A farm bank failed because its president stole almost $50 million of its money. He sits in Leavenworth, convicted for embezzlement following a joint investigation of the FBI, FDIC, Federal Reserve and Federal Housing Finance Agency. His name is Shan Hanes, former CEO of Heartland Tri-State Bank, late of Elkhart, Kan. As twisted as all […]
If you follow the stock market closely, then you know about the “Magnificent 7” tech companies that hold an inordinate amount of the S&P 500’s market cap. The term was invented as recently as 2023, so there’s no shame in not having heard of this grouping before. Bank of America chief investment strategist Michael Hartnett […]
In one of his last acts in office, former President Biden signed the bipartisan – JD Vance’s last yea vote on substantive legislation as an Ohio senator – Social Security Fairness Act. Passing the House of Representatives 327-75 and the Senate 76-20, it effectively eliminates two policies that have burdened American retirees for 40 years. […]
The work of balancing a portfolio never ceases. The economy fluctuates, nations rise and fall, nature does what it will. We are all well-advised to react to such exigencies by shifting our resources out of assets that are ill-suited to the new normal and into those that are more likely to thrive. And while “new […]
Maybe it’s OK to use “tax deduction” and “tax credit” interchangeably in casual conversation, providing you’re not talking to an IRS agent. There’s an immense difference between these tax bill reducers, and if you haven’t already retained someone who knows the difference, now – now! – is the time to find one. Deductions We usually […]
We’re excited to share that Smith Anglin Financial has once again been recognized as one of InvestmentNews’ Best Places to Work for Financial Advisors! Earning this distinction for the 7th consecutive year is a true honor, reaffirming our commitment to fostering an environment where advisors can thrive and do their best work. This award highlights […]
In President Trump’s first weeks back in office, he has made it clear that he will call out longstanding friends and foes without distinction if they don’t comply with his administration’s demands. He risks – practically invites – a trade war with China, a traditional economic rival. But he’s also going toe-to-toe with Mexico and […]
We’re about to tell you everything you need to know about filing your 2024 taxes. We want you to absorb it all, take it to heart, act on it, then promptly forget it because 2025 could be completely different with tax changes. This is the part you need to read Here are the items that […]
2024 Economic Review and 2025 Outlook 2024 was a banner year for equity investors and the U.S. economy. Our condolences to the recession doomsayers, especially to the fixed-income bulls. We, too, were caught off guard by bond weaknesses, particularly given that the Fed has cut rates by 1% since September. Shouldn’t bond prices go up […]
Stock prices were likely to rise in November no matter who won the U.S. election because, whatever the outcome, a lot of uncertainty would be gone. That said, the resounding Republican victory – carrying both chambers of Congress as well as the White House – suggests that a business-friendly climate at both ends of Pennsylvania […]
