Market Insight
Post Election Investment Playbook
Wednesday, December 11, 2024
Overview
Our outlook for the markets is broadly the same as it was before Donald Trump won the U.S. presidential election. While the resolution of political uncertainty is a key, near-term, driver for stocks the most important outcome is simply having an outcome. As illustrated by the chart below, U.S. stocks have historically risen over the long-term regardless of which party controls the White House. As such, a disciplined long-term investment mantra remains the favored approach.
Here to Stay
Wednesday, December 4, 2024
The interesting journey of the Washington State Capital Gains Tax appears to have reached its final landing place. Washington state voters were presented with Initiative 2109 on November 5th with an opportunity to retain or repeal the new tax.
Elevator Going Down
Friday, September 20, 2024
Fed pivots
Earlier this week, the Fed announced a 50bps (basis points or 0.50%) reduction to the Fed Funds Rate, their key interest rate and primary lever for carrying out monetary policy. In his post-meeting press conference, Chairman Jay Powell also charted a course for two additional cuts this year and four more in 2025.
Buckle Up
Wednesday, September 11, 2024
Here we go again
After the latest debate, the U.S. presidential election cycle is in full swing. With less than 2 months before election day, the media coverage and barrage of political advertising will continue to ramp up. Narratives seeking to correlate the results of U.S. presidential elections and stock market performance often circulate in the runup to voting day. Historically, however, financial markets have generally fared well regardless of who happens to win (* as illustrated below).
Washington State Capital Gains Tax Update & Initiative 2109
Thursday, May 9, 2024
It has now been over a year since the Washington Supreme Court upheld a law instituting a 7% tax on capital gains (i.e. profits) from the sale of assets (with some exceptions) exceeding $250,000. See our prior post here for details.