Market Commentary

U.S. Exceptionalism and What It Means for Your Portfolio

Over modern U.S. history, we’ve hardly gone a moment without hearing predictions of America’s imminent downfall. In that sense, you might say that declinism is one of the great American past times. During his 1960 Presidential campaign, John F. Kennedy painted a scary picture of a Russian enemy well on its way to world domination […]

Market Commentary

U.S. Exceptionalism and What It Means for Your Portfolio

Over modern U.S. history, we’ve hardly gone a moment without hearing predictions of America’s imminent downfall. In that sense, you might say that declinism is one of the great American past times. During his 1960 Presidential campaign, John F. Kennedy painted a scary picture of a Russian enemy well on its way to world domination […]

Quarterly Insights: July 2024

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

Reflections on a Changing Investment Environment

“It is waiting that helps you as an investor, and a lot of people just can’t stand to wait.” – Charlie Munger In the investment field like many other undertakings in life, activity does not equal achievement. During periods of significant change, investors may be better served by stepping back, assessing risks and possible outcomes before changing […]

Kevin J. Cavanaugh

Protecting Against AI-Driven Financial Fraud

It’s 2:00 a.m., and you are sleeping soundly when your cell phone rings from an unknown number. You answer the phone to hear your grandson’s voice on the other side. He is in distress and explains he was in a car accident. It was his fault, and he needs some money to get out of […]

George E. Hasbun, CFP®

2024 RMD Relief for IRA Beneficiaries Subject to 10-Year Rule

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

Quarterly Insights: April 2024

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 Supports the Pasadena Festival of Women Authors

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

David Lin Named Chief Investment Officer

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

Message from the CEO – February 2024

After 25 years at Clifford Swan, Cindy Koivu retired on January 31, 2024. Cindy joined Clifford Swan in 1998 and served as an Equity Trader and Compliance Assistant. We wish Cindy a wonderful retirement with her husband Joey. We’ve happily welcomed Megan Pantiskas and Sonia Sandoval to the firm. With her graphic design background, Megan […]

Peter J. Boyle, CFA

A Reality Check on AI

While computers have only been around since the 1950s, our fascination with artificial intelligence goes all the way back to early recorded human history. As a species, we can’t help but want to project human qualities onto non-human things. The first known robot was built in ancient Greece, an automatic maid that would pour wine […]

David Y. Lin, CFA

A New High in Gift Annuity Rates

With payout rates higher than they have been in more than a decade, and possible interest rate cuts on the horizon, now is an opportune time to consider establishing a charitable gift annuity. As we’ve said in previous articles, charitable gift annuities can be a great option for donors seeking an income stream. The mechanics are […]

Lloyd K. Wong, CFA
Jennifer I. Maqueda

Clifford Swan is Hiring!

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

Quarterly Insights: January 2024

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

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