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Rising interest rates late in 2016 took a toll on bond prices, and were the catalyst for one of the worst quarters for bonds in recent decades. Current expectations are for interest rates to move gradually higher in 2017. While rising rates can be a headwind to bond performance in the near term, they don’t impact the coupon rate or cash flow associated with most bonds over time. Over the long-term, higher yields are actually a positive for investors.

The start of the year is always a good time to focus on personal improvements with resolutions. Sharing in the same spirit with an investment outlook in mind, there are ten temptations to resist in 2017, including resisting the macro and political developments, investing while looking through the rearview mirror, and sticking with a strategy designed to work only in a falling rate environment.

Given the expectation for the U.S. economy to grow at a modest pace for the eighth year in a row, the risk of the U.S. economy or inflation becoming “overheated” in 2017 remains low. The Fed will likely move the federal funds rate higher twice in 2017, once in the first half and again late in the year. There are still important headwinds to consider, like a stronger dollar that will hamper trade for large multinational companies and continued geopolitical risk.

Enterprising families are showing an increased interest in participating in direct investments around the globe. Some families have turned to private equity out of frustration with the volatility in the public markets and the unexpected correlations between asset classes that occurred during the 2008-2010 timeframe. The factors that impact their private equity portfolios’ success are complex in nature, and there are 15 key considerations that inform families’ preferences for private investments, and, ultimately, impact how well they will do.

Although markets got off to a calmer start in 2017 than it did in 2016, this year may still be one of the most difficult years for long-term investors in recent memory. There is little basis on which to anticipate the policy actions of the new administration and there is substantial potential for large scale change. There will be opportunities to make money, but there will also be many red herrings. Investors, money managers, and wealth advisors will all be challenged to have discipline this year.

At the beginning of 2016 many growth markets were experiencing a drop in economic performance and weaker growth predictions, which led to several commentators and investors questioning the future role of these markets as leaders of global growth. In their view, the growth markets’ era was over. However, growth is now projected to return to certain developing markets by 2017—most notably Brazil, Nigeria and Russia.