Articles

Family farmers are at a crossroad in today’s age. Difficulties in input costs, pricing, and a host of issues have added additional pressure to their success.  One thing that can alleviate some of the pressures of running a family farm is the planning for how it continues after you’re gone. A thoughtful plan helps ensure that the farm continues to thrive for future generations. Without one in place there’s a risk the business may struggle to carry on beyond the current generation.

Corporate credit spreads are at levels not seen in decades. Investment-grade credit spreads, which measure how much more a top-rated company pays to borrow compared to the U.S. government, have fallen to 0.77%, a level last seen in 1998 (Figure 1). Historically, the spread is closer to 1.30%, a half percentage point higher. High-yield spreads are similar but not as extreme. The current high-yield spread is 2.79%, the tightest since 2007 and well below the median of 4.59% since 1996 (Figure 2). Today’s credit spreads stand out for how tight they are compared to history, with companies paying a significantly smaller risk premium to borrow.

For most small business owners, managing day-to-day operations is a full-time job. Keeping the business running smoothly, handling employees, and staying competitive can make it difficult to focus on long-term strategies and their own financial future

In this month’s market update, Ted Cohan, Senior Portfolio Manager at Baker Boyer, recaps the latest trends across U.S., international, and bond markets.

Many people spend years preparing for retirement by saving and investing, but planning shouldn’t stop once the paychecks do. Transitioning from earning income to withdrawing it from your portfolio is a major shift with a new set of risks and decisions. This period, known as the distribution phase, requires careful thought. How much you withdraw each year can have a bigger impact on long-term financial security than many people realize. Without a well-structured strategy, even a sizable retirement account can be depleted faster than expected.

Stocks climbed to new highs in July, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq both logging six consecutive record closes late in the month. Investor sentiment improved after better-than-expected Q2 earnings and trade agreements with Japan and the EU, with tariff rates on the deals less severe than feared. Market breadth improved early in the month as smaller companies outperformed the S&P 500. However, by month-end, market leadership was top heavy again, with the Magnificent 7 gaining over +5% after leading AI firms reported strong Q2 earnings. Volatility remained subdued for most of July, and the VIX fell below 15, signaling investor confidence but hinting at potential complacency.

Whether you're heading out on a weekend getaway, a business trip, or an extended vacation, protecting your personal and professional data while traveling is critical. From checking emails at the airport to logging into hotel Wi-Fi, your digital footprint can be exposed in unexpected ways. Jonathan Stiffler, Baker Boyer’s cybersecurity expert, shares essential tips to help you stay secure before, during, and after your travels.

After a volatile start to the year, the stock market staged a strong rebound over the last three months. In Q1, market sentiment was cautious due to rising policy uncertainty, concerns about slower economic growth, and questions about the longer-term outlook in the artificial intelligence industry. In Q2, caution gave way to renewed optimism as tensions eased, tariffs had a limited economic impact, and companies posted stronger than expected Q1 earnings. The dramatic shift in sentiment across the quarters created two distinctly different market environments.

When you apply for a loan, Baker Boyer reviews your credit report to make informed, responsible lending decisions. However, after that credit inquiry, you may notice a sudden increase in marketing calls or offers. Here’s why and how to stop them.

Senior Portfolio Manager Ted Cohan focuses on a recap of key performance trends across U.S., international, and bond markets, along with a brief look at economic indicators like GDP and Fed policy.

Soft and hard economic data are back in the news as trade policy changes. Soft data, such as surveys, measures sentiment, expectations, intentions, and how respondents feel about the economy. In contrast, hard data measures actual results and activity, such as production, spending, and job growth. While they typically move together, there are periods of heightened uncertainty where they can diverge, such as today. This month’s chart focuses on the difference between soft and hard economic data and discusses how to interpret their recent divergence.

At Baker Boyer, we understand that when businesses grow, whether by expanding operations or opening their doors for the first time—the entire community benefits.