Blogs

Quarterly Market Review: Q1 2024 By: Paul Dickson, Director of Research and Giri Krishnan, Senior Portfolio Manager Could there be “no landing” for the U.S. Economy? In defiance of the expectations of many economists, the U.S. Economy continues to show remarkable resiliency. The surprisingly strong economy of 2023 appears poised to continue into 2024, pushing back forecasts for Federal Reserve rate cuts. This raises expectations that 2024 could avoid a significant slowdown altogether. If the eventual end of this business cycle is extended much further, pundits will claim it as evidence of a...

Quarterly Market Review: Q4 2023 By: Paul Dickson, Director of Research and Giri Krishnan, Senior Portfolio Manager The “Soft-Landing” Has Become the Default Scenario The Federal Reserve signaled that it is likely done with rate hikes. The markets responded favorably, nearly doubling the annual return on the S&P 500. This signaling also moved the U.S. Aggregate Bond market from being in the red to having a decisively positive year. The pivot in policymakers’ outlook was somewhat of a surprise given that the data-informed policy has not improved nearly as much as their stance has changed. While...

Understanding 401(k) contribution limits can be confusing even sometimes overwhelming. They are, however, essential to know. Below is a break down of important contribution limits that help employees determine whether their savings are on track or if there is an opportunity to catch up. The annual contribution limit is a great goal to keep in mind. It also encourages individuals who are able to defer additional funds into retirement savings to take advantage of doing so. 2024 2023 2022 Employee Contribution Limit $23,000 $22,500 $20,500 Employee Catch-Up Contribution (For employees aged 50 and...

How Will You Embrace the Automatic Age? Since the beginning of time, there have been several ages that reflect society propelling itself forward in physical, intellectual and technological ways. First, there was the Stone Age. Then came the Iron and Bronze Ages (not to mention the Golden Age and the Age of Enlightenment). Welcome to the Automatic Age Section 101 of SECURE Act 2.0 requires new 401(k) and 403(b) plans to automatically enroll participants, with the initial automatic enrollment amount being at least 3% but not more than 10%. Each year, that amount must be automatically increased...

Summary of Key retirement and Tax Provisions On December 29, 2022, the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023 was signed into law. The Act, referred to as SECURE 2.0, includes important provisions affecting retirement savings plans. These provisions offer many new benefits to employers and employees which are designed to make it more attractive for employers to offer retirement plans and to improve retirement outcomes for employees. Below is a summary of selected provisions with potentially broad effects. Employers may need to consult with appropriate legal counsel and other professionals to...