Research and Insights: Investment Trends, Topics, Ideas

Capital Market Outlook

Your resource for the latest thinking from our experts on the markets and economy in the coming year and beyond

Making the implicit explicit: The value of developing family policies

All families operate by unspoken rules, but when managing significant wealth across generations, written family policies can provide the clarity and intention your family needs to thrive.

CIO Market Update Audiocast Series

Financial Education Matters: A Conversation with Darren Woodson

In this video, we talk to Darren Woodson, a former Dallas Cowboy and three-time Super Bowl champion, about what he believes every athlete should know when thinking about their financial wellbeing.

From Successful to Significant

The framework for a high-value business transition<br>Authored by the Merrill Center for Family Wealth®

What do Fed rate cuts mean for the bond market?

As speculation builds that the Federal Reserve might resume rate cuts, bond investors especially should be aware of the ripple effects.

Building blocks to guide your long-term investment decisions

The right wealth management decisions for your portfolio depend on your current financial situation, long-term goals and market performance.

What are potential next steps in your estate plan after you have fully exhausted your available federal lifetime gift tax exemption?

Beyond exemptions: Advanced techniques for high-net-worth families

Feeling the ‘sandwich generation’ squeeze? Here’s help.

Tips and strategies for dealing with the financial and emotional stress of caring for aging parents while also raising a family of your own

How to prepare for unexpected financial events and risks

Steps you can take to help make sure unexpected events don’t interfere with your long-term plans

How to Engage Next Gen in Philanthropy

Next-level giving: Increasing your charitable impact

A thoughtful approach can stretch your donations -- and may provide you with significant tax advantages.

Capital Market Outlook

Your resource for the latest thinking from our experts on the markets and economy in the coming year and beyond

CIO Market Update Audiocast Series

What do Fed rate cuts mean for the bond market?

As speculation builds that the Federal Reserve might resume rate cuts, bond investors especially should be aware of the ripple effects.

2025 Midyear Outlook: As the fog of uncertainty lifts, what’s next for investors?

Here’s what to look for and ways you can respond — plus a quiz to test your market know-how

On the Road to Recovery

What’s up with Treasurys, the deficit and the dollar?

Volatility has been rattling the bond markets — and weakening the value of the dollar. Watch this video for ways investors can consider responding.

Market Decode: Focus on trendlines, not headlines

Chances of a recession are fading, says the Chief Investment Office. Watch the video to find out why.

Let’s Talk Investments

A new look at portfolio construction

The recent devaluation of the dollar is recalibrating the market. Watch to learn what it means for your portfolio.

A new look at portfolio construction

The recent devaluation of the dollar is recalibrating the market. Watch to learn what it means for your portfolio.

Selecting the appropriate charitable vehicle

Let's Talk Alts

Tune in to this ongoing, informative video series for insights on how to incorporate Alternative Investments into your portfolio and the potential benefits they can provide.

How to prepare for unexpected financial events and risks

Steps you can take to help make sure unexpected events don’t interfere with your long-term plans

5 ways to juggle competing financial goals

College tuition, retirement savings and more — your financial goals can sometimes seem overwhelming. This five-step process can help you pursue them all.

What can you do when the markets get volatile?

These insights and suggestions from our Chief Investment Office (CIO) can help you navigate periodic ups and downs

How should taxes factor into your investment decisions?

Answering these 5 questions can help you make informed decisions - and potentially lower your tax bill

Access the value of investment real estate to support your goals

Selling stocks? 3 ways to help trim your tax bill

When you sell stocks to lock in investment gains or bring your portfolio mix back into balance, you could face tax consequences. These tips may help you limit what you owe.

A legacy more valuable than money

Affluent Black-African American families prioritize teaching the value of hard work and financial know-how. Here, they share tips all families can find useful.

Charitable vehicles comparison

Donor-advised fund or private foundation

How to prepare for unexpected financial events and risks

Steps you can take to help make sure unexpected events don’t interfere with your long-term plans

How to Engage Next Gen in Philanthropy

Access the value of investment real estate to support your goals

Artificial intelligence: A real game changer

After decades of expectation, machines that think, learn and create are poised to transform the economy, the markets and our lives

Will the ‘Great Wealth Transfer’ transform the markets?

As heirs receive trillions in assets over the next two decades, their investing preferences could create new opportunities. Some trends are already emerging.

Investors, take note: Gen Z is about to change everything

The first online generation is projected to eventually become the richest, and their financial preferences and social values are already starting to transform industries and markets

Why renewable energy won’t be enough

As the world strives to go green, energy demand is rising. Where will the power come from — and what investing opportunities could be created? Watch our video.

Artificial intelligence: The next great tech wave?

In this first of three videos examining forces poised to transform the global markets and economy, our analysts explore artificial intelligence, or AI, and the hurdles it could face ahead

Making the implicit explicit: The value of developing family policies

All families operate by unspoken rules, but when managing significant wealth across generations, written family policies can provide the clarity and intention your family needs to thrive.