After a tough December, both U.S. and international markets showed gains in January. The primary drivers were the continued drop in inflation and the decline in longer-term interest rates. Despite the market gains, the economy showed signs of slowing, with consumer spending dropping for the second month in a row and a pullback in business confidence and investment.
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Trouble Ahead? What to Expect from January’s Jobs Report
As we wait for the jobs report on Friday, there is a lot of worry. Signs of a slowing economy are pointing toward a recession this year. Consumer spending dropped two straight months at the end of last year, and business confidence is down to recessionary territory. The Fed is still looking to substantially weaken the labor market, in search of lower inflation. All of the signs are that the jobs market will weaken significantly.
As Goes January, So Goes the Year? Let’s Hope So
“As goes January, so goes the year” is a well-known Wall Street maxim that, like most Wall Street maxims, is sometimes true and sometimes, well, not true. As of today, we are very much hoping it does turn out to be true this year. January has been a very good month so far, with a significant bounce back from the terrible results of 2022. It would be nice to see that bounce continue. The good news is that—while still expecting volatility—we can expect the market to continue doing well this year. Let’s walk through the reasons, starting with history.
Economic Release Snapshot: GDP Growth Beats Expectations
Each week, we break down the latest U.S. economic reports, including what the results mean for the overall health of the economy. Here, you will find how economists’ forecasts compare with actual results, key takeaways to consider, as well as a list of what’s on tap for the week ahead.
Why Is ESG Investing So Controversial?
Following up on my colleague Sarah Hargreaves’s post on ESG investing, I thought I would comment on some discussions and questions I have had on the topic. For what is at bottom a simple attempt to make better investment decisions, it has become a surprisingly controversial topic. So, let’s dig in a bit into what is actually happening when we talk about ESG investing.
What’s Next for ESG Investments?
After two years of explosive growth, investments incorporating environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria endured a challenging market environment throughout 2022. The combination of elevated inflationary pressures, geopolitical tensions, and an energy crisis following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine precipitated a challenging backdrop for sustainable investments. Furthermore, skepticism in the U.S. around the efficacy of ESG—due to greenwashing and heightened politicization—slowed the pace of progress compared to that experienced in 2020 and 2021. But as investors turn the page on a volatile 2022, what does the path forward for ESG investments look like?
Director of Operations
Ashley has been working in the customer service field since she started her first job at age 16. For the past ten years she worked in an office setting handling accounts payable and receivable as well as some receptionist work. She is very excited to learn more about the investment field.
Alec joined Riverstone after starting out his post college career on the operations side of an international logistics company working as an account executive. Graduating with a BA in Economics from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, he quickly developed a strong interest in the financial world. A lifetime resident of the Chicagoland area, Alec is an avid fan of his hometown sports teams. He is also an enthusiast of outdoor activities like fishing, camping, and hiking whenever possible.
Carol has a wide variety of experiences and has worked mainly with not-for-profit organizations. She spent 20 years in fundraising and 15 years teaching in the Illinois school system while she raised her younger children. Carol lives in Sugar Grove with her husband, Ron, and their Golden Retriever, Charley. She has four children and two grandchildren. When she’s not working, Carol enjoys spending time with friends and family, running, fishing, bible study, and watching her grandchildren play sports.
Wealth Advisor
Wealth Advisor / Registered Principal
Wealth Advisor
Wealth Advisor / Registered Principal
Wealth Advisor
Wealth Advisor Assistant
Registered Relationship Assistant