The lack of details behind the European Union's debt plan leads one to wonder if the pendulum swung from "not as bad" to "not as good" as it seems as if execution risk remains high. Given that the risk on dealer balance sheets is now down to levels not seen since 2003, volatility is likely to persist as very little volume is required to move market...
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The authors summarize the history of the IRS' voluntary disclosure programs to date and conclude that, indeed, it is still possible for a U.S. person to become U.S. tax compliant and avoid criminal prosecution by making a voluntary disclosure.
This guide covers wealth management and tax planning strategies to consider before year-end and into 2012. Topics include tax management, wealth transfer planning, education funding, philanthropy, retirement, liabilities management, insurance, business owner issues, tax implications of health care reform, and building a strategic plan.
European politicians have shown they willing to act aggressively and make tough decisions, being ready to act again if the current rescue package is not enough to curtail the European crisis. However, two key issues still need to be addressed: the lack of economic growth and the mutualization of debt. Time will tell if additional action is needed.
European leaders appear to have outperformed market expectations with their rescue package, but there is still much to do. For example, the adequacy of the bank recapitalizations will be scrutinized and investor sentiment toward Italy and Spain is critical. Governance and growth challenges remain, and longer-term economic growth must be invigorated...
Cyclical volatility appears to be a defining characteristic of contemporary financial markets. Researchers reflect on the past two decades to identify common factors behind financial crises and caution about where the next bubble might be forming. They also consider life after debt, the fate of the euro, the Asian factor, and what to do now.
Weighing the evidence most often cited by bullish investors, the authors find it to be predicated primarily on a thinly supported assumption that strong corporate earnings growth will continue. The bear's case, on the other hand, appears more solid as it focuses on weakness in the underlying drivers of corporate earnings growth as well as on long-t...
Nearly all states have “delegated” trust statutes, but only a few states, such as South Dakota, have “directed” trust statutes, which provide families with maximum flexibility and control regarding a trust’s asset allocation, diversification, investment management and distributions.
A Private Family Trust Company (PFTC) is typically a family owned LLC (i.e. pass through entity or corporation), authorized by a state’s Division of Banking to be a PFTC and serve as the trustee for the family’s trusts. This article outlines key considerations in establishing a PFTC and two alternatives: a Directed Trust and a Directed ...
This latest quarterly issue of “ViewPoint” features an interview in which the bank’s chief investment officer discusses his outlook for the global economy and capital markets for 2012. He notes that the U.S. should exhibit positive growth, boosted by capital spending, and that a growing U.S. economy should keep the global economy ...
Upon reflection of many meetings and conversations with economists, investment managers, and officials in Asia, three broad investment themes came out loud and clear: global growth is likely to continue to be muted; this will create some challenges for emerging countries; and Asia will therefore have to consider trade-offs with respect to their eco...
The financial crisis that began almost five years ago is still with us, and we are still dominated by the events unfolding in Europe. What are some of the root causes of the crisis, and what is the future likely to hold? This white paper examines the evolution of the financial crisis and offers advice on how investors might best navigate the comple...
If the current growth trend in bank credit continues, a failure on the part of the FOMC to raise its federal funds rate target and shrink its balance sheet will sow the seeds of a rate of consumer inflation above the FOMC’s 2% annualized target in 2014 and 2015.
Fiscal imbalances, monetary imbalances, and trade imbalances are serious issues that will continue to impact the relative value of the U.S. dollar, and none of these situations is easily solved. The concerns they raise should be given deep consideration by dollar-based investors moving forward.
The economic outlook has become slightly more mixed, especially in regard to the manufacturing sector and consumer spending after adjustments for inflation. Driving these inflation statistics and market anxieties higher were oil prices, and with the average price of gasoline in the U.S. nearing $4 per gallon once again, real questions have emerged ...