Payment for Order Flow –What is it, who does it, why it matters
The SEC defines payment for order flow (PFOF) as “a method of transferring some of the trading profits from market making to the brokers that route customer orders to specialists for execution.” This practice has been in the news lately, in part because of the recent scrutiny of trading practices at Robinhood – a firm…
Read MoreThe Investment Climate
Every year since the financial crisis of 2008-09, Laurence Fink, the founder and CEO of BlackRock, has written a letter to CEO’s. In this letter, the leader of the world’s largest asset manager outlines the priorities which his organization would like to see in the companies in which they invest. It’s a call to action,…
Read MoreCaveat Emptor
This past week we’ve witnessed a story of drama and tumult in the stock market; of great successes and stinging losses; of individual investors taking on the institutions. And subsequently, of cries of elitism and unfairness. All stemming from everyday investors, connected via a social media community, wildly buying shares in an unprofitable stock, GameStop.…
Read MoreYear-End Charitable Giving in 2020
The CARES Act passed last March creates some changes in the rules for charitable deductions in 2020, and some which may extend beyond the current tax year. In addition, there are a number of tax-efficient gifting strategies you may wish to consider, which we’ll be discussing below. Many charitable organizations are experiencing higher demand than…
Read MoreThe CARES Act: Stimulus, Relief, and Other New Provisions
The $2 trillion Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act which was signed on March 27th provides funds for health care, state and local governments. It also contains a number of provisions intended to assist individuals and small businesses who have suffered economic harm due to the pandemic. Relief for Individuals -Many individuals will…
Read MoreSustainable Investing in the News
Recently the founder and CEO of BlackRock, the world’s largest asset manager widely known for its iShares family of exchange-traded funds, announced that his firm will be incorporating environmental sustainability as an essential factor in all their investment decisions. In his annual letter to chief executives, Larry Fink articulated his company’s commitment to deepen their…
Read MoreInstitutional Partnership
There have been a pair of interesting developments in the investment custody business in the past month, as you may have been reading in the news. While neither of them directly impacts you, they do point out some of the wonderful benefits you enjoy as a result of your decision to work with us. Plus,…
Read MoreCharitable Gifts in the Current Tax Environment
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2018 made substantial changes to the tax code, and affected ability of many Americans to deduct charitable donations. Here are some strategies to help you maximize your tax savings while supporting organizations and causes that are important to you: Give something, get something Often we support a charitable…
Read MoreGood Advice, So Roundly Dismissed
The world of wise financial management is imbued with proven, effective – often simple – principles. Spend less than you earn; invest the difference. Maintain a personally-appropriate asset allocation of stocks, bonds, and cash. Diversify broadly within those asset classes. Keep investment costs low. Be mindful of tax consequences. Be patient and focused on the…
Read More(What You Already Know About) What to Do When Markets Sell Off
Recently, Vanguard’s Chief Investment Officer Greg Davis published an article representing the firm’s guidance to investors on how to react when markets fall in value. What’s most notable to us is what they don’t espouse in such historically common conditions. Missing is such “wisdom” as “look for quality names to pick up at more attractive…
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