Insights

When discussing inheritances, many families focus exclusively on how much will eventually be transferred. The more important question may be when the transfer occurs. For retirees who have sufficient assets to support their own lifestyle, health care needs, and long-term goals, strategic lifetime gifting can provide meaningful benefits to the next generation during the years when financial demands are often highest.

Trump Accounts introduce an interesting new planning option, but they are not the revolutionary wealth-building vehicle some early commentary may have suggested. For many families, 529 plans, custodial Roth IRAs, UTMAs, and traditional taxable investment accounts will continue to play the primary role in helping children and grandchildren build wealth.

The first half of 2026 brought strong economic growth and market gains, alongside unexpected challenges including geopolitical tensions and AI-driven semiconductor shortages. In this mid-year update, CIO Charles Rinehart, CFA, CAIA, and Senior Managing Director Brandon Zureick, CFA discuss what shaped markets so far and what may lie ahead for investors.