You are about to leave the Clifford Swan website. We are not responsible for the content or accuracy of information on any third-party websites nor do we monitor or endorse such websites. If you would like to leave the Clifford Swan website and visit the third-party website, please select “Continue” below.
After several years of low interest rates, bond yields have been attractive for the past few years. While a recent turning point in central bank policy has slightly lowered yields, today’s bond market offers a unique combination of capital preservation and income in an increasingly complex economic landscape. Our current fixed income investment strategy is […]
After several years of low interest rates, bond yields have been attractive for the past few years. While a recent turning point in central bank policy has slightly lowered yields, today’s bond market offers a unique combination of capital preservation and income in an increasingly complex economic landscape. Our current fixed income investment strategy is […]
As the year winds down, it’s the perfect time to pause and take a close look at your financial goals. Even if you’ve reached some big milestones, there still could be a few valuable moves you can make before year-end. With IRS deadlines approaching, now’s the moment to make some proactive choices that could leave you […]
Carlota B. Venegas, CFP®, CDFA®
We’ve written before about protecting yourself from financial fraud and encourage you to keep this threat in mind. As technological advances have improved our lives in many ways, an unfortunate side effect is technology’s role in helping cybercriminals construct more sophisticated financial scams. Recently, some of our clients have experienced more advanced phishing attempts that […]
Clifford Swan
The U.S. economy and capital markets performed well in the third quarter of 2024. It’s hard to predict whether this strength will continue as we face a mixed bag of signals. No matter the environment, our focus on high-quality investments both provides protection during turmoil and participation in the market’s growth. The domestic economy is […]
Clifford Swan
Rising junior Dhruv Saraf and rising senior Luke Garlick participated in the firm’s ninth summer internship program. Through their six weeks with Clifford Swan, they touched every aspect of the business including fundamental securities research and trading, portfolio management software, inheritance planning, client service, operations, marketing, compliance, and IT. Dhruv majors in Economics and […]
Clifford Swan
The U.S. economy keeps growing even in the face of high interest rates. Consumers are spending, businesses are investing, and the labor market is strong. Though these conditions have shown signs of slowing, they’ve supported a white-hot stock market: the S&P 500 was up over 40% in the eighteen months trailing June 30th. All eyes […]
Clifford Swan
In April, the Internal Revenue Service waived penalties for beneficiaries of individual retirement accounts subject to required minimum distributions under the 10-year rule that do not take distributions in 2024. This extends the relief period for RMDs that would have had to been taken from 2020 through 2023 to include the 2024 tax year. The 10-year […]
Clifford Swan
The U.S. economy’s resilience to high interest rates continued in the first quarter of 2024. Despite widespread expectations for an economic downturn, 2023 ended on a high note, with 3.2% growth in the fourth quarter marking the sixth consecutive quarter of growth at or above market, which in turn is supporting strong consumer spending. However, […]
Clifford Swan
Clifford Swan is proud to have supported the Pasadena Festival of Women Authors as its lead sponsor. The Festival was held on Saturday, March 9 at the Sheraton Grand Hotel in Los Angeles. The volunteer-run Pasadena Literary Alliance hosts the annual event. The Festival celebrates the accomplishments of authors while raising funds for literary programs […]
Clifford Swan
We are very pleased to announce that David Lin has been named Chief Investment Officer. In this role, he oversees the firm’s equities, fixed income, and alternatives teams and sets the overall investment strategy using a long-term fundamentals-based approach. David joined the firm in 2018 as an investment counselor. Of David, CEO Peter Boyle shared, “Over […]
Clifford Swan
As Clifford Swan Investment Counselors continues to grow, we are hiring additional professionals. If you or someone you know would be interested in joining our team, please click on the link below for details on the position. Client Service Specialist Financial Planning Specialist Investment Counselor Investment Counselor Portfolio Manager
Clifford Swan
As we welcome a new year, we take stock of 2023 and consider what the year ahead might hold in store. Last year was a good year for investors and the U.S. economy. The economy grew, bonds offered positive real returns (beat inflation), and stocks soared. However, a general backdrop of unease, characterized by a […]
Clifford Swan
Clifford Swan was thrilled to participate as one of the top sponsors for She Leads, Girl Scouts of Greater Los Angeles’ signature fundraising event. The evening was dedicated to providing every girl throughout Greater Los Angeles with access to the life-changing benefits of the Girl Scout Leadership Experience. It was our privilege to champion the […]
Clifford Swan
The U.S. economy has withstood the effects of higher interest rates better than expected, as what feels like the most anticipated recession of all time has not yet materialized. Leading economic indicators, which predict a change in the business cycle, have been flashing red for nearly a year and a half. These include an inverted […]
Clifford Swan
Rising college juniors Cyrus Gaylord and Sophia Wilson participated in the firm’s eighth summer internship program. Over the course of six weeks, they completed several projects and learned about portfolio management, securities analysis and research, trading and execution, client service, compliance, marketing, and operations. Sophia majors in Economics and Dance at Scripps College, where she […]
Clifford SwanThe Internal Revenue Service has again postponed releasing final rules on required minimum distributions for inherited individual retirement accounts. Because of the delay, some beneficiaries of IRAs inherited after 2019 won’t be penalized for not taking required minimum distributions in 2023. <br> BACKGROUND There have been many important legislative changes for retirement accounts over the past few […]
Clifford Swan
Clifford Swan is honored to be recognized by Financial Advisor Magazine in its annual ranking of independent advisory firms around the country. Financial Advisor Magazine is a publication targeted at financial professionals that aims to deliver essential market information and strategies to help advisors better serve their clients and grow their firms. RIA firms applied for consideration. To be […]
Clifford Swan
Financial markets can be full of surprises. Some provide valuable information by which we might adjust our investment strategies. Other times, surprises can be a kind of noise that is best ignored. The U.S. stock market threw a party in the first half of 2023. Surprise! It was, however, a rather exclusive party. The tech-heavy […]
Clifford Swan
It’s been a little over a year since the Federal Reserve began their aggressive tightening cycle to combat persistent inflation, increasing short-term interest rates from 0% to 5%. The central bank’s actions have resulted in higher long-term interest rates, lower stock prices, and lower real estate values. The sharp increase in interest rates and subsequent […]
Clifford Swan
Clifford Swan served as the lead sponsor of the Pasadena Festival of Women Authors held this past Saturday at the Pasadena Hilton. The volunteer-run Pasadena Literary Alliance hosts the annual event. The Festival celebrates the accomplishments of authors while raising funds for literary programs at community nonprofits. Kathleen Gilmore and Lloyd Wong attended from Clifford Swan […]
Clifford Swan
Updated March 2, 2023 to reflect the updated California tax deadline. NEW BEGINNING AGES FOR RMDS The SECURE Act that was signed into law at the end of 2019 changed key rules around Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs). Notably, the age to begin taking required minimum distributions increased from 70.5 to 72. The Act also eliminated […]
Clifford Swan
As we welcome a new calendar year, we pause to reflect upon the one which has concluded and consider what 2023 might offer investors. 2022 was a tumultuous year in the financial markets, with double-digit losses for both stocks and bonds. A rapid rise in inflation and interest rates served as the catalyst for the […]
Clifford Swan
After dropping borrowing rates to zero during the pandemic, the Federal Reserve has dramatically changed course in a bid to fight inflation. As we’ve written about before, higher rates have two key effects: a psychological one – weighing on risk appetite – and a mathematical one, as higher rates reduce the value of future cash […]
Clifford Swan
Clifford Swan’s summer internship program has successfully – and happily – been reinstated following a two-year hiatus during the pandemic. The internship provides undergraduate students considering a career in investment and wealth management a fundamental educational experience and opportunity to develop skills in multiple components of an investment advisory firm, while at the same time […]
Clifford Swan
Financial Advisor magazine recognizes Clifford Swan in their sixteenth annual ranking of independent advisory firms around the country, ranking Clifford Swan as the 15th largest RIA in California. RIA firms applied for consideration. To be eligible for the ranking, firms must be independent registered investment advisers, file their own ADV statement with the SEC, and provide financial […]
Clifford Swan
There were very few places to hide during the year’s first half as both equity and fixed income markets suffered heavy losses. With companies and consumers facing the highest inflation since the early 1980s, the U.S. Federal Reserve recently, and perhaps belatedly, raised interest rates aggressively to combat inflation. Rapidly rising interest rates swiftly brought […]
Clifford Swan
The winds of change blew strong this past quarter, with new trends emerging and others shifting. Specifically, global risks have increased, a move towards globalization is shifting to reshoring, and long-term disinflationary trends, as well as the age of quantitative easing, appear to be paused.Just as the latest COVID-19 surge began to fade in early […]
Clifford Swan
A new year has arrived, along with renewed hope and determination for a better future. Our thoughts are with those grappling with the physical, social, and emotional effects of the current surge in Covid-19 cases.Looking back on the past year from an economic and investment perspective, 2021 provided robust economic growth and strong gains in […]
Clifford Swan
The U.S. economy continues its recovery from early 2020. However, economic indicators point to a slowing rate of growth. Estimates for annual GDP growth for 2021 have come down from 6-8% to around 5.5%. Currently, intense negotiations for additional fiscal stimulus are occurring in our country’s capital and we expect that a substantial stimulus package […]
Clifford Swan
Financial Advisor magazine recognizes Clifford Swan in their fifteenth annual ranking of independent advisory firms around the country, ranking Clifford Swan as the 20th largest RIA in California. RIA firms applied for consideration. To be eligible for the ranking, firms must be independent registered investment advisers, file their own ADV statement with the SEC, and provide financial […]
Clifford Swan
Here comes the sun. Across the country, Americans are enjoying summer and the relaxation of Covid restrictions. The optimistic mood extends to very positive economic trends. With widespread vaccination and low case counts, the economy is rebounding strongly and on track for annual GDP growth of 6-8%, the best rate experienced in many years. Pent-up U.S. […]
Clifford Swan
We have come a long way in the last twelve months. In response to the coronavirus pandemic, concerned governments around the world closed large portions of their economies, restricting commerce and the socialization of their citizens. The commensurate economic recession was one of the shortest on record, as the monetary authorities (Central Banks), stepped aggressively […]
Clifford Swan
Calendar year 2020 is over, and it will be one for the history books. The COVID-19 global pandemic, combined with a contentious presidential race and a polarized electorate, deeply affected our investment markets, economy, political landscape, and personal lives. The past 12 months were exceptionally challenging in many ways, and yet, looking ahead to the […]
Clifford Swan
This is the third quarterly commentary in which the coronavirus takes center stage. The pandemic has impacted our society, economy, health, markets, politics, and all levels of government. We do not know the longer-term impact of the shutdown on businesses, whether additional fiscal stimulus will be provided, the outcome of the November elections, nor the […]
Clifford Swan
Financial Advisor magazine recognizes Clifford Swan in their annual ranking of independent advisory firms, ranking Clifford Swan as the 16th largest RIA in California. RIA firms applied for consideration. To be eligible for the ranking, firms must be independent registered investment advisers, file their own ADV statement with the SEC, and provide financial planning and related services […]
Clifford Swan
The first half of 2020 has been exceptionally difficult, affecting each of us in one or many ways. Since our last quarterly commentary, the coronavirus pandemic has continued to take its tragic toll on human life, with over 130,000 deaths in the United States and over half a million worldwide. Measures implemented to combat the […]
Clifford Swan
All of us at Clifford Swan Investment Counselors are delighted to welcome our newest colleague, Carlota Venegas, CFP®, CDFA®. Carly joined the firm on May 1st as an investment counselor, adding experience and resources to our investment counsel team. As a Certified Financial Planner™, Carly helps clients develop a comprehensive structure for the stewardship of their […]
Clifford Swan
Los Angeles Business Journal magazine recognizes Clifford Swan in their annual ranking of money management firms, ranking Clifford Swan as the 65th largest money management firm in Los Angeles county. Los Angeles Business Journal 2020 Ranking of Money Management Firms 2020
Clifford Swan
Much has changed since we provided our last quarterly commentary in early January, as the economy’s brisk pace continued, and the stock market showed no real signs of letting up. Then came the coronavirus, and with its spread throughout the world have come tragic human loss and economic fallout. Our thoughts are with the families […]
Clifford Swan
2019 was a good year for investors, with extraordinarily strong domestic markets. As measured by the S&P 500 Index, stocks returned 31%. The Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Total Return index, a proxy for the domestic fixed income market, was up 9% in 2019.In many ways, last year’s record performance is a tale of two years. […]
Clifford Swan
Clifford Swan’s CEO Linda Davis Taylor is featured in The Chronicle of Higher Education, calling on all colleges to consider financial literacy a requirement for graduation. Every College Should Require Financial Preparedness
Clifford Swan
Clifford Swan’s CEO, Linda Davis Taylor is dedicated to instilling financial confidence and competence in women. One tool she uses to empower women is convening “Money Talks” in which participants share personal finance stories and strategies to help each other grow and thrive.In celebration of Financial Planning month, the women of Clifford Swan held a […]
Clifford Swan
At Clifford Swan, we take pride in building customized portfolios to meet client objectives. Our portfolio construction process stems from a carefully crafted research and investment discipline, and our work is most effectively implemented when we have a solid understanding of our clients’ wants, needs, and worries. These worries can be personal or based upon […]
Clifford Swan
For National Business Women’s Day, Clifford Swan’s CEO Linda Davis Taylor wrote this article encouraging women to share personal finance strategies across their networks to help each other grow and thrive. Celebrating National Business Women’s Day: Sharing our wealth of knowledge
Clifford Swan
John Galbreath and Abigail Gilliland were selected from a competitive pool of over 150 applicants for the sixth year of Clifford Swan’s summer internship program. Abby is a rising junior at Claremont McKenna College where she is pursuing a degree in Economics and Philosophy and a minor in Financial Economics. Also a rising junior, John […]
Clifford Swan
Financial Advisor magazine recognizes Clifford Swan in their fourteenth annual ranking of independent advisory firms, ranking Clifford Swan as the 17th largest RIA in California. RIA firms applied for consideration. To be eligible for the ranking, firms must be independent registered investment advisers, file their own ADV statement with the SEC, and provide financial planning and related […]
Clifford Swan
In a recent article on helping grown children become financially independent, Clifford Swan’s CEO Linda Davis Taylor offers her insights. For grown children that are trying to establish a career, she recommends utilizing a business-style family meeting to develop a strategy. As an alternative to making financial gifts, Linda describes how setting up a family […]
Clifford Swan
In a recent article on generational wealth, Clifford Swan’s CEO Linda Davis Taylor offers insights on one warning sign that a family might be off track. Is Your Financial Success Leading to Your Family’s Failure? 5 Signs It Could Be
Clifford Swan
Clifford Swan Investment Counselors is proud to have supported the inaugural Gold Award Gala of Girl Scouts of Greater Los Angeles. The event was held this past Saturday, June 8, at Westfield Atrium at Century City. Clifford Swan’s Chief Client Services Officer, Kathleen Gilmore, Investment Counselor Lloyd Wong, and Client Services Manager Sharon Bachert attended […]
Clifford Swan
PBS News Hour quotes Linda Davis Taylor, Clifford Swan’s Chairman and CEO, in an article on setting New Year’s resolutions for personal finances. While broad resolutions are often set at the beginning of the year, Linda and the other financial experts PBS interviewed offer insights regarding focused goals one might adopt for 2019. Specifically, Linda encourages […]
Clifford Swan
Only a few months ago, domestic stock markets were in a sharp decline. Last year ended with stocks in the red, as a turbulent fourth quarter dragged down annual returns. There’s a saying that time heals all wounds. In this case, investors did not need much time, as 2019’s equity market start has charted an […]
Clifford Swan
Clifford Swan Investment Counselors is proud to have supported the 11th annual Pasadena Festival of Women Authors as a Community Sponsor. The Festival was held this past Saturday, April 6, at the Pasadena Hilton Hotel. Clifford Swan’s Chairman and CEO, Linda Davis Taylor, Investment Counselor Erica White, and Chief Compliance Officer Gretchen Lee attended with […]
Clifford Swan
On this International Women’s Day, Clifford Swan’s CEO Linda Davis Taylor contributed to this article by U.S. News offering inspirational quotes to motivate women investors. 11 Inspirational Quotes for Women Investors
Clifford Swan
In a recent interview, Clifford Swan’s CEO Linda Davis Taylor shared her thoughts on the importance of ensuring that women of all ages and backgrounds have the financial competence and confidence to influence their communities. Philanthropy Women
Clifford Swan
In a recent episode, Clifford Swan’s CEO Linda Davis Taylor was featured on Farnoosh Torabi’s So Money podcast for a conversation about women’s financial competence and confidence. So Money – Episode 838
Clifford Swan
In alignment with Clifford Swan’s mission to impart “wisdom for generations,” equity analyst, investment counselor and CFA charterholder Anil Kapoor volunteered as a co-chair for the local Research Challenge, which was hosted by the CFA Society of Los Angeles on December 14, 2018. The CFA Institute Research Challenge is an annual competition that provides university students […]
Clifford Swan
What piece of advice would you offer to someone learning how to manage their money? In her recent article for SELF Magazine, Linda Davis Taylor, Clifford Swan’s Chairman and CEO, walks readers through a simple strategy to create and maintain a budget. How to Make a Budget You Can Stick to With the Easy 50/30/20 Rule
Clifford Swan
Giving Tuesday is a popular time to give, but what about the rest of the year? In her latest article for SELF Magazine, Linda Davis Taylor, Clifford Swan’s Chairman and CEO, shares more about how to create a giving plan and why it’s important to have one. Beyond Giving Tuesday: How to Make a Giving Plan […]
Clifford Swan
Following the recent midterm elections, Linda Davis Taylor’s article in SELF Magazine explores how women are harnessing their financial power and using philanthropy as an extension of their political voice. How to Use Money as an Extension of Your Political Voice
Clifford Swan
Despite increased focus on women’s empowerment, an essential ingredient for women to succeed is often left to chance: financial competence. In her article for Thrive Global magazine, Linda Davis Taylor, Clifford Swan’s Chairman and CEO, discusses the link between financial literary and philanthropy. Women’s Rising Power: More Money Means More Giving
Clifford Swan
Over the summer, we welcomed three new colleagues to the firm—Preeti Chamber, Emily Kirby, and David Lin. Preeti joins our outstanding team of client service specialists, working closely with Roger Gewecke. Emily provides additional depth to our capable operations team. David’s experience in portfolio management and equity research make him a valuable addition as an investment counselor. In addition to adding investment and client service capabilities to our […]
Clifford Swan
Clifford Swan’s internship program aims to provide talented undergraduate students who have shown interest in the investment and wealth management business a fundamental educational experience and the opportunity to develop skills in a number of areas of an investment advisory firm. Charles Mangum and Henry Stellwagen were selected from over 200 applicants for the fifth year of Clifford Swan’s summer internship program, which was led by […]
Clifford Swan
Clifford Swan Investment Counselors is pleased to announce it has been recognized in Financial Advisor magazine’s thirteenth annual ranking of independent advisory firms, which was published in the July 2018 issue of the magazine. Clifford Swan Investment Counselors was ranked at the 100th largest RIA in the nation and 15th largest in California. RIA firms applied for consideration. […]
Clifford Swan
Clifford Swan Investment Counselors is pleased to announce it has been named to the 2018 edition of the Financial Times 300 Top Registered Investment Advisers. The list recognizes top independent RIA firms from across the U.S. This is the fifth annual FT 300 list, produced independently by the Financial Times in collaboration with Ignites Research, a subsidiary of […]
Clifford Swan
Yijia Yang and Samuel Glazer were selected from over 200 applicants for the fourth year of Clifford Swan Investment Counselors’ wealth management summer internship program. Through the two-month program, Clifford Swan aims to provide talented undergraduate students who have shown interest in the investment and wealth management business a fundamental educational experience and the opportunity […]
Clifford Swan
On July 20th, Clifford Swan colleagues attended the Dodgers vs. Braves game. A very special part of the evening was being featured in a ribbon board message, which read, “Clifford Swan and the Dodgers – two winning teams destined for greatness!” It was a fun time had by all!
Clifford Swan
Linda Davis Taylor, Chairman and CEO, was featured in a series of publications on philanthropy that were published by State Street Global Advisors. To produce a two-part roundtable series, State Street Global Advisors turned to 12 industry experts for their perspectives. The remarks in the publications below are edited excerpts of this discussion. Adding Value […]
Clifford Swan
Clifford Swan Investment Counselors is proud to have supported the 10th anniversary of the Pasadena Festival of Women Authors as a community sponsor. The Festival was held on Saturday, April 14, 2018 at the Pasadena Hilton Hotel. Clifford Swan’s Chairman and CEO, Linda Davis Taylor, along with Investment Counselors Carolyn Barber and Erica White, attended the event. The […]
Clifford Swan
Linda Davis Taylor, Clifford Swan Investment Counselors’ Chairman and CEO and the former chair of the Board of Trustees of Scripps College, has provided funding for a Financial Literacy Program at the College. The program launched this academic semester and is delivered through Scripps College’s Center for Career Planning & Resources (CP&R) under the guidance of […]
Clifford Swan
It is with great sadness that we share the loss of our visionary co-founder and friend Philip V. Swan, who passed away peacefully on December 7, 2017 in Pasadena. We honor him for his impact on the investment counsel profession over his career of more than forty years in the industry. We are grateful for his leadership in launching his own advisory firm in 1984, which […]
Clifford Swan
Clifford Swan Investment Counselors was named to Financial Planning magazine’s January 2017 ranking of the Top 150 RIA Firms. Clifford Swan was ranked number 41 based on assets under management. To be considered for the ranking, firms must be an independent, fee-only RIA. To capture firms that provide holistic financial advice to individuals, only firms with more than […]
Clifford Swan
It is with great sadness that we announce the loss of our visionary co-founder and friend Philip V. Swan, who passed away on December 7, 2017 in Pasadena. We honor him for his impact on the investment counsel profession over his career of more than forty years in the industry. We are grateful for his […]
Clifford Swan
Clifford Swan Investment Counselors was named to Forbes’ 2016 list of the 100 Fastest Growing RIA Firms. Clifford Swan was ranked number 51, based on growth in assets under management over ten years. To be considered for the ranking, firms must be a registered investment advisor (RIA) with the SEC, provide wealth management services and serve individual […]
Clifford Swan
All of us at Clifford Swan are very sorry to announce the loss of our colleague and friend Bruce White, who passed away this week. We thank him for his 21 years of service and will miss him dearly. Years of Service: 1995-2016
Clifford Swan
On Thursday, September 22, 2016, Clifford Swan Investment Counselors hosted an educational talk in the Stewart R. Smith Board Room of The Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens. Entitled “Preparing Families and their Businesses for Tomorrow,” the speakers were Linda Davis Taylor, the Chair and CEO of Clifford Swan, and Gene Gregg, Jr., of […]
Clifford Swan
Lance Frame and Kaitlyn Kelleher were selected from over 180 applicants for the second year of Clifford Swan Investment Counsel’s summer internship program. Lance Frame is a rising senior at Brigham Young University, where he majors in Finance and is a native of La Canada. From Pasadena, Kaitlyn Kelleher is a rising junior at Claremont […]
Clifford Swan
(Pasadena, CA) ̶ Clifford Swan Investment Counsel announced today that the Pasadena-based firm has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire City National’s current equity interest in Clifford Swan and become 100% employee-owned. The deal is expected to close by the end of 2015. Formed by the merger of Clifford Associates and Philip V. Swan […]
Clifford Swan
CFA Society of Los Angeles Vice President, Kerry Gawne Rapanot, CFA, presents the Governor’s Award to Roger Gewecke, Jr., CFA.
Clifford SwanNext Up
Explore how our services help individuals, families, and institutions achieve their financial goals with clarity and confidence.
