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The 0.25% hike at the last meeting was largely expected to be the final one this year. Opinions have since been divided about the likely outcome of the upcoming meeting on June 13-14. This article examines the reasons for this uncertainty and what they mean for investors.

The Fed aims to curb inflation while avoiding recession if possible.

Since interest rate hikes began, headline inflation has declined from a peak of almost 9% in June 2022 to 5%, still more than double the 2% target. The Fed is considering whether to continue fighting inflation or allowing more time for its actions to take effect.

Until as recently as May 23, the consensus was that the Fed would hold rates firm at the next meeting and begin cutting rates before year-end.

 With inflation in check, the next issue would be to avoid, or mitigate, a recession induced by the higher cost of capital.

Consumers have already felt the effects of the rate hikes in higher mortgage and credit card rates. Rate increases have also reduced demand for home loan applications.

 US consumer sentiment on the economic outlook declined to its lowest in six months in May, although this was partly due to the unresolved debt ceiling negotiations in Congress.

The banking crisis which claimed a handful of US lenders (including First Republic in early May) appeared to indicate that the Fed may have already gone too far in its rate hikes and quantitative tightening.

From a broad consensus that it was time to pause, opinions began to change abruptly following the May 26 personal consumption expenditure (PCE) price index data, a measure of inflation favored by the Fed as a broader and more accurate measure of consumer behavior.

PCE increased unexpectedly in April from 4.2% to 4.4% year-on-year, driven partly by energy prices, while core PCE (which was expected to hold steady as it excludes volatile food and energy prices) rose from 4.6% to 4.7%, more than 1% above the prediction of the Fed for end of year.

 The data suggested that inflation is not in retreat after all.

Then came the unexpected news of higher-than-anticipated GDP growth of 1.3% in Q1 (from an estimate of 1.1% in April),

 which indicates that rate hikes have had a lower effect on demand, a key driver of inflation.

Finally came the employment figures on June 2, which showed a higher-than-expected increase in new jobs of 339,000, and persistent (yet slowing) wage growth of 4.3%. This contrasts with a rise in unemployment from 3.4% to 3.7%, which implies the labor market might be cooling.

 It has been pointed out that employment levels in most industries are above or close to the pre-pandemic status quo, which could support the latter position.

the CME FedWatch tool, a snapshot of market sentiment on the upcoming Fed decisions, showed a majority of 74.7% predicting the rate will remain at 5.00-5.25% for the June meeting. However, this is seen as a 

 rather than a halt - around 50% of respondents believe the next hike will come in July.

The past 30 days showed how the most carefully-reasoned predictions can change as the Fed faces inconclusive data trends in balancing its policy between recession and inflation.

Other unpredictable possibilities that may lie ahead include another war, an oil shock, or a string of bank runs.

The Family Office maintains that it is better to stay informed of the situation than invest in the outcome. Riding the temporary dips and allocating capital to the areas of long-term potential requires attention to the signal, not the noise.

 with our advisory team to learn more about the longer-term implications for your portfolio.

The US Federal Reserve (the “Fed”) has raised rates 10 consecutive times since the first increase in March 2022. The fed funds rate reached 5-5.25%, its highest since 2007.

June Fed Meeting: To hike or not to hike?

Systemic banks are financial institutions whose failure could have serious consequences for the financial system and the wider economy. These "too big to fail" banks have a sizable market share in critical areas of the financial system.

Systemic banks are subject to greater regulatory scrutiny and are often required to hold higher levels of capital and liquidity than other banks due to their importance. Several authorities label these banks as Systemically Important Financial Institutions (SIFIs), depending on their scale and influence on global and domestic financial markets.

Systemic banks are defined by several key characteristics:

The significant assets and market share of systemic banks means that their failure can have major ripple effects throughout the financial system.

The connection of systemic banks with other domestic and international financial institutions and markets can cause problems to spread quickly, leading to a wider financial crisis.

 The complexity of the financial activities of systemic banks, such as derivatives trading, can make it challenging to understand and manage problems.

Systemic banks play a crucial role in providing essential financial services to the economy, such as lending to businesses and individuals, and their failure could have significant negative consequences.

Systemic banks are subject to more stringent regulatory oversight and more intensive supervisory and stress testing requirements.

Regulatory oversight for systemic banks requires a minimum level of capital, regular stress tests and resolution plans to ensure a safe and orderly resolution in the event of financial distress, minimize potential risks to the wider economy and monitor compliance with regulations and risk management standards. Systemic banks may also face restrictions on certain activities to reduce their potential for creating systemic risks.

The effectiveness of the regulatory framework depends on various factors, including the quality of regulatory oversight, the ability of the banks to adapt to changing market conditions and risks, and the resilience of the wider financial system. Regulators must stay ahead of potential risks and banks must be willing to implement the necessary changes.

The size and complexity of systemic banks can pose significant threats to the financial system. These include:

Systemic banks may engage in risky behavior, knowing they will be bailed out if they fail, leading to excessive risk-taking and financial instability.

The failure of systemic banks can cause widespread financial distress and trigger a systemic crisis due to their interconnectedness with other financial institutions.

Regulating systemic banks can be difficult due to their size and complexity, and regulators must balance ensuring stability with promoting economic growth.

The size and complexity of systemic banks can make them difficult to manage, leading to operational failure and contributing to financial instability.

Government intervention in systemic banks can create accusations of favoritism or cronyism, eroding public trust in the financial system and undermining policies promoting stability.

Robust risk management frameworks are necessary to prevent systemic crises, and regulatory oversight ensures compliance with regulations and addresses the moral hazard problem. These measures are crucial for systemic stability and reducing the potential for financial instability.

Since 2011, the Financial Stability Board (FSB) has been issuing a list of global SIFIs (G-SIFIs),

 such as Morgan Stanley, Barclays, Deutsche Bank, Citigroup, BNP Paribas, Goldman Sachs, UBS, HSBC, Bank of America, JPMorgan Chase and Wells Fargo.

Systemic banks are crucial for the economy but their failure can harm the global economy. Recent collapses, such as those of Silicon Valley Bank, Signature Bank and Credit Suisse, highlight the fragility and interdependence of the financial system, and the need for close scrutiny, regulation and oversight. Past incidents should guide policy decisions to ensure that systemic institutions remain resilient, accountable and relevant for the economy and society, promoting financial stability and sustainable economic growth.

Global Systemically Important Financial Institutions (G-SIFIs) - Financial Stability Board (

Recent banking events have highlighted the critical role of systemic banks in the global economy. The failures of Silicon Valley Bank and Credit Suisse demonstrate that these institutions serve as supporting walls for the economy and their failure could have far-reaching consequences.

What Are Systemic Banks and Why Do They Matter to the Global Economy?

This article provides an overview of the context and reasoning behind the latest decision of the Fed and the potential implications for investors.

The latest increase is the tenth consecutive rate rise since the Fed began to tighten monetary policy last year. Interest rates have increased from near zero in March 2022 to 5.00-5.25%, the highest in 17 years.

Notably, the statement omitted the “anticipated” additional policy firming of the March statement. Instead, it asserted that it would “determine the extent to which additional policy firming may be appropriate.”

In the follow-up question-and-answer (Q&A) session, Fed Chairman Jerome Powell clarified that “a decision on a pause was not made today” and that the Fed is “prepared to do more if greater monetary policy restraint is warranted.” This was intended to counter the widely held view that this would be the last rate increase before monetary easing resumes.

The statement of the Fed and Chairman Powell's follow-up comments reflect the mixed, but generally improving, data on inflation since the last meeting.

The Consumer Price Index shows inflation declining from an annualized 6% in February to 5% in March, its lowest in nearly two years.

 Energy prices contributed to this decline with gasoline prices 17.4% lower than a year ago.

However, the Personal Consumption Expenditure price index, excluding food and energy, declined just 0.1% over the same period, indicating that other costs (e.g. rent) are proving more stubborn.

Meanwhile, the tight labor market continues to drive inflation. Private payrolls increased by 296,000 during April, more than double the Dow Jones estimate of 133,000, and the steepest monthly rise since July 2022.

 Worker compensation continued to grow at 1.2% in Q1 2023, compared to 1.1% in Q4 2022.

Signs in the broader economy point to slowing growth. Real GDP growth dropped to 1.1% in Q1 2023 from 2.6% in Q4 2022. This trend is significant, as lower demand should decrease pressure on prices, and therefore reduce inflation.

The health of the banking industry plays a crucial role in the rate decisions of the Fed, as a stable banking system is essential to maintaining economic growth and controlling inflation.

Before the last Fed meeting, concern was growing that US regional banks were on the brink of a serious crisis. The US government acted to reassure depositors, and the damage appeared at first to be isolated to a group of banks that had made poor strategic decisions (Silicon Valley Bank, Signature and Silvergate).

The closure of First Republic Bank on May 1 following revelations that it had lost $100 billion in deposits during the previous month

 renewed the fear of wider contagion. Shares in regional banks, like PacWest, Western Alliance Bank and KeyCorp, suffered following the announcement as investors feared large-scale deposit outflows.

In its report on the issues that led to the shutdown of Silicon Valley Bank, the Fed noted that social media and technology may have ”fundamentally changed the speed of bank runs,” which now can occur in hours rather than days.

 This means that actions by the Fed yields more immediate effects compared to previous years.

During the Q&A session, Powell conceded more generally that credit tightening complicates the assessment of the committee and adds uncertainty.

 Independently of interest rates, a banking crisis could further dampen inflation and intensify a potential recession.

While markets expected the decision of the Fed, its implications on the US economy and further rate hikes (or reversals) in the months ahead were less clear.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average ended the day of the announcement down 0.8%, and the S&P 500 and the Nasdaq Composite dropped 0.7% and 0.5%, respectively.

 This may have been a reaction to indications by Powell that rate cuts were unlikely this year. Short- and long-term Treasury yields also moved lower, reflecting a belief that rate increases are ending.

 In line with these expectations, the US dollar index also fell 0.42% on the day.

Looking ahead, the FedWatch tool indicates that markets predicted a 0.5% to 1% drop in interest rates before year-end, despite Powell's cautious signaling.

 This probably indicates a belief that a recession would trigger a rapid reversal of interest rate policy.

Tom Garretson, a strategist at the RBC Portfolio Advisory Group, characterizes the move as a “dovish hike,” noting that the updated policy statement suggests a high bar for further rate hikes.

Powell’s statement made little in the way of commitments and invoked a “wait and see” (what the Fed calls “data dependent”) approach. This is difficult to debate and leaves relatively little room for experts to comment.

Short-term predictions are often more challenging than long-term forecasts.

Events such as a gridlock on US debt ceiling talks, or an unexpected acceleration of the Ukraine war, could confound the most careful analysis.

The Fed Committee reached a strong consensus on the latest move, but its March forecasts reveal growing internal debate about the direction of interest rates.

Hence, investors should focus on the economic fundamentals driving the value of their assets.

The prospect of a recession is higher following the banking crisis. In a recent interview, former US Treasury Secretary Larry Summers estimated a 70% likelihood of a recession in the next 12 months.

While this would fall short of the coveted ”soft landing” (lower inflation and continued economic growth), a mild or so-called “growth recession” is still possible, where employment remains relatively strong despite a weaker economy.

Maintaining a balanced view amid panicked markets facing a constant stream of bad news is the hallmark of a successful long-term investment strategy.

This presentation is provided to you by The Family Office Co. BSC(c) (“The Family Office”) for informational purposes only, and contains proprietary information that may not be reproduced, distributed to, or used by, any third parties without The Family Office’s prior written consent.

All information, figures, calculations, graphs and other numerical representations appearing in this presentation have not been audited and may be subject to change over time. Furthermore, certain valuations (including valuations of investments) appearing in this presentation are subject to change as they may be based on either estimates or historical figures that do not reflect the latest valuation. Although all information and opinions expressed in this presentation were obtained from sources believed to be reliable and in good faith, no representation or warranty, express or implied, is made as to their accuracy or completeness. The information contained herein is not a substitute for a thorough due diligence investigation. Past performance is not indicative of and does not guarantee future performance. Exit timelines, prices and related projections are estimates only, and exits could happen sooner or later than expected, or at a higher or lower valuation than expected, and are conditional, among other things, on certain assumptions and future performance relating to the financial and operational health of each business and macroeconomic conditions.

The Family Office makes no representation or warranty, express or implied, with respect to any statistics or historical or current financial data, whether created by The Family Office through its own research or quoted from other sources. With respect to any such statistics or data delivered or made available by or on behalf of The Family Office, it is acknowledged that (a) the investor takes full responsibility for making its own evaluation of the materiality of the information and the integrity of the quoted source and (b) the investor has no claim against The Family Office.

Amounts in currencies other than the US Dollar are translated using prevailing market rates as calculated by The Family Office or its service providers and may differ from the rates used by banks. The rates are indicative only and do not reflect the rates at which The Family Office would be prepared to enter into any transactions with other parties.

Certain information contained in this presentation constitutes “forward-looking statements,” which can be identified by the use of words such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “project,” “plans,” “estimates,” “intend,” “continue,” or “believe” or the negatives thereof or other variations thereon or comparable terminology. To the extent this presentation contains any forecasts, projections, goals, plans and other forward-looking statements, such forward-looking statements are inherently subject to, known and unknown, significant business, economic, competitive, regulatory and other risks, contingencies and uncertainties, most of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond The Family Office’s control and may cause actual performance, financial results and other projections in the future to differ materially from any projections of future performance, results or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Investors should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. The Family Office undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements to conform to actual results or changes in The Family Office’s expectations, unless required by applicable law.

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This presentation represents a summary of certain information, the full terms of which are contained in a Private Placement Memorandum that should be reviewed for a more complete understanding of the investments and their risks. In addition, this presentation does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation to buy, any instrument or other financial product, nor does it amount to a commitment by The Family Office to make such an offer at present or an indication of The Family Office’s willingness to make such an offer in the future.

The Family Office is a Category 1 Investment Firm regulated by the Central Bank of Bahrain 

.53871 dated 21/6/2004. Paid Up Capital: US$ 10,000,000. The Family Office only offers products and services to ‘accredited investors’ as defined by the Central Bank of Bahrain.

The unanimous decision of the U.S. Federal Reserve (“Fed”) Committee to increase rates by 0.25% during its latest meeting was largely expected by markets. But the path of interest rates and the U.S. economy remains the subject of debate that is likely to intensify in the coming months

Fed Signals a Potential Pause: What It Means for Investors

Asset allocation aims to select asset classes that work together to maximize returns and minimize risk. 

 featuring David Darst for more details).

Return is simply what you get back from the amount you invested. If the returns are stretched over a long period, you may need to consider inflation to calculate your real return.

Risk refers to the chance that you might lose some or all the money you invested. Investments with a high potential return often carry a higher risk of loss.

Asset classes are logical groupings of investments. Four main asset classes are:

: Cash is typically held in a bank or in ultra-low-risk investments such as government bonds. It earns a low return but has a near-zero risk of loss. It is also easily accessible.

: Bondholders are entitled to interest payments during the life of the bond and the return of the invested principal at maturity. Although the upside is limited, some recovery is likely if the company goes bankrupt.

: A stock is a share of ownership in a company. If the company does well, dividends may be paid, and the share price can appreciate considerably. If the company goes bankrupt, shareholders could be left with nothing.

: This covers various assets such as private equity, art, commodities, and real estate. While some can be risky, they often behave differently compared to the overall market, which is helpful for diversification (see below).

The importance of diversification and rebalancing

All asset classes have benefits and drawbacks. Asset allocation is about combining asset classes for an optimal outcome.

An effective asset allocation achieves a 

 portfolio of assets that do not rise and fall in unison. Diversification is achieved by investing across asset classes, industry sectors, company sizes and geographical locations.

As the value of asset classes change over time, your asset class mix may become concentrated in one asset class. 

 your portfolio periodically will bring it in line with your target asset allocation (see our separate articles on 

Tailoring asset allocation according to investor needs

Just as no single asset class performs well in all market conditions, no single asset allocation suits all investors.

An asset allocation should consider the specific individual’s circumstances, including:

 While a long-term view of investing is generally a good idea, near-term goals (e.g. buying a house, children’s education) need to be reflected in the portfolio and may require keeping a certain percentage of the portfolio in cash.

 Younger investors have a higher appetite for risk, as they have time to recoup any losses that arise. Older investors with shorter horizons and no employment income may need lower-risk allocations.

: A portfolio must consider the investor’s other assets. If an investor owns a farm, for example, the portfolio may need investments that are counter-cyclical to the agricultural businesses (i.e. diversification).

Asset allocation does not end with a customized, well-diversified portfolio that is rebalanced periodically.

Structural market changes may also require changes in the asset allocation strategy. For example, in a low-interest rate environment, stocks tend to offer more optimal returns than bonds. If interest rates rise, the allocation may need to be adjusted to include more bonds.

Changes in personal circumstances—such as increases/ decreases in income, marriage or the birth of a child—can also affect timelines and liquidity requirements which need to be reflected in the asset allocation strategy.

A qualified financial advisor helps you create and maintain an effective strategy and adjust it

Understanding asset allocation is important as a cornerstone of wealth management, even if you are not managing your portfolio personally.


The Role of Asset Allocation in Wealth Management

In late 2022 (and so far this year), zero-days-to-expiration (0DTE) options have been driving significant moves in the US equity market. Traders have used these options to take advantage of short-term price movements in individual stocks and broad market indices, leading to sharp swings in market prices. 

As a result, 0DTE options have come under increased focus and scrutiny among investors and analysts.

What are 0DTE options and how do they work

0DTE options are option contracts that expire the day they are traded, meaning they have zero days to expiration. These options can be bought or sold, allowing traders to profit from short-term price movements in the underlying asset.

A key difference between 0DTE options and traditional options is their risk profile. Because they have such a short lifespan, 0DTE options are high-risk, high-reward investments. They offer traders the potential for significant profits in a short time, or substantial losses if the price of the underlying asset moves against them.

A trader who buys a 0DTE call option has the right to buy the underlying asset at a predetermined strike price until the end of the trading day. If the price of the underlying asset rises above the strike price, the option becomes valuable and the trader can sell it for a profit.

Conversely, a trader who buys a 0DTE put option has the right to sell the underlying asset at a predetermined price until the end of the trading day. If the price of the underlying asset falls below the strike price, the option becomes valuable and the trader can sell it for a profit.

Because 0DTE option pricing may be extremely sensitive to changes in the price of the underlying asset and market circumstances, the value of the option can change quickly, making them more difficult to trade than conventional options.

0DTE options have impacted the broader equity market and individual stocks significantly in the past few years. Accordingly, the number of market participants who employ them in their trading strategies has increased.

A significant role in recent market swings

0DTE options have been driving significant market moves in the US equity market recently. Although they have been available for some time, their popularity soared during the record selling last year—0DTE options offer a low-cost, quick and simple method of daily hedging when previous correlations fail. By the end of 2022, 0DTE options represented more than 40% of the options volume of the S&P 500, nearly doubling over the last six months.

Source: Goldman Sachs Global Investment Research

In such an uncertain economic environment, short-term options have become a popular way to take advantage of short-term price movements in individual stocks and broad market indices. Retail investors have been using these options increasingly, although they still represent a small share of the total options volume—only 5.6% of the S&P 500 short-term options volume in November came from retail market orders.

 According to JP Morgan, the intraday trading volume of 0DTE options exceeded $1 trillion.

This ramped-up use of 0DTE options has also contributed to increased volatility and heightened trading activity as investors seek to profit from rapid market changes. Marko Kolanović, a strategist at JP Morgan, expressed a highly bearish outlook on the situation, which “could lead to a vicious cycle in which declining market liquidity leads to rapidly falling option prices, which in turn leads to further declines in liquidity."

The recent rise of 0DTE options has significant implications for investors and traders. Below are several important takeaways:

0DTE options tend to be more volatile than longer-term options, partly because they have a short lifespan. When traders buy and sell these options in large volumes, it can lead to increased volatility in the underlying asset, making the market less predictable and subject to sudden price swings.

Because 0DTE options have a short lifespan, traders must act quickly to capitalize on short-term price movements. This can lead to increased trading activity as traders buy and sell these options in large volumes to take advantage of short-term opportunities.

0DTE options can have a significant impact on individual stocks, particularly if a large number of traders are buying or selling options related to that stock. For example, if a large number of traders purchase 0DTE call options on a particular stock, the price of the stock could increase as traders try to capitalize on short-term price movements. Similarly, if a large number of traders purchase 0DTE put options on a particular stock, the price of the stock could decrease as traders try to profit from short-term price declines.

As more traders use 0DTE options to capitalize on short-term price movements, market sentiment could be influenced to shape the broader market narrative. For example, when traders are bullish on a particular stock or market index and are buying 0DTE call options, it can create a positive market sentiment that attracts other investors and traders to buy into the market. Similarly, if traders are bearish on a particular stock or market index and are buying 0DTE put options, it can create a negative market sentiment that may drive other investors and traders away from the market.

The rise of 0DTE options has also created concerns about potential market manipulation. Some traders may use large volumes of 0DTE options to influence short-term price movements, which can create challenges for other investors trying to make informed decisions based on market fundamentals.

The impact of 0DTE options on the broader equity market and individual stocks can be significant, particularly if a large number of traders use them to capitalize on short-term price movements. While 0DTE options offer potential benefits for traders who are skilled at navigating short-term market volatility, they also come with a range of risks and potential losses if traders cannot predict short-term market movements accurately.

Investors who are considering these options should have a solid understanding of their risk and benefits and should consider their investment goals and trading strategy carefully before trading.

0DTE options in this market environment 

0DTE options might continue to drive market moves through the end of 2023 if traders use them to speculate on short-term price movements. Additionally, broader market factors such as macroeconomic conditions, company earnings reports and market sentiment could contribute to those market moves. Many investors rely on those indicators to gauge trends and make investment decisions; but these may not always be accurate and could lead to rash (and unsuccessful) trades.

The short-term outlook for 0DTE options is highly dependent on market conditions and investor sentiment. While they provide traders the opportunity to capitalize on short-term market movements, they come with significant risk. As these options have a short lifespan, they require constant monitoring and quick decision-making to realize potential profits. 0DTE options are also highly sensitive to changes in market liquidity and can be subject to rapid price movements. Overall, the short-term outlook for 0DTE options is uncertain and requires careful consideration of market conditions and individual risk tolerance.

This is where alternative investments come in. Unlike liquid investments that are subject to distortion and manipulation driven by the latest Wall Street fads, the returns of alternative investments are not subject to such distortions and should be in an investor's portfolio. They offer investors a way to diversify their portfolios and reduce their exposure to market volatility.

The Family Office (TFO) is a leading private market solutions provider with more than $2 billion of assets under management. With a focus on diversified alternatives, such as private equity, private debt, and real estate, TFO provides a comprehensive suite of investment opportunities to meet the unique needs of its clients.

Whether you seek to diversify your portfolio, generate income, or capture growth opportunities, TFO has private market solutions that can help you achieve your financial goals. With a commitment to transparency, integrity and personalized service, TFO is a trusted partner for investors who seek to build and preserve wealth over the long term.

The recent rise in the trading of short-term options, driven by investors' propensity for risk, is intensifying the day-to-day volatility of the stock market. While these derivatives improve hedging in daily trading, a sudden increase in the volume of these speculative instruments can cause unexpected stock market spikes, leading to dangerously high volatility.

0DTE Options: A Mere Fad or a Sustainable Market Driver?

These advisors offer personalized guidance and support, taking into consideration various factors such as risk tolerance, investment objectives, tax implications, and overall financial situation. They work closely with clients to understand their financial goals and devise ways to attain them.

The Role of a Wealth Management Advisor to Financial Success

Wealth management advisors have a deep understanding of financial markets, investment products, and financial planning strategies. They leverage their expertise to help clients make informed investment decisions and optimize their portfolio performance. They also monitor market trends and economic developments for arising opportunities or risks and adjust strategies as needed to help clients stay on track to achieve their financial goals.

A wealth management advisor can help clients make informed financial decisions, avoid costly mistakes and optimize their investment returns. They provide ongoing support and guidance, helping clients navigate financial challenges and adjust their plans as needed.

Identifying Unique Financial Needs and Goals

Wealth management advisors identify their clients' unique financial needs and goals, starting with their financial situation, short- and long-term financial goals and risk tolerance. This involves gathering information about income, expenses, assets, liabilities, etc.  For example, they may help clients identify their retirement goals and develop a plan to save for retirement.

The customized financial plan is tailored to the investor's specific needs and goals. This plan typically includes investment strategies, asset allocation and risk management. Once the plan is implemented, the wealth management advisor monitors the performance of the investment portfolio, makes adjustments as needed, and provides regular updates and recommendations to keep the plan aligned with the investor's goals and objectives.

The Benefits of Ongoing Financial Advice and Support

A wealth management advisor's ongoing support provides many benefits.

As market conditions evolve, some adjustments to the investment strategy and asset allocation may be needed to keep the plan aligned with the investor's objectives.

The wealth management advisor can develop strategies to mitigate Potential risks that may emerge due to geopolitical and macroeconomic developments to ensure that the portfolio is aligned with the investor’s risk tolerance.

Ongoing financial advice and support can assure investors that they have a plan in place to achieve their goals. The advisor can also provide reassurance during times of market volatility or economic uncertainty.

Investors save time by delegating administrative tasks, such as rebalancing the portfolio or monitoring investment performance, to a wealth management advisor to focus on more important matters.

Choosing the Right Wealth Management Advisor

Here are some key factors to consider in seeking a wealth management advisor:

Request data on the risk-adjusted performance of a fund or a team against its objectives. Past performance does not guarantee future returns, but the mere availability of such data demonstrates a history of fulfilling obligations to previous clients.

Understanding how fees are structured gives you comfort that your interests are aligned with those of the fund (for example, knowing whether the manager participates in both the upside and the downside).

Understand the advisor's investment philosophy and how it aligns with your goals and risk tolerance. Some advisors focus on long-term growth, while others prioritize income or the preservation of capital. Avoid an advisor who cannot define it to you clearly in a single sentence, or if you cannot summarize it clearly yourself.

To justify a fee, a manager must add value. This typically refers to the ability to outperform the market, which can be accomplished in many ways, from sectoral expertise to a tested investment methodology.  The advisor should explain this "edge" during your first meeting.

Many reputable firms consist of a multi-disciplinary team whose names are usually listed on the website or provided upon request. Basic research on background and credentials can be done on the internet. A deeper dive—requesting references from previous employers—may also be worthwhile.

Wealth management is as much an art as it is a science, but the scientific component is essential. A good wealth manager should have a well-documented methodology (e.g., for screening, selecting and divesting securities) and analytical tools (e.g. proprietary models) that sustains their “edge.” If neither methodology nor tools are evident, you may be dealing with just a gifted storyteller.

Ethics is more than just complying with regulations. It is about intellectual integrity. If you feel that your advisors do not believe their own recommendations, consult those who do.

Ask about the highlights of wealth managers’ professional careers and discuss their most challenging experiences. A trustworthy manager will be forthright about mistakes and missed opportunities and, more importantly, will share the lessons learned. No team is perfect, but the fund managers who can correct course and avoid past errors are best prepared for an uncertain future. Understanding how a fund performed during difficult times helps you predict how it would perform in future crises.

Since 2004, The Family Office has been the wealth manager of choice for more than 200 ultra-high-net worth families and individuals, helping them preserve and growth their wealth through customized solutions in diversified alternatives and more.

 with our financial experts and learn more about our wealth management process.

A wealth management advisor plays a crucial role in helping individuals and families achieve financial success. They are skilled financial professionals who assist clients in creating and implementing a comprehensive financial plan to meet their long-term financial goals and lifestyle needs.

The Benefits of Working with a Wealth Management Advisor - How They Can Help You Achieve Your Financial Goals

This article outlines the facts surrounding the latest move, the initial market reaction, and its implications for the longer-term investment environment.

The decision to raise rates from the previous target range of 4.5-4.75% to 4.75-5.00% was summarized by Fed Chairman Jerome Powell in his public statement reaffirming the determination to stem inflation: “Inflation remains too high and the labor market remains very tight.”

The Consumer Price Index (CPI) released on March 14 by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, showed that declining food and shelter costs reduced inflation from 0.5% in January to 0.4% in February (6.4% to 6% annualized).

 However, the headline rate is still more than three times the target rate of 2%.

The latest March 10 data gave a mixed picture of employment and the economy. Payroll growth continued to be robust (+311,000 new jobs in February) led by leisure and hospitality while wage growth slowed from 0.3% in January to 0.2% and the average workweek declined to 34.5 hours, implying that new jobs are not all full-time.

The economic projections were unchanged from the December forecast. Chairman Powell emphasized that although “

 be appropriate”, the important words to focus on are ’may’ and ‘some.’” Notably absent was the word “ongoing,” in the context of future interest rate hikes.

The Fed had typically based its rate decisions on macroeconomic factors, such as inflation and labor markets. But recent developments in the banking sector have added new factors into consideration. 

Briefly, there was a run on several financial institutions, including Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) and Signature Bank in the US, and the Swiss banking giant Credit Suisse, as depositors panicked. While the fall of Credit Suisse resulted from long-standing issues with the bank’s management and years of reputational decline owing to scandals, the case of SVB was due at least partly to the interest rate hikes of the past year.

The Fed has been balancing the two goals of stemming inflation and avoiding recession. The Great Financial Crisis (2007-2008) highlighted the importance of broader financial stability in achieving these two goals. This means the Fed must consider the impact of rate changes on the banking system. It has accordingly initiated an emergency lending program in coordination with other central banks to ensure US dollar liquidity.

At an earlier Senate hearing on March 7, Fed Chairman Jerome Powell had hinted that interest rates could rise higher than previously anticipated, implying the possibility of a 0.5% rate hike.

 The 0.25% increase, therefore, represents a retraction of sorts.

The decision of the Fed was in line with market expectations on the eve of the announcement.

Stocks rallied initially, but ended the day lower, with the three major indices (Dow Jones, S&P 500, and Nasdaq Composite) down by 1.6% or more. Bank stocks were particularly affected, following comments by Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen that the government was not planning to offer “blanket insurance” for all bank deposits in case of a general contagion.

Short- and long-term Treasury yields also slipped amid more subdued rate hike expectations.

 The US dollar index also fell in line with lower-than-predicted domestic rate expectations.

CME FedWatch, a gauge of market expectations of interest rate movements, showed differing views in 2023, but the consensus was towards a 0.50% decline by year-end,

 despite Powell’s indication that rate cuts are unlikely this year.

Aside from short-term market movements, the important consideration for investors is the outlook for the US economy which will inform the performance of specific asset classes and sectors.

US government measures may help avert a run on vulnerable regional banks with substantial unrealized losses.

Since the Federal Reserve (the “Fed”) last meet in February, several consequential events have impacted the US and global banking system alike. In this context, the decision of the Fed to raise interest rates by another 0.25% merits even more scrutiny than usual.


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