge. However, there are a number of risks that investors should evaluate before considering an allocation.