Trusts can be a great planning tool for all sorts of circumstances, particularly now with the ability to create very flexible trusts. With tax season upon us, it seems like an appropriate time to describe the tax implications of one type of irrevocable trust called a grantor trust, sometimes referred to as an intentionally defective grantor trust (IDGT).

A bear market—or down market—is defined as asset prices declining by at least 20% over two months or more (as opposed to a bull market, in which prices rise by at least 20%). Bear markets occur during periods of anticipated economic weakness when investors are feeling less than optimistic about the state of the market. So, what should you do as an investor during a bear market? Below, we explore tried-and-true methods for weathering an economic downturn and discuss options to consider based on your personal finances, investment habits, and appetite for risk.

Have you made a plan for your money in 2023 and beyond? At any stage of life, you can establish some financial goals to suit your particular situation. Taking the time now to evaluate your personal finances and set tangible, measurable goals for your money is the best way to prepare for a secure financial future—whether that is three years from now or 30 years from now.

We are pleased to announce the return of our summer hours! Howland Capital will close at 1:00 pm on Fridays from Memorial Day through Labor Day. This effort is to promote a healthy work/life balance for our hardworking team.

We are pleased to announce the promotion of Lauren McDonough to Portfolio Administrator Manager at Howland Capital. Lauren has been an integral part of our team since she joined us in 2014 as a Portfolio Administrator and has worked tirelessly to earn her way to this important position.

We are pleased to extend our warmest congratulations to Daniella MacRitchie on her recent appointment as the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Howland Capital. Daniella has been with the firm since 2007, and her promotion is a testament to her incredible work ethic, dedication, and unwavering commitment to excellence.

With the rapid increase in short-term interest rates, we are finding better opportunities to earn income from the fixed income component of portfolios. In fact, the yield on short maturity bonds currently exceeds that on intermediate and long maturity bonds. This phenomenon exists because the yield curve is inverted, as investors predict short rates will fall in the coming years as the Fed eventually shifts from a tightening to an easing policy.

It was a tumultuous quarter for global equity markets, punctuated by elevated inflation, an increasingly high stakes war in Ukraine, and the sudden and shocking threat of a good, old fashioned banking crisis. And to think, we still have three quarters of the year left!

Will the rapid rise in interest rates push the economy into recession this year? Though not certain, it seems increasingly likely. Following an increase of 2.1% in 2022, growth is slowing this year. In March, the Federal Reserve (Fed) revised their estimates for GDP growth to 0.4% for 2023, and 1.2% for 2024. These figures are close to stalling speed.