There are key lessons to highlight as we unravel Silicon Valley Bank's problems and subsequent relief efforts, including the importance of diversification at all levels and the speed of response to financial crises.
ESG is not a cure-all for the environmental or social challenges we collectively face. It can, however, serve as a valuable tool for investors to reduce specific portfolio risks and align their investments with a changing world.
There will always be unknowns when embarking on a big move to a new state or country, but it will be smoother – and more exciting – when you take the time to plan in advance.
Markets are starting this year from more reasonable valuations and with bonds yielding stronger income than prior years. This balance should benefit patient investors and diversified portfolios as they navigate short-term storms and begin rebuilding portfolio values.
Good tax planning does not simply mean minimizing your tax bill every year. A broader view allows you to better balance tax considerations with other priorities in your life.
The economic and market landscape still includes plenty of uncertainty, but it is a welcome sight to see portfolios rebuild some value early in the year.
Looking back at 2022, we reflect on our impact in our various communities and ask ourselves, why does community engagement matter to us? We remind ourselves that, as humans, we thrive on our connection to others.
If you enjoy having the latest technology and you’re willing to pay a slight premium for that experience, or you hate paying for gas and like the idea of fighting against climate change, then the new landscape of EVs provides some enticing options.
Financial markets can have phases of directionless wandering as investors await more information. We may be in one of those moments right now.
Impact in Action Report
Highlighting investment in affordable housing in the Bay Area and its connection to voter-approved bond measures in Alameda County.
Q4 2022 Market Commentary
Financial markets, much like our weather, are usually mild and uneventful. What sticks in people’s minds, however, are the extreme events.
As inflation emerges from a long hibernation, the impact on consumers is acute. It's important to acknowledge that inflation has been a normal and recurring part of economic growth throughout history - and can have some silver linings.
Market movements can feel chaotic over the short term, and the noise of daily market headlines can make investors question whether the historical patterns of growth will continue to hold true.
The stakeholder-centric lens is an important innovation to the capitalist structure. It is also an important counterpoint to the shareholder-centric profit concerns that dominate the early development stages of the technical innovations that drive economic growth.
While financial markets may breathe a sigh of relief following midterm election results, the present reality is that ongoing concerns about global recession, high inflation, and tighter central bank policies could limit the enthusiasm of any post-election rally.
Protecting yourself against identity theft and other common scams can be daunting. Identifying ways to stay safe in the digital age can help prevent online threats from becoming a reality.
The YWCA Berkeley/Oakland promotes financial literacy yearly with its Young Women and Money Conference. We're proud to be sponsors of the event.
Helping kids understand basic financial concepts early in life can give them confidence in their ability to save and spend wisely.
It is human nature to assume that a current trend will continue unimpeded and that equity prices will continue to fall without relief. Reality rarely unfolds in such straight lines.
Financial situations are as varied as family situations, and bringing generations of families and finances together reveals a nuanced array of issues.