Financial markets were exceptionally strong in the first quarter of 2019. Nearly all major asset classes posted returns so positive that they virtually wiped out losses from the difficult fourth quarter of 2018. But will that kind of return be it for 2019?
The cannabis industry is blooming. Market-watchers expect to see double digit sales growth every year through 2022, despite frequent changes in the regulations that govern this rapidly evolving industry. To protect their investments and keep making the bold moves needed to reap the rewards in this high growth industry, cannabis business operators at every step in the supply chain need to be proactive when it comes to managing risk. And that starts with the right insurance coverage.
In a ransomware attack, a hacker penetrates an organization’s network and holds its data hostage until a specified ransom is paid. Hackers don’t discriminate based on business size or industry—any organization that stores its data on a network is at risk. You can protect your business with five best practices.
Financial markets look more buoyant than in the closing weeks of 2018. High levels of market volatility have been tamed by central bank moderation, with equity indices having had a roaring start of the year. However, looking beyond immediate market sentiment, how much has really changed? The six key investment themes at the start of the year provide a good structure for answering the question. They may also suggest how far markets could go in the future.
Due to the evolving sophistication of criminals, security breaches continue to occur on a regular basis. Banks have already been responding to regulator concerns about cybersecurity risks and the potential liabilities and penalties that could result from failure to have an adequate cybersecurity program. If a cyber breach happens, banks will need to show that they took reasonable care to safeguard their customers’ and employees’ personal information.
Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker recently signed House Bill 4806, amending the state’s data breach notification law. In relevant part, the amendment expands the information that must be reported to Massachusetts regulators in connection with a data breach involving the personal information of Massachusetts residents, imposes new requirements on compromised entities, and adds some clarification to when entities are required to issue notice of a breach.
Families blessed with significant financial resources can make an amazing and long-lasting impact on the world. But that wealth can also lead to disagreements, grudges, and hurt feelings. Trying to hide from the conflict does not make it go away. The best thing a family can do is create a culture of open, honest conversation about the impact their wealth can have, as well as the pitfalls. Communication is therefore one key factor in sustaining wealth for generations.
Qualified Opportunity Zones (QOZ) offer taxable investors the potential for deferral of existing gains and tax-free growth. Though the basic provisions of the tax incentive are known, the rules remain unclear and regulatory risks persist. While the existence of a tax incentive can make a good investment even better, investment decisions should not be primarily driven by tax considerations.
Generation Z and millennial entrepreneurs are known for being innovative, bold, quick-thinking game changers. But too often they ignore the more mundane (but incredibly important) aspects of their personal financial situations and decisions regarding the fate of their business. By investing some of the passion and energy they have for their businesses into estate and financial planning, Generation Z and millennial entrepreneurs can help set themselves, and their businesses, up for long-term success.
Passive investing began to gain traction following the 2008 financial crisis, with the trend reflecting the view that higher fees of active managers would exceed the excess returns that they were able to generate. While passive investing has a role in a portfolio, there are potential drawbacks that are being overlooked by some investors.