Recent Insights
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First Quarter 2024 Newsletter
We are at a historically vulnerable point in the economic cycle, where restrictive policy leaves the economy susceptible to unexpected shocks. Current data are encouraging and suggest a return to normalcy may be on the horizon. However, the market's optimism presents heightened risks if future data disappoint. Inflation, a key variable for policy decisions, remains higher than desired. We remain in an extended state of limbo.
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How to Design a “Paycheck” for Retirement
To help smooth out the friction associated with this transition from working to retirement, one technique can be very helpful for a multitude of reasons: designing a “paycheck” for retirement.
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Defining Quality and Its Benefits for SMID Cap Stocks
A focus on investing in quality companies sounds good, but what does that actually mean in practice? In this paper, Managing Director of Research & Senior Portfolio Manager Brian Kute, CFA, Lead PM on Johnson’s SMID Cap Core strategy and the Johnson Opportunity Fund (JOPPX), defines what quality means for Johnson Asset Management and explains how our research team identifies high-quality companies in the SMID Cap space. He also demonstrates that a focus on high-quality stocks has historically provided long-term outperformance with downside protection and reduced volatility.
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Reconsidering Retirement Distributions
As the 2023 holiday season fades into memory, February ushers in tax preparation season. For retirees, managing federal and state income taxes becomes crucial as it often becomes a major yearly expense. Managing taxes effectively can give retirees more confidence in the sustainability and consistency of their retirement cash flow over what is usually a multi-decade retirement timeframe.
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2024 Virtual Wealth Management Forum
Johnson Investment Counsel recorded our 2024 Wealth Management Forum on February 7. CEO Jason Jackman provided a brief firm update, and CIO Charles Rinehart and Managing Director Brandon Zureick provided a detailed economic and market analysis. We also welcomed special guest Andy Laperriere, Head of U.S. Policy Research for Piper Sandler in Washington, DC. He and Jason Jackman discussed the market implications of policy and political developments.
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Fourth Quarter 2023 Newsletter
Successful investing is as much about temperament as it is about analysis. Often quoted legend of value investing, Ben Graham, cited erratic behavior as a source of many of the opportunities and dangers that emerge for investors. Graham personified the market as a symbolic trading partner, “Mr. Market.” People say that Mr. Market is sometimes greedy and sometimes fearful. Last year he couldn’t make up his mind.
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Year End Wealth Planning Checklist
As we wave goodbye to 2023 and say hello to 2024, it's time to reflect on resilient markets amidst economic uncertainty. The year started with negative economic indicators and aggressive Fed rate hikes to combat inflation, sparking recession predictions. Surprisingly, by mid-December, we seem to have sidestepped a predicted economic downturn. Looking ahead, with storm clouds on the economic horizon, we acknowledge that some factors are beyond our control. However, taking charge of our financial destiny, we present a checklist for tangible positive impacts on cash flow, balance sheets, and peace of mind.
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Investing's Biggest Challenge
Looking back to very recent history with more vivid recall can be helpful as a case study in economic & market resiliency. Was it “different” even then? Is it “different” now? Or will it be “this too shall pass” be vindicated yet again?
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Market Update | October 25th
In conversations with clients in recent weeks, we have fielded a number of questions related to the economy and markets. In this video, Chief Investment Officer Charles Rinehart, CFA, CAIA, and Managing Director and Portfolio Manager Brandon Zureick, CFA discuss recent trends in the market and economy.
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The Very Limited (But Useful) Case For Margin Borrowing
For prudent investors and most of our clients, margin borrowing is not a tactic we employ when constructing an investment portfolio and wealth plan on which a family is expected to depend for decades and beyond. However, borrowing on margin can, in select cases, be a smart move financially when used correctly, cautiously, and in very limited circumstances.
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Third Quarter 2023 Newsletter
This year's market has felt more like that maze with each passing quarter. The initial wide-eyed enthusiasm and AI-driven investing in the first half of the year has been
replaced by a range of worries. Labor strikes, the resumption of student loan payments, and potential government shutdowns have dominated the financial news cycle. Inflation concerns, a growing deficit, and Fed policy loom large, pushing interest rates higher and bringing volatility back to the stock and bond markets. In the midst of all this, I thought the best use of this quarter's newsletter would be to zoom out and take a fresh look at the map. -
Retirement Spending Reconsidered
It’s challenging to change the lifelong savings habit imprinted on the psyche. But if proper wealth planning and an in-depth cash flow plan yield a very high probability of the capacity to spend more, we are strong advocates. Spending on experiences and time-saving services is often overlooked; however, it can significantly enhance a retirement lifestyle without filling up the basement and garage with more stuff.
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72(t) Payments: A Tool for Early Retirement Flexibility
Generally, retirement accounts should remain fully invested, monitored, and left to grow over time. However, as interest rates have increased over the past year, Substantially Equal Periodic Payments (SEPP) have become a viable strategy for individuals to consider in unlocking the flexibility of retirement funds sooner while avoiding the burden of penalties.
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2023 Patrick Chong Memorial Scholarship Recipients Awarded
Jason Jackman, CFA, Chief Executive Officer of Johnson Investment Counsel, presented the Patrick Chong Memorial Scholarship to two outstanding students, Grace Gehner and Sosi Mahdasian.
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