Policy changes, litigation, and new investment products are making alternative assets more accessible in retirement plans, particularly through target date funds. Kevin Grogan, Focus’ CIO, Systematic Strategies, explores how private investments are valued and whether that valuation accurately reflects their risk.
In this Focus Perspectives video, Blerina Hysi explores what the next 12 months could hold for bond investors amid uncertainty around Federal Reserve policy, inflation, and economic growth.
Many retirees focus on one question: Should I claim Social Security at 62, 67, or 70? For high-net-worth individuals, the answer often involves far more than maximizing a monthly benefit. Learn how taxes, Medicare premiums, spousal benefits, survivor protection, and portfolio withdrawal strategies can influence the right claiming decision for your retirement.
The U.S. national debt has surpassed $40 trillion. Learn how rising debt, interest rates, and economic trends may affect investors.
Why should investors consider holding different types of bonds? In this Focus Perspectives video, Blerina Hysi explains how diversification within fixed income can help support a more balanced portfolio.
Is AI a bubble or the next major market shift? In this Focus Perspectives video, Kevin Grogan examines both sides of the debate.
In economic terms, a “bubble” occurs when prices for something like stocks or technology go up quickly, often beyond their true value, then ultimately crash (or burst) when investors recognize prices aren’t in line with value and attempt to quickly sell.
In this Focus Perspectives video, Blerina Hysi shares how excess cash may expose investors to reinvestment and inflation risks that can affect long-term purchasing power.
In this Focus Perspectives video, Kevin Grogan shares insights on the current economic backdrop, including how a more hawkish Fed, persistent inflation, and a cooling labor market could impact markets and portfolios.
Our latest Quarterly Outlook looks at the key trends, including resilient consumer spending, inflation pressures, and ongoing geopolitical uncertainty.
In this Focus Perspectives video, Blerina Hysi explains what a steepening yield curve means for bond investors and why higher long-term yields may support income potential, reinvestment opportunities, and long-term fixed income returns.
The initial public offering (IPO) is back. The natural question we’ve been hearing from clients is a simple one: Should I try to get in?
Initial public offerings are gaining momentum in 2026 with several high-profile companies preparing to go public. We take a deeper look at what this could mean for you.
Blerina Hysi breaks down how a Warsh-led Fed could impact markets.
Kevin Grogan explores the “K shaped economy” and why staying diversified remains the smartest approach for your portfolio.
When it comes to private credit, a number of questions can arise, including those around asset class, credit quality, and steps investors may wish to take. We follow up on our earlier discussion about this topic and dive beneath the headlines to offer our thoughts.
While inflation has eased, it remains a significant driver of behavior in the bond market.
Learn how LGBTQ+ financial planning addresses family-building expenses, same-sex marriage tax benefits, estate planning, and wealth strategy.
March’s sharp market drop and quick recovery underscored that diversification, staying invested, and following a sound plan can carry investors through uncertain periods.
Markets face a volatile start to the second quarter amid geopolitical tensions and rising oil prices, even as economic growth slows but remains intact.
Our Quarterly Outlook explores the risks, sources of stability, and key areas to watch as we enter the second quarter of 2026.
Successful investors know the biggest risk isn’t investing in the market at the wrong time—it’s never investing in the first place.
Learn the difference between bear markets and bull markets and how retirees can respond. Discover how to protect retirement income and long-term wealth.
International stocks have recently begun to outperform U.S. stocks. What is driving this shift?
The U.S. strikes on Iranian targets mark a significant military escalation and raise the risk of a broader regional conflict, adding to an already strained geopolitical backdrop shaped by strategic competition, energy security concerns, and recurring instability.
Saving for your baby’s future starts early. Learn how to plan expenses, update insurance, use tax benefits, and build long-term savings.
Rebalancing keeps a diversified portfolio aligned with its targets by trimming outperformers and adding to underperformers. Focus Partners’ Chief Investment Officer of Systematic Strategies Kevin Grogan shares how this strategy can help mitigate risk, maintain discipline, and help investors stay focused on long-term goals, rather than short-term market swings.
Geopolitical tensions are rising. Here is how markets are reacting and what history says about long-term outcomes.
A historical look at market reactions to global crises, volatility, and long-term investment outcomes.
AI is making tech cheaper and more efficient—and as history shows, that usually boosts usage, not reduces it. Focus Partners’ Chief Investment Strategist Jason Blackwell shares why a diversified portfolio is essential during periods when investment narratives shift quickly.
News around private credit may sound alarming, but the outcomes don’t have to be. As always, prudent manager selection, strong underwriting, and a diversified portfolio can provide a more comfortable future than the headlines may lead you to believe.
Private credit remains sound overall, but recent valuation swings highlight that strong manager selection is essential for investors. Focus Partners’ Kevin Grogan shares three important things that matter when evaluating private credit managers.
Even though unemployment rose in the third quarter of 2025, the U.S. economy showed strong momentum due to robust consumer spending. Our Quarterly Outlook explores the risks, sources of stability, and key areas to watch as we enter into 2026.
One of the most overlooked portfolio risks tied to career success is concentrated stock from equity awards. While equity rewards offer many benefits, too much reliance on one company can create financial vulnerability. Thoughtful planning helps preserve flexibility and protect long-term goals.
On paper, it was a great year for investors. Looking back on 2025, it may be easy to forget just how challenging it felt at times.
Kevin Grogan breaks down why a softening labor market played a key role in the Fed’s decision to cut interest rates.
Markets fared better than sentiment suggested this year, and 2026 could be even noisier.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is growing at a remarkable pace, creating new possibilities as well as important considerations for investors. In this video, Focus Partners’ Kevin Grogan explores how AI business models are evolving and what these changes could mean for the investing landscape ahead.
Time is running out to make charitable contributions for 2025. With year-end approaching, now is the time to think about whether it makes sense to contribute in 2025 or wait until 2026. The new One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBA) passed in July 2025 introduces several important changes that will impact charitable deductions starting next year. These rules may influence the timing and structure of your giving.
S&P 500 earnings are beating expectations, with broad growth across sectors like tech, health care, and industrials. Strong corporate profits keep stock market momentum high despite elevated valuations. Focus Partners’ Jason Blackwell breaks down what this could mean for markets.
With third-quarter earnings beating expectations, should investors be concerned about headlines warning that valuations are high? We take a closer look at whether valuations are stretched—and the ways they could adjust.
Investor behavior has shifted dramatically over the last 10–20 years—and it’s reshaping how markets work and investors’ returns. In this video, Focus Partners’ Kevin Grogan explores what’s driving these changes, the role technology plays, and how investors can stay disciplined and make smarter decisions in today’s fast-paced environment.
The U.S. job market has cooled notably, with job gains slowing and consumer sentiment weakening, prompting the Federal Reserve to cut interest rates. Still, economic growth and consumer spending remain resilient, supporting a 3.8% annualized expansion in Q3 and keeping recession risks relatively low.
The latest economic data is sending mixed signals—job growth is cooling, yet overall momentum remains surprisingly strong. In this video, Focus Partners’ Kevin Grogan unpacks what’s driving this divergence and what it could mean for investors moving forward.
How durable are today’s U.S. mega cap companies? Many investors have noticed that just a handful of large U.S. companies now drive much of the stock market’s performance. While stock concentration can be unsettling, it also reflects one of the core strengths of markets: their ability to evolve.
Today’s mega cap stocks appear built for more staying power than past market leaders, driving fresh innovation and growth. Focus Partners’ Jason Blackwell explains what sets them apart—and why investors still need to balance concentration risks.
The U.S. government is poised to shut down tonight if policymakers fail to reach a funding deal. Focus Partners’ Jason Blackwell breaks down how markets have reacted in past shutdowns—and three ways this one could play out differently.
The Fed has restarted its easing strategy to bring short-term rates down. To understand the potential market reactions, Focus Partners’ Jason Blackwell explores why the Fed is taking action.
After the most aggressive rate-hiking cycle in four decades, a modest reduction in rates, and a long pause, the Federal Reserve is widely expected to resume cutting interest rates. The natural question is: What does this mean for my investments?
Retail investors are driving more of today’s market action than ever before. Focus Partners’ Kevin Grogan shares what is behind this trend and what it may mean for long-term investors.
When markets hit record highs, it’s natural for investors to hesitate. Concerns often arise—have I missed the rally? Are valuations too stretched? Is buying now too risky? Focus Partners’ Jason Blackwell breaks down what history and data reveal about investing at all-time highs.
The S&P 500 notched new all-time highs in 10 of the 22 trading days in July. It’s a remarkable rebound from the fear that gripped the market just three months prior. While the returns are a cause for celebration, it’s reasonable to wonder if things have gone too far, too fast.
Focus Partners’ Kevin Grogan breaks down market concentration, the dominance of the “Magnificent 7,” and why diversification still matters, especially in times of tech-fueled growth.
Teaching kids about investing early could pay lifelong dividends. Here are five engaging tips to help you start the conversation and lay the foundation for smart financial habits.
Focus Partners’ Kevin Grogan looks ahead to the second half of 2025, sharing our latest perspectives on the economy.
Despite signs of resilience, the U.S. economy continues to face headwinds as uncertainty around trade policy weighs on growth. Our Quarterly Outlook explores what’s ahead for markets and the economy for the remainder of 2025.
Oil prices have fluctuated in recent weeks as tensions in oil-producing regions have raised concerns about global energy supply. While such conflicts historically triggered sharp market reactions, today’s economic landscape tells a different story. In this video, Focus Partner’s Jason Blackwell explores why oil’s influence on investors has diminished over time.
Investors often talk about managing risk, but rarely stop to ask: the risk of what? In this video, Focus Partners’ Jason Blackwell breaks down two key types to consider: absolute risk and relative risk.
As we hit the halfway mark of the year, it’s a good time to revisit your investment portfolio—not just to evaluate performance, but to plan ahead for capital gains taxes.
The national debt is growing—but what does that really mean for investors? In this video, Focus Partners’ Kevin Grogan explores what’s behind the numbers, how the U.S. is positioned globally, and what steps could help address the issue over time.
Markets are anticipating that the Federal Reserve will begin cutting interest rates later this year. In this video, Focus Partners’ Kevin Grogan breaks down the Fed’s decision to hold rates steady in May and discusses the potential implications for investors.
In light of evolving tariff policies, market commentators are questioning whether a large international presence is becoming more of a challenge than an asset for U.S. companies. In this video, Focus Partners’ Jason Blackwell discusses how shifts in global trade and domestic production could be reshaping investment trends.
Reading headlines about huge swings in the financial markets can be stressful for even the most seasoned investors. It’s natural to feel uneasy watching portfolio values fluctuate, but moments like these also present opportunities. In our view, volatility can become a tool rather than a threat.
April brought many twists and turns for markets. In this video, Focus Partners’ Kevin Grogan breaks down a whirlwind month, including what led to the market swings and some key lessons for investors.
In the first quarter, international stocks outperformed U.S. stocks, marking a potential reversal in a decade-long trend of U.S. market dominance. Focus Partners’ Kevin Grogan shares perspectives on staying diversified across regions no matter which one is currently leading the trend.
The U.S. economy shows early signs of slowing in 2025 as uncertain trade policy rattled markets in the first quarter and into early April.
Kevin Grogan shares perspectives on the market’s reaction to President Trump’s tariff announcement on April 2.
Trump unveiled his plan to impose baseline, and in some cases, reciprocal tariffs on all imported goods to the US.
Over the last decade, U.S. stocks have enjoyed a strong run, significantly outperforming international markets. But if history is any guide, market cycles tend to shift over time. What might this mean for investors?
As private markets continue to grow, so do alternative investment options like private equity. But are they a good way to diversify beyond traditional stocks and bonds? Focus Partners’ Kevin Grogan explores what alternative investments are and highlights some key considerations before adding them to your portfolio.
Should investors stay the course when uncertainty rises? Focus Partners’ Jason Blackwell provides perspectives on investing when market sentiment becomes less optimistic.
How might the Trump administration’s key policies affect your portfolio? Focus Partners’ Kevin Grogan provides perspectives on the potential economic impact of two of Trump’s major policies—immigration and the corporate tax rate.
With ongoing changes in tariff policies, investors are experiencing a whirlwind of emotions – sometimes within a single trading session. Should they adjust their investment strategies in response to these developments?
Is it better to spread your investment over a set period or go all in at once? While research shows it’s usually better to invest the full amount upfront, there could be benefits to a staggered approach. In this short video, Focus Partners shares perspectives on dollar-cost averaging.
The U.S. economy had a strong run in 2024, with real annualized GDP growth at 3.1% for the third quarter and fourth-quarter estimates between 2%-2.5%. In this short video, Focus Partners shares perspectives on the economy and what may be ahead for markets.
U.S. economic growth stayed on an impressive streak in 2024. Although the Fed acknowledged increased risks to inflation, the economy is unlikely to experience a major slowdown in 2025. Our Quarterly Outlook explores what may be ahead for markets and the economy.
How low will rates go, how might the new administration’s policies affect the economy, and will the U.S. stock market continue its impressive climb? Explore the top investing questions for the year ahead and the potential implications for your portfolio.
With current U.S. stock market valuations at historically high levels, Chief Investment Officer Kevin Grogan discusses expectations for stock returns and the implications for your portfolio.
With the market pricing in three quarter-point rate cuts over the course of 2025, Chief Investment Officer Kevin Grogan discusses the outlook for cash and bonds and the implications for your portfolio.
Our thought leaders share their perspectives on the 2024 election, markets, the economic outlook, and planning opportunities in the months ahead.
Director of Family Budget Services Rob Bertman shares his best tips to help you buy gifts for your loved ones this year while keeping your financial goals on track.
The U.S. economy has shown resilience, defying expectations of a recession that many have been predicting over the past several months.
Our Quarterly Outlook explores what may be ahead for markets and the economy.
This article explores how to evaluate performance beyond just the most popular benchmarks.
A fundamental principle of investing is the risk-return tradeoff. When you accept more risk, you should expect higher rewards. But is this always true? In this episode of Buckingham Perspectives, Chief Investment Officer Kevin Grogan explains how this concept can help guide your investing decisions.
Wealth Advisor Tad Gray shares steps you can take to prepare your gifting intentions.
With commentators talking about the volatility index (VIX) rising, often referred to as the “fear index,” should this cause alarm for investors? In this episode of Buckingham Perspectives, Chief Investment Officer Kevin Grogan explains why it’s better for investors to stay composed during times of high volatility.
New RMD regulations will introduce some big changes for those who own retirement accounts and are required to take withdrawals.
In this episode of Buckingham Perspectives, Chief Investment Officer Kevin Grogan shares investing considerations to keep in mind as the 2024 presidential election approaches.
In this episode of Buckingham Perspectives, Chief Investment Officer Kevin Grogan explains why a recent jobs report has stirred markets.
In this episode of Buckingham Perspectives, Chief Investment Officer Kevin Grogan discusses how to determine the risk you’re willing to take to meet your financial goals.
In this episode of Buckingham Perspectives, Chief Investment Officer Kevin Grogan shares our outlook for markets and the economy.
Our thought leaders share their perspectives on markets, the economic outlook and planning opportunities in the months ahead.
Although risks remain, the economy has successfully navigated the path toward lower inflation without triggering a recession.
Chief Investment Officer Kevin Grogan shares our perspective on what this means for stock and bond investing strategies.
Picking stocks that will outperform the broader market has been an ambition of investors for years. But is that truly the best strategy for investors?
Although inflation has shown signs of cooling, prices remain elevated. In this episode of Buckingham Perspectives, Chief Investment Officer Kevin Grogan shares strategies for protecting your portfolio against unexpectedly high inflation.
Forecasters predict India’s GDP will double by 2031. Chief Investment Officer Kevin Grogan discusses whether to invest more in countries poised for greater economic growth.
In this episode of Buckingham Perspectives, Chief Investment Officer Kevin Grogan provides insight into a common question from investors – what’s the right amount of cash to have in my portfolio?
If you have a trust as part of your overall estate plan, hiring a professional trustee can offer valuable benefits.
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