We address key factors impacting the economy, monetary policy, and financial markets. This outlook summarizes our viewpoints on these topics and factors to watch as we emerge into 2019.

Long-term is more than six months. We believe the long-term investor is best served by adhering to a disciplined investment process, saving more, working longer and spending less. Read our full perspectives for Q3 of 2018.

In January we published our 2018 Perspectives. Now that we are halfway through the year, we believe an over-arching theme of global economic convergence is continuing to fuel global growth. Below are our reviews and reflections on our earlier viewpoints.

Charitable giving can play an important role in many estate plans. Philanthropy cannot only give you great personal satisfaction, it can also give you a current income tax deduction, let you avoid capital gains tax, and reduce the amount of taxes your estate may owe when you die.

What would happen if you were mentally or physically unable to take care of yourself or your day-to-day affairs? You might not be able to make sound decisions about your health or finances. You could lose the ability to pay bills, write checks, make deposits, sell assets, or otherwise conduct your affairs. Unless you're prepared, incapacity could devastate your family, exhaust your savings, and undermine your financial, tax, and estate planning strategies. Planning ahead can ensure that your health-care wishes will be carried out, and that your finances will continue to be competently managed.