While market volatility has been highly-elevated in recent weeks with the almost daily change in the proposed tariff landscape, in this quarter’s investment strategy video we endeavor to provide a measured perspective on what lies ahead and how navigate the psychology of investing.

This week, equity market volatility continued due to last week’s announcement of global tariffs. Investors, attempting to handicap the potential impacts on the U.S. economy and corporate profits, caused a bond market rally by selling risky assets (stocks) and buying safe assets (government bonds). However, something changed over the weekend. The 10-year U.S. Treasury yield started the week at 3.9% and, by Tuesday evening, had reached 4.5%.

This week, the presidential inauguration and subsequent flurry of executive orders left investors deciphering what is ‘signal’ versus ‘noise’. Fortunately, in the background, public companies have started reporting fourth quarter earnings and reveal expectations for the year ahead.

According to the latest report by Cerulli & Associates, $124 trillion is expected to change hands by 2048. Just under 15% is expected to be given to charity and the remaining balance will go to heirs.  

When it comes to saving for college, 529 accounts are a popular choice. These tax-advantaged savings plans are designed to help families set aside funds for future education expenses. You can choose from various investment options and enjoy tax-free growth and withdrawals for qualified education costs. 

In an era of evolving tax laws and shifting estate planning strategies, flexibility has become an important consideration in wealth planning. 

After last November’s election, it was widely expected that tariffs would become a significant focus in 2025. Initially, markets downplayed these concerns, viewing them primarily as negotiating tools rather than serious economic threats. 

After a quick start that saw the S&P 500 jump 5% in the first three weeks of the year, markets abruptly reversed course and gave it all back and then some, with the blue-chip index posting a 4.3% loss for the quarter. 

To recognize this milestone anniversary, Ferguson Wellman is launching a new initiative to promote more financial education and literacy.

Equity markets surged on Monday only to come under pressure to close the week at a 1.5% loss. Absent a rally greater than 4% on Monday, this will be the first quarter since the summer of 2023 when investors have lost money in domestic stocks.

Something is happening that hasn’t occurred in a very long time – international stocks are outperforming the U.S. markets. This shift marks a significant departure from the long-standing dominance of U.S. equities, which have historically been driven by robust earnings growth and technological innovation.

The current residential real estate market continues to apply pressure on potential home buyers, with many feeling the constraints of high housing prices and relatively high interest rates for mortgages.  

This week, we sent this communication to all Ferguson Wellman and West Bearing clients in response to heightened market volatility. We felt that this message was also appropriate to reiterate for our weekly blog.

Our professionals are periodically asked to weigh in on timely topics regarding the economy, capital markets and personal finance.

After last November's presidential election, it was widely understood that tariffs would be on the agenda for 2025. Early this year, however, markets largely shrugged off these concerns, viewing tariff threats primarily as a negotiating tactic rather than a serious economic risk.

Yogi Berra might have been one of the most accomplished baseball players in history, but his greatest legacy may have been his contribution to classic sayings, otherwise known as “Yogi-isms.” His famous quote about déjà vu was supposedly uttered after watching Mickey Mantle and Roger Maris hit back-to-back home runs in 1961. However, one could easily hear it being uttered today when observing the politicians in Washington D.C. grapple with the federal debt ceiling that is due to be lifted or suspended again this year.

As February draws to a close, so does our first quarter outlook season. We enjoy hitting the road and sharing our 2025 Investment Outlook with clients and colleagues, and are grateful for the chance to come together and look forward to what's ahead.

This article was originally published in 2020. As the author, I chose to focus on the Camp Fire in northern California as a case study for fire safety and financial preparedness during disasters. My colleague, Mary Lago, CFP®, CTFA, grew up in Paradise, California, and tragically her mom lost her home in the fire.  

Mary Lago, CFP, CTFA®, Ferguson Wellman’s chief wealth strategist, joins CNBC’s Closing Bell to discuss our firm's "high-net-worth playbook."

This week, Portland residents braved the cold to venture outside and watch snow blanket the city. In contrast, January's inflation data was seemingly the opposite, rising higher month-over-month and year-over-year. While the snowfall might have been a pleasant surprise for some Oregonians, this inflation data was anything but for most investors and consumers.

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Over the last week, the tariff rhetoric hit a heightened level with the threat of 25% tariffs on products coming in from Mexico and Canada, as well as 10% on China.

This week, the equity market had a “shoot first, ask questions later” response to news surrounding DeepSeek, a Chinese artificial intelligence startup company that claimed to achieve ChatGPT-level performance at a fraction of the cost. This news sent a shockwave through the technology sector, sparking a frenzy of speculation and questions about AI innovation.

After months of debate, President Biden chose to take the bipartisan route nominating Jerome Powell to serve a second four-year term as Federal Reserve Chairman.

Samantha Pahlow, CTFA, AWMA, was on KOIN AM Extra's Wallet Wednesday to discuss how to have a better relationship with your money in 2025.

This week, the presidential inauguration and subsequent flurry of executive orders left investors deciphering what is ‘signal’ versus ‘noise’. Fortunately, in the background, public companies have started reporting fourth quarter earnings and reveal expectations for the year ahead.

In our Investment Outlook 2025 events, we will share our thoughts on the real estate market and the opportunities ahead. While the commercial real estate sector appeared to hit bottom early last year, it showed a positive trend in the latter half, with core real estate values increasing 6% per the Green Street Commercial Property Index (Green Street CPPI). As mentioned in previous publications, we favor opportunities in industrial warehouses, apartments and data centers, which saw values increase last year. However, our publications have not as deeply explored one segment of commercial real estate (CRE): office space.