Our 2021 Market Outlook contains a look at financial market conditions, our 10-year capital market assumptions, and our investment themes for 2021.

As of Dec. 31, 2020, here’s a summary of Asset Class Performance and Financial Markets Performance.

As results came in, it became increasingly more likely that Republicans would retain control of the Senate, and Congress would remain split. Markets rallied on the news, recognizing that it is significantly more challenging to enact meaningful policy change without party control of both the executive and legislative branches.

On again, off again fiscal stimulus talks, rising equity volatility and the risk of a contested U.S. election weighed on global financial assets in October.

As of Oct. 31, 2020, here’s a summary of Asset Class Performance and Financial Markets Performance.

While elections are important to any functioning democracy, to investment professionals, elections are primarily significant due to their effect on portfolios. In particular, investors must understand – and anticipate – the correlation between the outcomes of the election and the markets, if any.

With estate and gifting limits currently at favorable levels, high net worth individuals have ample estate planning opportunities. However, with the presidential and congressional elections only a few weeks away, the window to act may be closing should tax reform become a reality as early as 2021.

Crescent’s Quarterly Considerations report includes the following data: Third Quarter 2020 Market Events, Asset Class Performance, Market Themes, Fixed Income Market, Equity Market and Alternatives Market Updates, Economic Review, Diversification and Financial Markets Performance.

Expectations for another round of fiscal stimulus appeared to fade quickly in September, one of three themes that ended the global rebound in risk assets.

Legal documents are the practical means of addressing our eventual demise. These prepared documents contain explanations of the who, the what, the where and the when. But despite providing answers and solutions for all these end-of-life concerns, the “why” of it all often seems to be neglected. The “why” is a critical component and might just be where true legacy lies.

As of Sept. 30, 2020, here’s a summary of Asset Class Performance and Financial Markets Performance.

Unfortunately, when challenges befall the world, as it has while the coronavirus pandemic continues, hackers and identity thieves have better opportunities to prey on unwitting civilians enduring a time of crisis, a time when it might be easier to let one's guard down.

With the presidential and congressional elections less than two months away, many taxpayers are probably wondering whether a new administration and a new Congress might pass sweeping reforms to dramatically alter the current tax landscape. Taxpayers may have to wait until after the November 3 elections to get a better sense of the potential for tax reform; however, in the interim, following these three planning strategies today may help bolster tax savings, regardless of which candidates take office in 2021.