Rather than the typical market outlook, fraught with all the dangers of being a soothsayer, this outlook will endeavor to take a journey like Lewis Carroll’s Alice to find some reality in markets that can sometimes seem unreal or irrational. Rather than looking into a crystal ball, examining what is currently priced in financial markets and whether it is reasonable can be more helpful. After beginning the year with low expectations, the U.S. economy has outperformed expectations in 2024, with growth expected to be near 3% when the final numbers are tallied. While the forecasts for 2025 economic growth have…

In an order filed December 26, 2024, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals has vacated their own stay of the District Court’s preliminary injunction of the enforcement of the January 1, 2025 deadline for reporting compliance under the Corporate Transparency Act in Texas Top Cop Shop v. Garland. Previously, FinCEN had extended the deadline from January 1, 2025. The Fifth Circuit justified this flip flop on the basis that: “The merits panel now has the appeal, which remains expedited, and a briefing schedule will issue forthwith. However, in order to preserve the constitutional status quo while the merits panel considers…

As we enter 2025, it’s the perfect time to set goals and establish a financial game plan for the year ahead. Whether it’s adjusting to a new salary, planning for big expenses, or refining life goals, now is the ideal moment to lay the groundwork for success. To help start the year strong, here’s a roadmap to organize your finances and set yourself up for a prosperous year. 1. Build a Small-Scale Budget Begin by understanding your household’s monthly expenses. Establish a budget—whether detailed or loose—that accounts for your monthly spending. This foundational step is crucial for maintaining healthy, sustainable…

In a significant development for reporting companies, the federal Court of Appeals issued a decision on December 23, 2024, which reinstates the requirement for filing beneficial ownership information with the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN). This follows a period of uncertainty due to a preliminary injunction. Acknowledging the need for additional compliance time, the Department of the Treasury has announced new deadlines for these submissions. Revised Reporting Deadlines For companies created or registered before January 1, 2024, the deadline to file initial beneficial ownership reports has been extended to January 13, 2025. Originally, these companies were required to report by…

An old Wall Street maxim states: “If Santa Claus should fail to call, bears may come to Broad and Wall.” As defined by the Stock Trader’s Almanac, the Santa Claus indicator consists of the current year’s last five trading days and the new year’s first two days. The Santa Claus Rally period runs from Tuesday, December 24, through Friday, January 3. Despite this well-turned phrase, our analysis shows that Santa seems to have a cloudy crystal ball. In the thirteen years with a negative S&P 500 return for the Santa Claus indicator, the market was down only five times in…

The S&P 500 is on track to deliver an impressive annual return of about 25% in 2024, following a stellar 26% return in 2023. After two back-to-back blockbuster years, investors are understandably asking: Will 2025 be the year the rally ends? Could the market come crashing down, or will the good times keep rolling? It’s a fair question. But if you’ve followed my prior predictions or read my book, you already know my answer: Trying to predict the stock market’s return with specificity in any given year is a fool’s errand. That said, I do have a useful (yet non-specific)…

The world’s wealthiest families are navigating some significant changes—from economic uncertainty to generational shifts to digital transformation. And when it comes to adapting to these challenges, Europe is setting the pace. According to insights from the Quintet Ipsos Wealth Study, European wealth firms are leaning into sustainability, personalization, and preparing for the massive wealth transfers on the horizon. For U.S. wealth managers, these trends provide valuable insights to address rising client expectations and building a business that stands the test of time. Shifting Toward Sustainability European investors are leading the charge in sustainable investing, with 72% of high-net-worth individuals putting…

In what has become an annual bonanza of philanthropic largesse, billionaire MacKenzie Scott recently announced that she gave $2 billion to 199 nonprofit organizations in 2024. Scott has now donated an eye-popping $19.2 billion to more than 2,500 organizations in the five years since she signed the Giving Pledge and vowed to give away her wealth “until the safe is empty.” (Note: The Giving Pledge is a client of Fireside Strategy.) The magnitude of Scott’s generosity had already put her in the top five of Forbes’ list of the most philanthropic billionaires in the United States, trailing only Warren Buffett,…

Deciding how and when to withdraw from your retirement accounts is one of the most critical financial decisions you’ll make in retirement. The sequence you choose can significantly impact your overall tax burden, the longevity of your portfolio, and your ability to meet long-term goals. Let’s break down the best approach to strategically access your retirement funds. 1. Use Taxable Accounts First Start with your taxable brokerage and savings accounts. These accounts offer the most flexibility and often have the least tax impact on withdrawals: Why: Withdrawals from taxable accounts are typically taxed at capital gains rates, which are lower…

As we look toward 2025, the stock market presents a mixed bag of optimism and caution. While many analysts foresee continued growth, others predict potential setbacks. Could this be the moment to diversify into alternative investments like artwork and collectibles? And if so, what are the planning implications of owning artwork and collectibles? Stock Market Forecasts for 2025 While some analysts predict strong stock market performance, others suggest a more cautious outlook. Barry Bannister, Stifel’s Chief Investment Strategist, anticipates the S&P 500 closing 2025 in the mid-5,000 range, citing persistent inflation and slower GDP growth. Bannister forecasts GDP growth slowing…