Commentary and Research Papers
August 19, 2025
2024
For most, Texas conjures images of cowboys, oil, and barbeque -- not ticker tape and fast-paced securities trading. That could soon change if BlackRock, the world’s biggest money manager, and Citadel Securities, one of the largest electronic trading firms, have anything to say about it. The two financial heavyweights are leading a group backing The Texas Stock Exchange (TXSE), which has raised $120M to launch a 100% electronic trading exchange, with a physical presence in downtown Dallas. The TXSE plans to file a registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) later this year with a goal of beginning trading in 2025 and listing companies in 2026.
Read MoreRead MoreWatch NowFinancial Planning
November 10, 2025
2024
In our Spring 2024 Financial Planning Newsletter, we dive into various financial planning topics that can often accompany serious illness. Inside this guide, you will find essential insights on disability insurance, estate planning, life insurance post-diagnosis and strategies for itemizing medical expenses. We also discuss how these factors can impact your overall financial plan. While it can be difficult to discuss these topics, our financial planning committee continues to emphasize the importance of planning ahead. As always, our team is here to support you in reviewing and strengthening your financial plan - especially during uncertain times.
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August 19, 2025
2024
The S&P 500 notched its biggest Q1 advance in half a decade, rising 10.2%. This marked the index’s fifth gain in the last six quarters and a second straight double-digit quarterly percentage gain. Meanwhile, the Nasdaq narrowly missed what would have been its fourth double-digit percentage gain in the last five quarters.
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August 19, 2025
2024
We are excited to share with you this concise report on Bitcoin – which serves as a companion piece to our recent full-length podcast episode – where Adam Armstrong and Austin Hagaman discussed Bitcoin basics, its pricing, the upcoming halving-event, the recent host of ETFs and much more! Click to download the full report and gain access to our full analysis and be sure to listen to the full episode of our podcast, Amplified Wealth for a more comprehensive discussion on the digital currency and its future in the marketplace.
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August 19, 2025
2024
What a difference a year can make. US equities rose in 2023, with the major indices erasing their 2022 declines. The Dow achieved an all-time high, while the S&P closed the year a touch short of its record close from January of 2022. The positive year for the market appeared to be in jeopardy as stock pulled back throughout Q3 before bottoming in late October and rallying into year-end.
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August 19, 2025
2023
A soft landing - once thought to only be achieved by Mr. Clause himself as he arrives on rooftops around the world – has potentially been attained by The Fed after a two-year tightening cycle. On Wednesday, the Federal Reserve announced optimism about a soft landing, known as the long-awaited “Fed-Pivot” – projecting short-term rate cuts and a gradual return of inflation to its 2.0% goal without a recession. Despite maintaining current interest rates and tightening pace, the Fed revised its short-term interest rate projections significantly downward.
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