​It was a strong week for equity markets with stocks doing well across market caps and geographies. Many of the worries that plagued markets at various times during the first half of the year seem to have diminished. While there is still plenty of uncertainty, things seem to be better than feared. For stocks, it seems to always come down to the bottom line of earnings, and with a somewhat clearer tariff picture, it would appear that earnings will hold up relatively well in 2025. 

When it comes to securing your legacy, one of the most powerful yet often overlooked tools in estate planning is your beneficiary designations. The simple choice of who receives your financial assets from accounts such as employer-sponsored retirement plans, IRAs, life insurance policies, non-retirement brokerage accounts, and even bank accounts can significantly impact your estate plan. Yet too often, they are not set at all or set initially and forgotten, even as life changes. With a little focus and care, you can avoid common mistakes and make sure your wishes are carried out as intended. In this blog, we will walk through eight key tips to help ensure your beneficiary designations are current, aligned with your overall plan, and structured to protect your loved ones when it matters most.
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While the focus here is on beneficiary designations, it is important to remember that estate planning is not exclusively for the wealthy. Everyone should have an estate plan. Whether your finances are simple or more complex, having a plan in place will bring peace of mind and avoid unnecessary expenses and complications.

Markets were again mixed last week, as external factors likely continue to play their part. The ongoing tensions in the Middle East have some investors on edge, and as the situation plays out stocks, bonds, and oil prices are likely to continue to fluctuate. Meanwhile, the Fed held rates
steady at their June meeting, as they remain in a holding pattern.

​Markets generally ended the month on a high note last week, with gains in all major indices outside of
emerging market stocks. US markets in particular came storming back, with the S&P 500 up 6.29% in May, and back in the green for the year. The easing of trade tensions likely helped spark the rally in stocks, however, the tariff story is still far from over. Recently, legal challenges to the President’s authority to implement tariffs have brought an element of doubt to an already uncertain picture.