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Volatility has increased and it can be associated with a range of recent developments—for example, global trade tensions and political uncertainty in the Eurozone. But increased volatility also reflects the fact that we are late in the economic cycle—with the current period of U.S. expansion close to being the longest on record. Investment approaches, portfolio positioning and security selection must be appropriate for the higher levels of volatility typical of late cycle periods.

Jennifer Mizrahi shares how her family's philanthropy has evolved since they experienced a stunning moment of surprise in their own giving journey. Hear more about how this family's foundation makes sure their stakeholders are active participants with active voices in all aspects of their giving. "There is no greater gift in life than enabling somebody else to have a better future." -Jennifer Mizrahi, Mizrahi Family Charitable Fund & President, RespectAbility

In family philanthropy we have the choice in how we define "family." In the case of the Quixote Foundation, family is defined as the people who are at the table because they care about each other and the issues—not because they share a biological connection. Hear about the family bonds that are created when working together for good."The more that we believe that we're in this together as a family, the greater impact we will have." -June Wilson, Executive Director Emeritus, Quixote Foundation

For private wealth clients, the consideration of tax liabilities adds another wrinkle to already complex investment decisions. It is vital for high-net-worth individuals and families to weigh the tax implications of any changes to their portfolio as taxes can erode gains, hindering their investments’ ability to meet their financial objectives. Although the burden of taxes creates a higher hurdle for private clients than most institutional investors, it is not insurmountable.

History shows that the families who address human capital issues, in addition to the financial issues, are the ones that prosper for multiple generations. Understanding the three human dimensions of family wealth—the individual, the interpersonal, and the institutional—provides families with a better way to think about the challenges of succession planning and wealth management. It’s part of the wealth momentum mindset that believes in the positive interplay between both family and financial dynamics that leads to sustained wealth progress.

For investors with private allocations, how one incorporates them into the policy benchmark will materially impact the portfolio’s relative performance, making the choice key to informed decision making.

The “Recession 2020” talk is omnipresent in the financial press, but productivity developments—which are no longer a manufacturing phenomenon—may extend the party. After years of stagnation, the stage is set for a cyclical upturn in productivity that would restrain labor costs, limit inflation, and allow profit margins to remain elevated.

Benchmarking is a critical component of a successful investment program; however, measuring private investment performance vexes even the most sophisticated investors.

Today, a quarter of 65-year-olds will live past age 90, and one in 10 will live past age 95. Living longer has considerable benefits for individuals and their families, but living longer is also creating new challenges. Traditionally, managing wealth in preparation for the later stages of life is centered on estate planning and tax efficiency. As people live longer, this narrow focus is inadequate.

While trade finance is among the oldest forms of institutionalized credit, it has only recently become an accessible market for most institutional investors. Providing high liquidity, good return premiums over cash, and a predictable risk profile, it can play a valuable role in portfolio strategy. However, as a fairly new option for most investors, its characteristics are not well-known. In this report, we explain the nuances of trade finance, including its evolution, basic mechanics, typical features, available strategies, and portfolio allocation implications.