Insights

What's in this issue: Record Charitable Giving in 2024; Traditional vs. Roth: IRA Preference Differs by Generation; Finish the Year Strong by Considering These Tax Moves; Holiday Tipping Etiquette: Tis' the Season to Show Your Appreciation; Goodbye Passwords, Hello Passkeys; Strategies for Smarter Giving; and Beneficiary Designations: Who Gets the Money?

Volatility continued to characterize the stock market last week. Wall Street endured significant swings driven by a mix of key corporate earnings reports, important economic data following the government’s reopening, and shifting expectations for the Federal Reserve interest rate policy.

The Fed cut rates for the second consecutive meeting, and although another cut this year remains uncertain, history suggests that easing policy amid strong markets often supports further gains.