Insights

Third quarter stock market performance was strong, and it looked a lot like the second quarter’s, at least at a high level. U.S. stocks, as measured by the S&P 500 Index, returned nearly 6% in the third quarter compared to 4.3% in the second quarter, including dividends.

Despite tight monetary conditions and the highest borrowing costs in two decades, economic growth has remained quite healthy, and the Federal Reserve (Fed) is hoping to keep it that way.  At the September meeting, they decided to “go big,” opting to cut the short-term federal funds rate by half a percentage point. 

We are delighted to formally introduce Richard Kutia as the newest member of the Howland Capital team, where he will serve as our Chief Fiduciary Officer. Richard brings a wealth of estate planning and trust expertise and a steadfast commitment to excellence.

Charitable giving is a personal and powerful act that can transform the lives of those in need. Beyond your personal wealth and legacy, there's a vast world of charitable giving strategies that can elevate your philanthropy to the next level. In this exploration, we unpack the concept of Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs) and dissect why they've become a popular philanthropic strategy.

Beginning January 1, 2024, there is a new Federal filing requirement for small businesses that comes with large civil and criminal fines and possible jail time for noncompliance. To be in compliance, all small businesses (S Corps & C Corps and LLCs) need to file a Beneficial Ownership Information Report (BOI) with the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN).

As expected, the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) voted to leave short -term policy rates unchanged at 5.50% at its June meeting. The Fed acknowledged “modest further progress” on inflation but is not quite ready to cut rates. We expect the Fed to keep interest rates at current levels for most of this year. For investors, that means cash yields will remain elevated. But there is also a risk to holding too much cash

Strong stock market performance continued through the second quarter, but at a more moderate pace and with fewer positive contributors when compared to the first quarter. Three months ago, we highlighted strong economic growth, falling inflation, and hopes of near-term Fed rate cuts as the three key positive dynamics sending stocks higher in 2024. Today, that list has narrowed to two. Economic growth remains strong and inflation is still moving in the right direction.

We believe the economy is headed for a soft landing, as solid job gains and moderating inflation should allow for the economy to slow in a measured fashion. This was hardly the consensus view even a few months ago, when there was widespread concern that a series of rate hikes in 2022 and 2023 would lead to a recession. The next move in rates is still expected to be lower, with the Fed signaling a rate cut by year-end (assuming inflation eases further).

It is with great pleasure that we welcome Andrew Swanson to Howland Capital as a portfolio manager. Andrew has more than 25 years of experience in financial services and brings a passion for investing and client service.