Stableford Capital Insights

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, working remotely was picking up speed and many companies were already practicing it on some level, including Stableford Capital. Now with stay at home mandates, it is the new normal for most industries, companies and workers. Financial firm performance management is changing in light of the new working environments, and the changes are likely to stay in effect long after the crisis.

From certified financial planners to analysts, strategists, and advisors, Stableford staff utilizes their diverse backgrounds to create a unique culture. The integrated advisor approach takes the middleman out of communication, buys, and sells. This, on top of the various perspectives and institutional experience of each member of Stableford leadership, leads to a well-rounded and gratifying investment experience for clients.

We’re never happy with negative returns but we are happy when we are able to preserve your capital. On a relative basis, that is what we have done. The losses in our strategies are a fraction of the overall equities markets and a 60/40 mix of equities and fixed income. This is why we are proponents of the active approach to investing. It’s times like these when being prudent and risk-averse matters.

Women’s finances are on an upward trend. Financial planners are now designing investment plans to meet the needs and expand the opportunities leading to financial independence for women. As women begin to build more wealth, women investors are looking to achieve financial independence, often out-earning men in their portfolios.

The S&P 500 declined 8.4% during February to close down 8% year-to-date and remains at similar levels through March 6. The US-Sino trade-détente and global-growth euphoria that began last September peaked during February and has been replaced with global contagion fears (double entendre).

Health Savings Accounts’ triple-tax benefits make them appealing to high-net-worth investors and others who want to pay for healthcare expenses, save on taxes, and have an additional way to help fund retirement. HSAs should be part of your insurance planning discussions with your financial advisor.

The S&P 500 declined 1.9% during January, though it hit an all-time high on January 22 and has bounced to similar levels as of February 5. The run-up to all-time highs is largely explained by the Fed’s stealth Quantitative Easing (QE) program, as well as anticipation of better economic conditions following the détente in the US-Sino trade war.

While the benefits and risks must be weighed with caution, it is clear that artificial intelligence has paved the way for some interesting opportunities and implementation can be leveraged to the benefit of financial professionals and investors. The artificial intelligence disruption benefits financial professionals and investors by providing more accurate numbers while saving time and money.

You may have questions about how the changes to the tax code will affect your personal tax return this year. Some of the changes may be beneficial, while others may have some extensive effects on your return. Knowing the changes and how best to maximize your investments will smooth the way into tax planning season. Will the changes in tax code change the way you prepare your personal tax return? Here’s what you need to know as we go into tax planning season.

The recently-passed Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement Act may change the way people save, and use, retirement funds. The Act comes with some changes that are worth taking advantage of—and some that are worth being aware of. As this took effect January 1, 2020, be sure to discuss possible impacts to your retirement planning with your tax professional soon.