Articles and Insights

Stay informed on developments in the economy and global markets through articles from the Towneley team.

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What to do When a Loved One Dies: A Checklist for Survivors

When your loved one dies, you might inherit the overwhelming responsibility of winding up their life. Aside from the funeral or memorial, there is much to attend to, including closing financial accounts, canceling recurring payments, and preparing the decedent's final tax return. Many of these tasks require focus and attention, which can add stress to an emotional time. Be kind to yourself. Don't try to handle everything alone if you don't have to. When people ask if they can help, take them up on their offer.

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Private Clients, Institutions Towneley Private Clients, Institutions Towneley

Leaving a Legacy for Grandchildren: Options for Grandparents

Grandparents of means have several options for passing their wealth on to their grandchildren. The best option or combination of options for your situation depends on several considerations. Among them are the ages of your grandchildren, whether any have special needs or disabilities, whether college or post-secondary education is a viable option, and the gift and estate tax implications. This paper presents a brief introduction to several options for grandparents to reduce their gross estate while leaving a legacy for their grandchildren.

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Private Clients, Institutions Towneley Private Clients, Institutions Towneley

2024 Mid-Year Outlook: A Tale of Two Markets

• Technology companies continue to propel stocks higher year-to-date; however, concentration risks are high and potential for a valuation adjustment is elevated should optimistic growth forecasts fail to materialize.

• Strength in technology has masked underlying market weakness and the “Magnificent 7” continue to have an outsized impact on market returns and investor portfolios.

• To reduce exposure to market-cap weighted indexes and improve the valuation profile, we increased the allocation to value and managed strategies in our domestic equity portfolios.

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Private Clients, Institutions Towneley Private Clients, Institutions Towneley

2023 Year in Review and 2024 Outlook

2023 was a year of resilience in the face of economic and market challenges. Despite a banking crisis, inflationary pressures, Fed tightening, weakening economic data, and stagnant corporate earnings, the Russell 3000 Index finished the year up 26%, with the MSCI ACWI-Ex-U.S. (International markets) Index up 15.6%. The bond market also ended the year in positive territory, with the Barclays Intermediate Gov/Corp Index up 5.2%. This marked the first positive year for fixed income since 2020.

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Private Clients, Institutions Towneley Private Clients, Institutions Towneley

Market Insights Amidst Escalating Middle East Conflict

On the morning of Saturday, October 7, Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel killing hundreds and plunging the region into further conflict. Israel immediately declared war on Hamas, responded with air strikes, and called up 300,000 army reservists. The U.S. and many U.N. Security Council members have condemned the attacks by Hamas, which is designated a terrorist organization by many major countries, and are providing assistance to Israel including the positioning of a U.S. aircraft carrier in the Eastern Mediterranean. The situation is evolving and we all hope for a return to stability in the region, and especially for the continued safety of civilians and any friends and family that might be impacted.

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Private Clients, Institutions Towneley Private Clients, Institutions Towneley

Strength in Tech Overshadows Macro Headwinds

On the back of a robust labor market and declining inflation, global markets experienced a strong first half to the year, with the Russell 3000 increasing 16.2%, MSCI ACWI-EX US up 9.5% and Bloomberg Aggregate Bond Index up 2.1%. The story for the year has been the resurgence of technology stocks following a challenging 2022, with the “Magnificent Seven” leading the market higher and accounting for roughly ¾ of the gains YTD.

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