After experiencing zero in 2023, the S&P 500 took more than two years before making a new all-time high. Fast forward to the end of the first quarter, witnessing the S&P 500 march its way to 22 new all-time high levels, on pace for the most ever.
With so much uncertainty surrounding the Fed’s monetary policy and the contagious effects their aggressive rate hiking cycle would inflict on the economy, we entered 2023 with great pessimism and uncertainty.
Preserving and transferring wealth across generations is a significant concern for affluent families. The desire to pass down as much of one's hard-earned assets as possible while minimizing tax burdens is a universal goal. Achieving this goal, however, requires strategic guidance, expert knowledge, and a comprehensive overview of all assets and goals.
For the past several quarters, the market has seemingly ignored communications from the Fed, particularly the point that interest rates will continue to rise and remain elevated for as long as it takes to restore inflation to their 2% target. This trend persisted up until August in the aftermath of Chairman Powell's Jackson Hole speech and the subsequent September Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting.
ING trusts, also known as Incomplete Non-Grantor trusts, have gained popularity as a tax planning strategy for high-net-worth individuals. These trusts offer significant benefits, but recent scrutiny from the IRS and state tax authorities has raised concerns about potential risks.
Private fiduciaries can play a critical role in managing and protecting the assets of their clients. They also help ensure that their clients’ wishes are carried out after they are gone and their assets reach their desired beneficiaries.