WESCAP Group’s Q2 2021 Quarterly Commentary

Portfolio results for the second quarter of 2021 benefited from continued strong gains from global stock markets, many bond markets and commodities.  COVID 19 is in rapid retreat in areas with high vaccination rates, including most of the U.S.  Vaccines are also relatively effective against all of the new coronavirus variants, so more countries are expected to lift various pandemic-related restrictions, which will bolster global employment, trade and consumer spending. Some labor shortages and production bottlenecks have caused an increase in U.S. inflation.  However, the recent decline in the 10-year Treasury note yield suggests minimal longer-term inflation concerns from the bond market, which suggests that the inflation surge will dissipate over the coming 6 months as worker and supply bottlenecks are expected to wane.

Avoid Probate and Misdirection of Estate Assets via Beneficiary Planning

Assigning and reviewing beneficiary designations on your investment accounts is a critical part of your overall financial plan.  Neglecting beneficiary designations on your accounts could result in assets entering your estate and becoming subject to the time and costs that accompany probate.  Major life events such as the death of a loved one, marriage, divorce, or a change in your financial status could alter your current estate plan and warrant a review of your beneficiaries.  Left unchecked, your assets could pass to previously designated beneficiaries that should no longer be a part of your current estate plan or even potentially enter probate in the case of a predeceased beneficiary. 

Q1 2021 Market Recovery

Portfolio results for the first quarter of 2021 benefited from moderate-to-strong gains from global stock markets. Like the prior quarter, the
S&P 500 and technology stocks lagged smaller cap and value stocks as post-COVID-19 favorable recovery expectations have been justified
by major post-December U.S. declines in Coronavirus infection rates. New virus variants and a recent surge in infections in parts of the
U.S. and some countries are still a concern, but the increasing rate of vaccinations is expected to counteract these risks in the not-too-distant
future.

The End of Cheap Money

How Investors Can Position for Rising Interest Rates

Investing in the equity and fixed income markets can be greatly affected by many variables, but one force that can have a big impact in both markets is interest rates. A historical bellwether has been the 10-year Treasury note.  Since the beginning of 2021, the yield on the 10-year Treasury has risen over 75 basis points (0.75%).  How does this affect you and your portfolio?

WESCAP 2021 Tax Planning Considerations, Strategies and Issues

Having said farewell to 2020—the year of a raging coronavirus plague, a halt to life as we know it with shutdowns everywhere, we have entered a new year of opportunities and changes. Now is a great time to get started on planning for income taxes. No matter your income level or age, it’s always a good idea to keep your tax bill to a minimum and stay on top of tax-related matters. Here are a few tax strategies to incorporate in the course of 2021.