Q4 2018: IN PERSPECTIVE YEAR END NEWSLETTER

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Written By Guest User

After logging strong returns in 2017, global equity markets delivered negative returns in US dollar terms in 2018. Common news stories in 2018 included reports on global economic growth, corporate earnings, record low unemployment in the US, the implementation of Brexit, US trade wars with China and other countries, and a flattening US Treasury yield curve. Global equity markets delivered positive returns through September, followed by a decline in the fourth quarter, resulting in a –4.4% return for the S&P 500 and –9.4% for the MSCI All Country World Index for the year.

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Resilience in the Markets: Key Updates in Q4
Resilience in the Markets: Key Updates in Q4

Legacy planning goes beyond simply naming beneficiaries for the material things you leave behind. It includes documenting your wishes, consistent with your values, with your loved ones in mind. Start by identifying your wishes and speaking with family members to clarify your goals, hopes, and vision.

Ten Steps to Leaving a Lasting Legacy
Ten Steps to Leaving a Lasting Legacy

Legacy planning goes beyond simply naming beneficiaries for the material things you leave behind. It includes documenting your wishes, consistent with your values, with your loved ones in mind. Start by identifying your wishes and speaking with family members to clarify your goals, hopes, and vision.

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

Leaving a Legacy for Grandchildren: Options for Grandparents
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.

Legacy and End of Life Checklist
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You are welcome to use this checklist to guide your estate and legacy planning and to aid your loved ones in gathering the information and documents they will need to administer your estate.

Strategic Tax Planning
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Jack and Diane recently sold a business, transitioning from high income last year to a much lower income in 2024. Additionally, Diane inherited a substantial IRA from her mother a couple years ago and would like to use a portion of the inheritance to honor her.

2024 Mid-Year Outlook: A Tale of Two Markets
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.

Spring Cleaning: Getting organized with your finances
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2023 Year in Review and 2024 Outlook
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Market Insights: Q&A with Towneley’s Investment Committee
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Welcome to the Fall 2023 edition of the Towneley newsletter. In this edition, you will hear from our investment team in a frequently asked questions format.

Market Insights Amidst Escalating Middle East Conflict
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Strength in Tech Overshadows Macro Headwinds
Strength in Tech Overshadows Macro Headwinds

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Q3 2018: NEWSLETTER