Small California estates with assets worth $150,000 or less may be settled without formal probate proceedings, using relatively simple transfer procedures. However, if the gross estate exceeds this amount and it contains assets which must pass through probate, the estate can expect to incur substantial expenses.
Financial markets are now navigating the negatives of “bumpy” trade negotiations and the positives of a more accommodative monetary policy. We expect our U. S. Federal Reserve Bank will leave interest rates alone through the remainder of the year, and neither raise nor cut rates in 2019.
Residents of San Diego County frequently count their homes as one of the most valuable assets on their balance sheets. In one of the most expensive real estate markets in the country, decisions related to the sale and purchase of property are vastly more impactful. As such, an appreciation of the market dynamics at play is critical to making informed financial planning decisions.
Positive news, along with affirmations by our U. S. Federal Reserve on the outlook for interest rates, have helped stock values rebound. Solid Manufacturing and Non-Manufacturing reports are showing the economy is still growing. Unemployment is at the lowest level in over a half-century with 304,000 non-farm jobs added in January, while wages are growing. As a result, we do not see a recession this year as likely, but 2020 may be more probable.
The financial markets in 2018 were clouded by reports of a slowing global economy and concerns the long expansion was winding to a close. Many stock markets experienced their worst year since 2008. Equities around the world have been revaluing themselves to this slower pace of growth. Uncertainty around trade policies, together with higher interest rates, have dragged most stock values into correction territory, while many technology stocks have experienced declines over 20% from their late summer levels.
The financial market’s volatility in recent weeks has reminded many investors of the importance of discipline and diversification. As the stock market’s recent gyrations clearly illustrated, volatility has returned and will likely continue. Rarely pleasant in the moment, this volatility was expected and a part of the consolidation process we believe is ultimately healthy for the ongoing march forward in stock market values.