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The US stock market, gauged by the S&P 500 index, last reached its all-time-high in 2021. The following calendar year 2022 was one of the worst years on record for balanced portfolios of stocks and bonds, as the Federal Reserve cranked its overnight target interest rate up to douse inflation.

At a time defined by religious division worldwide, it could be easy to overlook the remarkable organizations that are striving to transcend boundaries and bring people of different faiths together. The United Religious Community (URC) stands as a testament to the enduring power of unity and cooperation among diverse religious traditions, as they quietly but profoundly impact lives, while striving to create a more harmonious and inclusive community.

Last month was the third-best November for the US stock market since 1960, as the S&P 500 climbed over 8%. Bonds rallied as well, yields fell, and the Bloomberg US Aggregate Bond index rose almost 5% in price. November was one of the all-time best months for balanced (60/40) portfolios.

Market activity was subdued during Thanksgiving week, which saw stocks close higher. Each of the benchmark indexes listed here gained ground, led by the large caps of the Dow and the S&P 500. Each of the 11 market sectors ended the week higher, with health care, energy, and communication services leading the way. ...

The market enjoyed a favorable week as each of the benchmark indexes listed here gained ground. Inflation data showed consumer prices moderated in October, while the Federal government avoided a shutdown.

The Federal Reserve’s current interest rate policy is restricting borrowing and spending, or “demand”, thus curtailing overall economic activity, which will ultimately lead to layoffs at firms, which will raise the unemployment rate and reduce wage growth, all of which will snuff out inflation.

Stocks closed generally higher last week on continued hopes that the Federal Reserve is done raising interest rates despite more hawkish comments from Fed Chair Jerome Powell. Tech and growth stocks carried the market for much of the week as investors looked ahead to this week's inflation reports. Ten-year Treasury yields eased somewhat from recent 16-year highs.

Wall Street ended a two-week bear run as stocks enjoyed their best week of the year last week. Each of the benchmark indexes listed here posted solid gains, while bond yields declined, dragged lower by escalating bond prices.

Amid the bustling city streets and high-rise buildings of downtown South Bend lies a critical support day center for marginalized women and children, many of whom are literally subsisting on society's edge. This sanctuary is St. Margaret's House: a place where community is cultivated, lives are changed, and the very essence of compassion in action is at work inside its walls.

Since July, capital markets have been giving the Federal Reserve a wary side-eye. Inflation, while falling, is not yet at the Fed’s preferred target, and employment has been tight. A few weeks ago, futures markets held decent odds for further rate hikes in December and into early 2024.

Mega-cap tech stocks, which have been the clear stock market champions for the last several years, were punched around by investors this week. Alphabet (or as most know it, Google) had a rough market response to its earnings release on Tuesday evening: the stock was down almost 10% the following day, dropping more than $166 billion in market value.

Last week saw Wall Street endure another lackluster performance. Investors continued to fret over hawkish comments from Federal Reserve officials as inflation remained above the Fed's target rate of 2.0%. In addition, higher bond yields and unrest in the Middle East also weighed on the market.

Last week proved to be a rough one for the market as investors fled from equities following Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell's indication that interest rates would remain higher for longer. The escalation of the Israel-Hamas war also weighed on Wall Street and global markets. Each of the benchmark indexes listed here declined by at least 1.6%, with the Nasdaq skidding over 3.0%.

This month, the Indiana Trust Nonprofit Spotlight award goes to two organizations that are making a difference in the communities we serve – Child and Parent Services in Elkhart, Indiana, and A Better Way in Muncie, Indiana!

On Tuesday evening, October 10th, the John Mutz Philanthropic Leadership Institute recognized South Bend native, Tina M. Patton, CSOP™, CISM®, Vice President and Director of Nonprofit & Foundation Engagement at Indiana Trust Wealth Management, as a distinguished member of its 2023 graduating class. The Institute, which identifies and develops transformational philanthropic leaders across...

US large cap stocks are once again leading the way across equity asset classes in 2023. US large caps are dominated by the “Magnificent Seven” names representing the largest stocks by market capitalization (Apple, Microsoft, Alphabet, Amazon, NVIDIA, Tesla, and Meta). Those seven names accounted for 11.1% of the S&P 500’s 13.1% total return for the year through September.

When interest rates rise, bond prices fall. This is how the time value of money works. Higher rates increase the cost of waiting for future interest and principal payments, so they are worth less today. Future cash flows from bonds are certain, and for those from the US Treasury, they are risk-free. Changes in interest rates mechanically change bond prices.

The Mishawaka Education Foundation (MEF) supports local K-12 education at School City of Mishawaka (SCM), leaving a positive impact on students, educators, and the community at large. With a focused approach on enhancing learning opportunities and promoting inclusivity, the MEF serves as a noteworthy example of how grassroots educational initiatives can drive meaningful change.

The Federal Reserve’s Open Market Committee (FOMC), the part of the Fed that makes interest rate decisions, met on Wednesday and decided to hit the “pause” button, keeping its target interest rate range where it currently stands (5.25% to 5.5%). This was widely expected: the CME Group’s FedWatch tool, which analyzes 30-day Fed Funds futures pricing, had an implied probability of 99% that the...

In a night filled with anticipation and celebration, the Indiana University South Bend community gathered on September 19th for the second annual "Night of the Titans" gala. The annual fundraiser dinner, which is known for recognizing exceptional individuals and their contributions to both the university and the community, took on a special significance this year as Susan Elrod, PhD, Chancellor of Indiana University South Bend, presented the prestigious Chancellor's Medal to David R. Kibbe, JD.

As the father of a teenager who is learning how to drive, I have spent some time the past few months in the passenger seat attempting to teach my daughter the ins-and-outs of driving a car. One of the early lessons in this journey was pointing out the significance of using the right foot to both accelerate and brake.

Picking stocks that beat the market over time can lead to fantastic returns. Unfortunately, picking those winners is exceptionally difficult as they are few and far between.

Investment is critical for economic growth and for productivity. In the economic sense of the term, it represents the creation of wealth. Building a factory or a house represents physical investment, but it can take intangible forms, such as intellectual property.

The Federal Reserve of Kansas City hosted its annual economic symposium this week in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Why not hold the meeting in Wichita or Lawrence? The rumor is that legendary Fed Chairman Paul Volcker loved fly fishing in Wyoming, so by hosting the event there it assured his attendance in 1982. The meeting has become the buzziest gathering of economists and journalists on the calendar, with the central focus on the speech from the Fed chair, currently Jerome Powell, who spoke on Friday

The Fischoff National Chamber Music Association has been quietly transforming the landscape of classical music from its headquarters in South Bend, Indiana, for more than five decades – nurturing musical brilliance and fostering artistic bonds among young chamber musicians, the literal virtuosos of tomorrow.

Growth-style stocks are those with high valuations attached, many of which do not pay dividends, but which are expected to grow earnings or free cash flow rapidly in the future. NVIDIA is a good example of a growth stock. Other growth stocks do not even generate positive free cash flow today. They are expected to grow quickly at some point in the distant future, years from now.

Indiana Trust Wealth Management Investment Advisory Services by Clayton T. Bill, CFA Vice President, Director of Investment Advisory Services The US equity market, represented by the S&P 500 index, slipped 0.3% for the week ending August 11.The US Treasury market’s inverted yield curve is typically interpreted as a negative leading indicator for the economy. This week, a prominent Federal Reserve official made the case for a more benign interpretation of the situation. The Federal Re

On Tuesday evening this week, Fitch Ratings, one of the three major credit ratings agencies, downgraded the US debt from AAA (its highest rating) to AA+, one notch lower.

In the heart of South Bend, La Casa de Amistad shines as a beacon of hope and support for the Latino/Hispanic community – a pillar of empowerment and service since its establishment nearly 50 years ago, in October of 1973. Guided by a profound commitment to fostering growth and inclusivity, La Casa de Amistad offers an array of vital programs and services tailored to meet the diverse needs of these immigrants in their pursuit of a better life in the United States.

he Federal Reserve raised its overnight target interest rate on Wednesday by 0.25%, to a range of 5.25% to 5.5%. In prepared comments at his press conference, Fed Chair Jerome Powell stated that “for inflation to reach 2% the economy will likely require a period of below-trend growth and some softening of labor market conditions.”

Last week saw stocks close generally higher, with only the tech-heavy Nasdaq slipping lower. The Dow extended its winning streak to 10 straight sessions, its longest run since August 2017. Investors, probably anticipating another 25.0 basis-point hike from the Federal Reserve this week, moved from information technology, communication services, and consumer discretionary shares to more defensive sectors such as health care, utilities, and consumer staples. Long-term bond prices remained relative

International equity diversification has not worked for US investors for 30 years. US asset managers are beginning to abandon foreign stock allocations, or, at least, reduce those allocations to insignificant “window dressing” levels. That way, portfolio managers can claim they still adhere to the key principle of diversification, one of the most fundamental ideas in modern finance.

Wall Street enjoyed a positive week of returns, with each of the benchmark indexes posting solid gains, despite a marginal downturn at the end of last week. The financial sector began releasing quarterly updates last Friday as investors focused on the state of the banking industry. A few major banks reported increasing profits in the second quarter, while more data will be released this week.

The Bureau of Labor Services released its monthly CPI report on Wednesday morning. Headline CPI rose by 0.2% in June. That result was cooler than expected. Year-over-year inflation in June 2022 was 9%. Through June of this year, it has fallen to 3%.

Stocks fell for the second straight week last week, with each of the benchmark indexes losing ground. The Dow led the declines, followed by the Global Dow, the Russell 2000, the S&P 500, and the Nasdaq. Although the employment report for June (see below) showed a moderate decline in the number of new jobs added, wages continued to track higher, which could support further interest rate hikes by the Federal Reserve. The Fed meets next on July 26, and the latest employment data makes anot

In today's hyper-connected digital landscape, cybersecurity has become an integral part of our daily lives. As individuals and organizations rely more on online platforms and services, the risk of cyber threats and attacks continues to grow. Clients of Indiana Trust Wealth Management should be equipped with the knowledge and tools to help ensure their online activities remain secure.

Nestled on the banks of the picturesque St. Joseph River, Indiana University South Bend stands as a beacon of academic excellence and community engagement. With its rich history, vibrant campus life, and commitment to student success, IUSB has become a top choice for those seeking a transformative higher education experience.

The COVID pandemic put a spotlight upon the consequences of the long-term deindustrialization of the US economy. Critical industries, most notably microchips, were shown to have complex, brittle supply chains which impacted the availability of a wide array of goods, most notably cars.

Stocks began on a downturn, but rallied later to end last week higher. Each of the benchmark indexes listed here posted solid weekly gains, led by the Russell 2000, followed by the Nasdaq, the Dow, the S&P 500, and the Global Dow. Investors began the week concerned that the debt ceiling agreement between President Biden and House Speaker McCarthy would not pass the House and Senate.

The consensus across economists for the closely watched monthly employer survey was the addition of 195,000 jobs for the US economy in May. The report, released on Friday, reflected 330,000 jobs added, beating expectations for the fourteenth straight month.

Most of last week, investors seemed to react to negotiations concerning the debt ceiling. Despite a lackluster ending to the week, stocks closed generally higher. Tech shares climbed nearly 4.0%, while consumer discretionary stocks also posted gains.

In the aftermath of the Great Financial Crisis of 2008, virtually every investor began to reassess their stock market exposure. A portfolio of global stocks was off over 50% from peak-to-trough during the crisis, and a balanced portfolio of 60% stocks and 40% bonds was down over 30%.

Stocks trended lower last week, with only the Nasdaq able to eke out a gain. Investors remained pensive as they await negotiations on the debt ceiling. With roughly 92% of the S&P 500 companies having reported first-quarter earnings thus far, results appear headed down 2.5% from last year. This follows a 4.6% drop in fourth-quarter earnings.

Markets shuddered as Congress warned that it would not approve the increase to the federal debt ceiling. The Treasury Secretary took to the media with tales of gloom should the federal government default and offered a direct, personal plea to senators and representatives to raise the debt ceiling.

Habitat for Humanity is a global non-profit organization that aims to help low-income families and communities around the world build and improve their homes. Founded in 1976 in Americus, Georgia, by Millard and Linda Fuller, Habitat for Humanity has become one of the most recognizable and respected charities in the world.

Stocks closed last week generally lower, with only the Nasdaq eking out a minimal gain. A rally last Friday wasn't enough to recoup losses experienced during the week. Investors had quite a bit to digest over the past week. The Federal Reserve hiked the federal funds rate 25 basis points and gave no clear indication as to whether and when more rate increases may be coming.

As expected, the Federal Reserve hiked its overnight target interest rate another 0.25% this week to a range of 5% to 5.25%. Mr. Powell stated the FOMC, the committee at the Fed responsible for interest rate decisions, would now take a data-dependent approach in its policymaking for the rest of 2023.

Stocks ended last week higher as strong corporate earnings data helped offset worries of another round of interest rate hikes, following the Federal Reserve's meeting this week. Each of the benchmark indexes listed here posted weekly gains, with the exception of the Russell 2000.

With all the focus in the financial press upon the Federal Reserve, inflation, and turmoil in the banking system, it would be easy to forget that what ultimately counts for stock market investors is corporate earnings growth. Profits are what matter.

Stocks were relatively listless last week, with only the Russell 2000 posting a gain of 0.6%. The Nasdaq, the Dow, and the Global Dow fell between 0.2% and 0.4%, while the S&P 500 was nearly flat. Energy stocks were among the worst performing, with crude oil prices posting their poorest week in about a month. Gold prices slipped below $2,000.00 per ounce. The dollar edged higher, while 10-year Treasury yields climbed minimally. The start of corporate earnings season has been mixed at best, p

When we partner together to support our local Boys & Girls Clubs, we are truly “investing in great futures!” Please join us in congratulating the Boys & Girls Clubs of St. Joseph County, as well as the Boys & Girls Clubs of Elkhart County, as the Indiana Trust Nonprofit Spotlight award recipients for March 2023!

In 2022, the Federal Reserve raised its overnight target interest rate at a faster pace than any other time over the last forty years, and that action raised interest rates across the yield curve. When yields rise, bond prices fall. That decline in price is part of the total return calculation for bonds, along with interest income.

This week, Home Depot reported its fourth quarter earnings and provided guidance for 2023. In their outlook for the coming year, Chief Executive Ted Decker noted that the company will invest $1 billion toward raising wages for its hourly employees, a move which is projected to negatively impact the firm’s profit margin. The stock swooned on the news.

All that seemingly matters to capital markets is inflation and the Federal Reserve’s response to it. January’s Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation data will be released next week by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). It will be parsed ad nauseum by investors, economists, and the press.

2022 held many surprises for investors. It was the only year since 1970 when U.S. stock and bond market returns were both negative. The Federal Reserve also kicked off its fastest monetary policy tightening cycle in the last forty years.

Investors and traders are constantly trying to discern which direction the economy is heading. There are a multitude of surveys and models that are blasted throughout the media, from the University of Michigan’s consumer sentiment survey to the New York Fed’s Empire State Manufacturing Survey.

Indiana Trust Wealth Management wishes to congratulate Bob Ball, Founding Executive Director, as well as his staff and volunteers for leading the charge at Inside Out by partnering with agencies and organizations throughout the area to feed the area's hungry children and transform our community – from the inside out!

For area students who excel academically but have a demonstrated financial need, dreams of higher education may appear to be out of reach. But for those who meet the eligibility criteria, The Scholarship Foundation of St. Joseph County is here to help make those dreams a reality.

Heading into 2022, US stocks categorized as large-cap growth had outperformed value-style stocks for over five years. Growth stocks were king of the US stock market for years.

Indianapolis, Indiana — Tina M. Patton, CSOP™, CISM®, Vice President and Director of Nonprofit & Foundation Engagement at Indiana Trust Wealth Management, has been selected as a member of the 2023 class of the Mutz Philanthropic Leadership Institute. Launched by Indiana Philanthropy Alliance in 2021, the Mutz Institute provides a leadership training experience to skill-up professionals... (read more)

The wide consensus amongst economists and investors is that the US will enter economic recession in 2023. Fidelity Investments, for example, puts the odds on a recession at 75%. Above all other contributing factors to this line of thinking is that the Federal Reserve has been in interest rate hiking mode to put the brakes on economic growth, slow employment gains, and squash inflation. ... (read more)

Who among us has not been affected in some way by cancer – if not by a personal diagnosis, then by the diagnosis of a family member, friend, or colleague? This year, in the United States alone, there will be an estimated 1,958,310 new cancer cases. And according to official statistics, each of us has an approximate 40% birth-to-death chance of developing an invasive cancer during our... (read more)

At the start of 2022, the Federal Reserve embarked on one of its fastest interest rate hiking cycles in history to slow spending in the economy (“demand”) to quell inflation.

For those of us fortunate enough to have known the life-affirming, unconditional love of an animal, the mention of an abandoned pet is certain to tug on our heart strings. The reality is that there are literally thousands of abandoned and unwanted animals in our very own communities each year, many who have been neglected or abused – animals who desperately need a loving, forever home. ... (read more)

Russia’s invasion of the Ukraine created major disruptions to the global economy, but nowhere was the impact felt more than Western Europe. Crude oil and natural gas prices surged, leading to soaring inflation in energy and food. European equity markets sold off and the euro and pound sterling weakened.

When the pandemic hit in 2020, the personal savings rate skyrocketed. Incomes fell, but spending fell much more. Under the circumstances, households could not spend even if they wanted to do so. The federal government also stepped in with the CARES Act, and subsequent fiscal measures, to directly bolster household income.

Inflation has been the only macroeconomic and capital market story that has mattered in 2022. Over the last few months, a constellation of various data points appears to show it is on the wane, or at least stabilizing. The Federal Reserve’s preferred measure of inflation, the Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) index, rose by a less-than-expected 0.2% in October.

There is a saying that traces back to 1941: whenever the US government or the Federal Reserve jams on the brakes, someone will go through the windshield. You just never know who it’s going to be.

Indiana Trust Wealth Management is helping Ronald McDonald House Charities of Michiana “keep families close” as a proud sponsor of their Pillars of Purpose program for 2023! RMHC of Michiana provides comfort care and support to families of critically ill or injured children at Beacon Hospitals in St. Joseph and Elkhart Counties.

The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC), the part of the Fed that makes interest rate decisions, hiked its target interest rate 0.25% this week in the face of turmoil in the US banking system. Although its tone was softer, the FOMC continued its mantra that further rate hikes this year may be warranted to deal with inflation.

In 2022, the Fed went on the fastest interest rate hiking cycle in the last forty years to squelch inflation, yet inflation stubbornly persists above the Fed’s 2% target.

There are almost always data points in the ocean of business surveys, yield curves, and stock charts to support one narrative or another. Well-known economic and market pundits continue to focus upon negative late business cycle indicators flashing recession warnings. If a recession occurs in 2023, which is the overwhelming consensus, it would be the most predicted recession in history.

Happy new year to our clients, community partners, and professional colleagues! We begin the new year with a review of capital markets in 2022: virtually nothing worked.

The Federal Reserve, and by extension most financial markets, have become fixated upon the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ monthly CPI inflation prints. While that data is backward-looking by nature, headline and core inflation numbers in June were miserably hot.

The U.S. bond market appears to be optimistic that inflation is not going to be much of a problem in the coming years. What is the evidence to support the bond market’s current consensus?

Stocks ended last week in the black, with the market posting its best week in a month. Despite a late-week decline, each of the benchmark indexes listed here posted solid weekly gains, led by the Russell 2000 and the Nasdaq. Bond prices rose, pulling yields lower. Crude oil prices ended a volatile week down by about $3.00 per barrel. The dollar edged lower, while gold prices advanced.

This week was massive for macroeconomic news. The Federal Reserve raised its target interest rate, Congress passed a spending bill, and the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) ignited a raging debate on the definition of “recession”. Some claim that the second quarter’s negative GDP print from the BEA was proof that the U.S. economy is in a recession. It was the second consecutive negative GDP...

Positive economic news and corporate earnings data helped drive stocks higher last week. Although the Federal Reserve hiked interest rates another 75 basis points, investors may expect subsequent rate increases to be no more than 75 basis points, with the possibility of a slowdown in rate hikes in the not-too-distant future. Each of the benchmark indexes listed here gained at least 2.9%, with...

Congratulations to Junior Achievement of Northern Indiana, the Indiana Trust Nonprofit Spotlight award recipient for August 2022, for preparing young people to succeed in a global economy! Junior Achievement helps students in grades K-12 realize that the educational path they are on today is directly tied to their future success – whether that path includes trade school, college, or an...

Stocks closed last week generally higher. A surprisingly strong labor report for July helped alleviate recession fears, but opened the door to more interest-rate hikes from the Federal Reserve as it continues to slow inflation. The S&P 500 and the Nasdaq finished higher for the third straight week, the longest weekly rally since April. The Russell 2000 also enjoyed a solid week. The Dow...

Over the last month, the U.S. stock market has staged an impressive rally. The S&P 500 is now down 9.5% year-to-date, coming back over 15% from its mid-June low.

The stock market posted its fourth straight weekly advance, the longest consecutive weekly rally of 2022. Investors turned to stocks on the premise that the Federal Reserve may reduce the pace of its economic tightening campaign after three major indicators showed that inflation subsided in July. With this week's performance, the S&P 500 has recouped half of its losses from the beginning...

Given recent volatility in stock markets, investors may be drawn to more “defensive” sectors of the stock market such as utilities or consumer staples. It is often claimed that the dividend income from those names provides much-needed stability to returns.

Tina Patton, CSOP™, CISM®, Vice President, Director of Nonprofit & Foundation Engagement states, “Indiana Trust is honored to highlight the extensive programming at Reins of Life which is geared toward improving the quality of life for individuals with disabilities through horseback riding therapy – and to be able to share this information with others.”