Updates
Revisiting Roth Conversions
In this update, Senior Portfolio Manager Scott Wyckoff, CFA, CFP®, and Director of Northeastern Ohio Market and Portfolio Manager Tony Kure, CFP® discuss why it's worth revisiting Roth Conversions today.
May 18, 2020
Blog: Beyond the Numbers
A Timely Revisit of the Roth Conversion
After a historic stock-market rebound, it’s a good time to survey the planning landscape from a more stable vantage point. Uncertainty is still pervasive. Even so, it is prudent to seek opportunities to make the best of these trying circumstances. Events thus far in 2020 have led to one such opportunity – the Roth conversion.
May 18, 2020
Updates
April 2020 Market Recap
The outbreak of Covid-19 sent stocks plummeting in February and March, until they bottomed on March 23rd, down 35% from the peak. But since then, stocks have shot higher in dramatic fashion. The S&P 500 Index gained nearly 13% in April, its best one-month performance since 1987.
May 05, 2020
Updates
The Importance of High-Quality Stocks
In this update, Senior Portfolio Manager Scott Wyckoff, CFA, CFP®, and Managing Director and Portfolio Manager Charles Rinehart, CFA, CAIA® discuss why high-quality stocks are an important component of a diversified investment portfolio.
April 27, 2020
Blog: Beyond the Numbers
The CARES Act: A Summary and Planning Strategies
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The outbreak of COVID-19 has impacted us all, and millions of Americans are suffering financially as a direct result. In response, Congress recently passed the CARES Act, a $2-trillion stimulus package designed to alleviate the financial stress on individuals and business owners associated with the economic shutdown.
April 17, 2020
Updates
The Importance of High-Quality Bonds
In this update, Director and Portfolio Manager Brandon Zureick, CFA, explains our investment philosophy that bonds should be of the highest quality and provide portfolio stability, liquidity and reliable income, particularly during times of economic and market stress.
April 13, 2020
Quarterly Insight
First Quarter 2020 Newsletter
As 2019 drew to a close, investors were enjoying a fantastic year of stock-market gains, unemployment had reached record lows, and the U.S. economic expansion appeared on track to continue into 2020. As always, there was a list of concerns confronting investors (impeachment, trade wars, and elections in particular), but no one knew how trivial those concerns would soon become.
April 08, 2020
Blog: Beyond the Numbers
Seeing Beyond the Red
Without a doubt, we are living through historic times. The shutdown of the global economy and the accompanying speed of the declines in stocks rivals the steepest selloffs in history. This crisis is playing out against an almost inescapable backdrop of news coverage and social media.
April 08, 2020
Updates
Update from President and Chief Investment Officer Jason Jackman
Listen to an update from Johnson Investment Counsel President and Chief Investment Officer Jason Jackman.
April 01, 2020
Updates
JIC Market Update - Frequently Asked Questions
In conversations with clients in recent weeks we have discussed a number of issues related to the economy, markets, and the unfolding situation. We’ve compiled our answers to the most common of these questions below, and we will continue to share our perspective in the coming weeks.
March 25, 2020
Updates
Ohio Stay at Home Order – We Remain Fully Operational
Johnson Investment Counsel has been designated as an essential business, and will remain fully operational during the state of Ohio's Stay at Home Order.
March 23, 2020
Updates
Our Perspective on the Current Crisis
As your trusted advisor, it is our role to help you navigate through uncertain, challenging times like we are experiencing now. Read our latest message regarding the current crisis.
March 18, 2020
Updates
A Message Regarding COVID-19
At Johnson Investment Counsel, the health and safety of our clients, employees, and their families is extremely important. We are monitoring the coronavirus situation and its impact closely in order to continue to provide you with the high level of service you expect.
March 13, 2020
Blog: Beyond the Numbers
Coronavirus Sparks Volatility
As is typical in environments of higher volatility, steep selloffs have been somewhat offset by sharp increases. The volatility is likely to continue in the weeks ahead as investors try to sort through the noise, and the medical community along with policymakers try to respond to the situation.
March 04, 2020
Blog: Beyond the Numbers
Wealth Planning Strategies for the SECURE Act
The SECURE Act was passed by Congress and signed into law by President Trump in December 2019 as an attachment to the broader government spending package. Based on the number of changes and new rules introduced or modified by this legislation alone, it could be argued this is the most comprehensive change to retirement and wealth planning in decades.
February 20, 2020
Research Edge Video
2020 Market Recap & Insights
2019 was a strong year for the financial markets with equities posting robust gains. Are we likely to see a repeat of that performance in 2020 or are we poised for lower returns? In this edition of the JIC Research Edge, Portfolio Managers Charles Rinehart and Dan Barnett recap what happened in 2019 and provide an outlook for 2020.
February 03, 2020
Presentations
2020 Wealth Management Forum
Jason Jackman, President, and Chief Investment Officer is joined by a panel of colleagues to discuss our current views on the markets. An overview of the 2020 political landscape is provided by guest speaker, Andy Laperriere from Cornerstone Macro.
January 30, 2020
Quarterly Insight
Fourth Quarter 2019 Newsletter
This past year was a successful one for the firm on multiple fronts. It was a tremendous year for investment results in both absolute and relative terms. While we believed our “slowing but growing” economic outlook could provide a decent backdrop for the stock market, the returns exceeded our expectations.
January 17, 2020
Blog: Beyond the Numbers
The SECURE Act: New Law Impacts Retirement and Estate Planning for Many Americans
The Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement (SECURE) Act was signed into law in December 2019 as part of a broader government spending package. The law includes many provisions designed to make saving for retirement easier and more accessible. However, other changes related to distributions from retirement accounts may not be as favorable.
January 17, 2020
Research Edge Video
Recapping 2019 and Gauging Recession Fears
2019 was an eventful year for the global economy, filled with geopolitical disputes and decelerating global growth. In this edition of the JIC Research Edge, Economic Strategist Brandon Zureick and Portfolio Manager Skye Barry recap what happened in 2019 and provide our current views on the chance of recession.
December 17, 2019
Blog: Beyond the Numbers
Bear Markets and the Hidden Danger of "Safe" Investing
As a banner year for the stock market draws to a close, it’s worth recalling where we were a year ago. After a strong start to 2018, the S&P 500 Index fell 19.9% during the fourth quarter, just barely avoiding an official bear market.
December 13, 2019
Blog: Beyond the Numbers
The Gift of Planning for the End
Facing the issues associated with aging and dying is not fun for anyone. But we all have to face mortality sooner or later. Don't tarnish your legacy by leaving a mess for those you love. Instead, give the gift of planning for the end.
November 14, 2019
Research Edge Video
Showcasing the Johnson Equity Income Fund
In this edition of the Research Edge, Portfolio Manager Charles Rinehart and Associate Portfolio Manager Tony Miliano introduce the Johnson Equity Income Fund and the goals it seeks to achieve. They highlight our belief in the importance of investing in only the highest quality stocks and valuation's key role when making purchase decisions.
October 24, 2019
Blog: Beyond the Numbers
Keeping Uncle Sam in Mind When Allocating Investments
“Location, location, location” is a well-worn axiom keen-eyed investors employ when evaluating a potential real estate purchase. However, “location” can also be applied when thinking about the types of investment accounts that “house” stocks, bonds, and other investments.
October 18, 2019
Quarterly Insight
Third Quarter 2019 Newsletter
While the stock market posted a very modest increase for the third quarter, it’s still been a great year by historical standards, primarily due to strong performance during the first half of the year.
October 18, 2019
Blog: Beyond the Numbers
The Critical but Overlooked Factor in an Early Retirement
As advisors, we get to talk about how clients can enjoy retirement and still have resources to travel, help with the grandkids’ education, or buy that vacation home in the South. However, we must also include discussion on a critical and often overlooked drain on cash flow – health care costs.
September 20, 2019
Blog: Beyond the Numbers
Interesting Interest Rates
When people talk about investing, bonds typically take a back seat to stocks. Typically the Steady-Eddie asset class, bond interest payments and return of principal never seem quite as exciting as the flashy world of the stock market.
August 21, 2019
Blog: Beyond the Numbers
Uncle Sam May Change the Rules of Retirement Planning, Again
Navigating the shifting terrain of retirement, tax, and estate planning can be a complicated and arduous journey. With so many variables and moving pieces, the landscape is constantly evolving.
July 22, 2019
Quarterly Insight
Second Quarter 2019 Newsletter
An up-and-down second quarter resulted in further stock-market gains, capping off the best first half for the S&P 500 Index since 1997. The market volatility that began last October continued in the first half of 2019.
July 19, 2019
Research Edge Video
Tariff Primer & Trade War Update
In this edition of the JIC Research Edge, Industrials Research Analyst Bryan Andress joins Portfolio Manager Jon McEvoy to discuss the ongoing trade war between the United States and China. They provide a practical explanation of how tariffs work, recap the major U.S. policy changes, and discuss the impact on U.S. companies.
July 02, 2019
Blog: Beyond the Numbers
The Pension Rollover Question: Do I Feel Lucky?
Future retirees with pensions facing the big decision of whether to take a monthly payout or a lump sum rollover to an IRA must consider a number of factors in order to make the most informed decision.
June 18, 2019
Blog: Beyond the Numbers
The Substantial Impact of Self Control
As we often tell clients, we can’t control interest rates, volatile stock market returns, Fed policy, trade policy, or global economic trends. Because of this we should plan for multiple outcomes. But most importantly, we must control what we can control.
May 20, 2019
Quarterly Insight
First Quarter 2019 Newsletter
Now that tax season has come and gone, most taxpayers are aware (in some cases, painfully) of the impact of the changes brought about by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Each tax return has its own unique wrinkles, and few situations are the same. Still, one broad conclusion that has been made about the new law is the sharp reduction in the percentage of taxpayers who itemized deductions.
April 19, 2019
Blog: Beyond the Numbers
HSAs: The Under-the-Radar Retirement Savings Account
One common example of a reduction to income is traditional IRAs and/or 401(k) contributions. The merits of maximizing contributions to these retirement accounts are well known. But there is another under-the-radar and very effective tax-saving strategy that is often overlooked: the Health Savings Account (HSA).
April 12, 2019
Research Edge Video
Yield Curve 101
In this edition of the JIC Research Edge, Fixed Income Portfolio Manager David Theobald joins Simon Buchman to introduce the yield curve and why it's used as an economic indicator.
March 27, 2019
Blog: Beyond the Numbers
An Education on College Savings
Because 529 plans are administered by the individual states, the accounts are often held at a different financial institution. As a result, they sometimes become an afterthought.
March 20, 2019
Presentations
2019 Wealth Management Forum
Jason Jackman, President and Chief Investment Officer of Johnson Investment Consel is joined by a panel of colleagues to discuss our current views on the markets, and an update on tax planning.
February 19, 2019
Research Edge Video
Market Recap & Insights
In this edition of the JIC Research Edge, Portfolio Manager Dale Coates joins Laura Mattern to discuss what happened in the markets in 2018 and what to potentially expect going forward.
February 14, 2019
Blog: Beyond the Numbers
Seeing the Big Picture
Some investors struggle to see the big picture. They choose to focus in on the minute details (in this case, year-to-year returns) instead of taking in the broader view. The bigger picture tells the real story, demonstrating the value of diversification across asset classes.
February 13, 2019
Quarterly Insight
Fourth Quarter 2018 Newsletter
Nearly a decade into this historic bull market run, the S&P 500 Index posted its first calendar-year loss since 2008, finishing with a total return of -4.4%. This modest decline seems far worse after the fourth-quarter selloff.
January 14, 2019
Blog: Beyond the Numbers
Year-End Planning Checklist
Dark mornings, early sunsets and beat-up paper calendars remind us the end of 2018 is rapidly approaching. Alongside these preparations, the change of seasons provides an opportunity to take stock of various aspects of our financial lives.
November 16, 2018
Research Edge Video
What's Next for P&G?
In this edition of the JIC Research Edge, Consumer Analyst Joe Edelstein and Portfolio Manager Michael Stanis break down Procter & Gamble's recent Investor Day. Joe examines management's key priorities, assesses the investment community's reaction to the event, and discusses activist investor Nelson Peltz's impact on the company.
November 14, 2018
Blog: Beyond the Numbers
The Capital Gains Conundrum
As this historic bull market grinds ever-higher, some commonly-used axioms seem apropos to stock investors. “Patience is a virtue.” “Don't miss the forest for the trees.” “Good things come to those who wait.” But the phrase “hindsight is 20/20” also applies.
October 16, 2018
Quarterly Insight
Third Quarter 2018 Newsletter
U.S. stocks overcame several headwinds and negative headlines in the third quarter, delivering the largest quarterly gain since 2013. Stock markets in the U.S. are very close to all-time record highs heading into the fourth quarter.
October 16, 2018
Presentations
2018 Wealth Management Forum
Jason Jackman, President and Chief Investment Officer of Johnson Investment Counsel is joined by a panel of colleagues to discuss our current views on the markets, and an update on tax planning.
September 25, 2018
Blog: Beyond the Numbers
How to Enjoy September
Flipping the calendar to September often seems to engender the feeling of a fresh start. A new school year, a new football season, and (usually) a welcome break from the hot, humid dog days of August.
September 10, 2018
Research Edge Video
Breaking Down Apple's New iPhones
In this edition of the JIC Research Edge, Research Analyst Chris Godby breaks down Apple's new iPhones and discusses what he believes is the company's biggest risk.
September 10, 2018
Blog: Beyond the Numbers
Return on...Sleep?
As the power of technology grows at a dizzying pace, so does our ability to track, measure, and analyze nearly everything about our lives.
August 09, 2018
Blog: Beyond the Numbers
Your Wealth: The Number
It's safe to say most people have seared into their memory a few important numbers: Social Security number, home address, phone number, kids' birthdays and anniversaries (hopefully). However, one number that is critically important to financial success is underappreciated.
July 17, 2018
Quarterly Insight
Second Quarter 2018 Newsletter
A rising U.S. dollar, rising oil prices, and emerging market volatility are additional headwinds that could slow the economy’s momentum in the second half of 2018.
July 13, 2018
Research Edge Video
Trade Trouble?
In this edition of the JIC Research Edge, Economic Strategist Brandon Zureick and Portfolio Manager Scott Wyckoff address tension over global trade. Brandon discusses the Trump Administration's trade goals, recent tariff implementations, and potential economic implications if the "trade war" escalates.
June 29, 2018
Research Edge Video
Pain at the Pump?
In this edition of the JIC Research Edge, Research Analyst Aaron Taylor and Portfolio Manager Jon McEvoy discuss the recent jump in gas prices, provide an outlook for the remainder of the year, and discuss the impact on the equity markets and energy sector.
June 13, 2018
Research Edge Video
The Amazon Effect
In this edition of the JIC Research Edge, Research Analyst Joe Edelstein and Portfolio Manager Scott Wyckoff break down the "Amazon Effect." They discuss how Amazon's eCommerce leadership is disrupting the retail landscape and examine how Ohio-based companies like Kroger and Macy's are responding.
April 13, 2018
Quarterly Insight
First Quarter 2018 Newsletter
After nothing but smooth sailing in 2017, volatility returned with a vengeance in the first quarter of 2018. A very strong January rally was followed by two consecutive months of losses for the broader market.
April 13, 2018
Research Edge Video
2018 Economic Outlook
In this edition of the JIC Research Edge, Economic Strategist Brandon Zureick and Associate Portfolio Manager Sandy Appel provide an Economic Outlook for 2018.
February 16, 2018
Research Edge Video
Market Recap & Outlook
JIC Portfolio Manager Charles Rinehart recaps what happened in the equity markets in 2017 and provides an outlook on what to expect in 2018.
January 26, 2018
Quarterly Insight
Fourth Quarter 2017 Newsletter
2017 was a banner year for stock markets worldwide, and several other asset classes also finished with healthy gains. The S&P 500 Index has posted a positive return for 14 straight months, and 2017 was the first year ever in which the index's total return was positive every single month.
January 17, 2018
Research Edge Video
Holiday Shopping Update
JIC Research Analysts Chris Godby and Joe Edelstein provide an update on the 2017 Holiday Shopping season.
December 21, 2017
Research Edge Video
Tax Reform Overview
In this edition of the JIC Research Edge video series, Economic Strategist Brandon Zureick discusses Congressional tax reform efforts.
November 10, 2017
Research Edge Video
P&G Proxy Vote Wrap Up
JIC Research Analysts Joe Edelstein and Chris Godby examine Procter & Gamble management's victory over Nelson Peltz in his proxy fight to win a board seat.
October 16, 2017
Research Edge Video
P&G Proxy Fight Overview
JIC Research Analysts Joe Edelstein and Chris Godby discuss P&G's upcoming proxy vote. They provide an overview of what a proxy fight entails and examine the issues presented by activist investor Nelson Peltz and P&G's management team.
October 10, 2017
Quarterly Insight
Third Quarter 2017 Newsletter
Stocks jumped in the third quarter, with only a brief pause in August. Stocks in the U.S. continue to reach new highs despite several headwinds.
October 10, 2017
Research Edge Video
iPhone 8 Preview
In our first installment of the JIC Research Edge, Research Analysts Chris Godby and Joe Edelstein preview the new iPhone and discuss how important it is to Apple.
September 06, 2017
Research Edge Video
Introduction to the JIC Research Edge
Research Analyst Chris Godby introduces the JIC Research Edge video series.
September 05, 2017
Quarterly Insight
Second Quarter 2017 Newsletter
The first half of 2017 turned out to be a good run for stock and bond markets. The rally in stocks sparked by the U.S. election last November carried over into the New Year and continued on steadily through June.
July 13, 2017