2024 brought all the benefits of a bull market, including outsized returns for U.S. equity investors. Looking back on the quarter and the year, Executive Vice President & Chief Investment Officer Chris Battifarano acknowledges the wisdom of capitalizing on opportunity, and offers insight on how to prepare for the eventual return of a bear market.
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How Do I Leave my Bitcoin or Other Cryptocurrencies to my Heirs?
In 2024, the price of Bitcoin rose over 100% and coins currently trade for nearly $100,000. Since its introduction in 2009, Bitcoin has grown to a market capitalization of approximately $2 trillion while the global cryptocurrency market has a market capitalization of around $3.68 trillion. Its ownership has become widespread, with an estimated that 17% …
2024 Third Quarter Review & Commentary
Inflation, the U.S. national debt, and the U.S. economy. Chief Investment Officer Chris Battifarano knows these are the topics keeping FineMark clients awake at night. He addresses these concerns and shares valuable insights to help you sleep more peacefully in the coming months.
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Protecting Your Credit
If you are like me, you receive a slew of emails (largely spam) and some mailings notifying you that you have been part of a data breach and your personal information has been compromised. In response, many companies provide free credit monitoring for some period. There are also several subscription services that you can enroll …
2024 Second Quarter Review & Commentary
Election year politics can breed market uncertainty. How should investors navigate this seemingly uncertain period? FineMark’s Chief Investment Officer lays out our approach to portfolio construction and investment management in our second quarter investment newsletter.
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Do You Know Who is Inheriting Your Assets?
In June, I read an article in the Wall Street Journal titled “His Ex is Getting His $1 Million Retirement Account. They Broke Up in 1989.” and it reminded me of the significance of beneficiary designations on financial accounts. The article details how in 1987 Mr. Rolison named his then girlfriend as the beneficiary on …
2024 First Quarter Review & Commentary
Equity markets continued their strong upward rise, with US large caps leading the charge. Markets were clearly in risk seeking mode, and equites were not the only asset class to experience significant appreciation, cryptocurrencies continue to race ahead as well. Select commodities also rose significantly including gold, oil and cocoa. FineMark Chief Investment Officer Chris Battifarano breaks it all down, offering FineMark’s views on risk, opportunities, and what you need to consider as 2024 unfolds.
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Why Wealth Management at FineMark Transcends Stock Picking
Discover how FineMark’s holistic approach to wealth management transcends simple stock picking in our latest article. Trust Administrator, Read Sawczyn, explains how we work closely with our clients to gain a deep comprehensive understanding of their goals and objectives and then we marry our investment services with estate planning and tax planning to ultimately have a successful outcome.
2023 Fourth Quarter Review & Commentary
2023 ended on a high note with stunning bond performance in a reviving stock market. With a U.S. presidential election on the horizon, Executive Vice President & Chief Investment Officer Chris Battifarano uses historical data to evaluate year-end happenings and ponder what may lie ahead.
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2024 Resolutions and COLA Updates
It’s the start of a new year. We have survived the holidays, reflected on the good and the bad of 2023 (hopefully more good than bad), and are starting on our 2024 resolutions. There are many different new year’s traditions; more common in Florida are parades and fireworks and less common are jumping over seven …
2023 Third Quarter Review & Commentary
The third quarter marked a reversal for equities, which peaked for the year in July and then weakened in August and September. Bonds remain under pressure and did not provide diversification benefits for the traditional 60/40 investor during the quarter. Alternative investments, on the other hand posted positive returns for the period. We also saw a move up in longer term rates for the first time awhile.
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New Federal Beneficial Ownership Reporting Requirements in 2024
Beginning in 2024, US tax filers will have new obligations to report personal information to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network of the Department of the Treasury (“FinCEN”), regarding certain closely held businesses. Failure to report could result in civil and criminal penalties, so it’s important to know if you’re subject to FinCEN’s Beneficial Ownership Information …
