Estate planning is one of the most important—and often overlooked—elements of financial wellness. Yet more than two-thirds of Americans don’t have an up-to-date estate plan, leaving their loved ones to navigate confusion, probate, or unintended outcomes.
If you’ve built up assets that have grown in value over time, like stocks, mutual funds, or other investments, fall is an ideal time to start thinking about how those gains align with your charitable goals. Appreciated securities can be used in several strategic ways to support organizations you care about, all while thoughtfully managing your broader financial picture.
Despite the shortened trading week due to the July 4 holiday, markets digested numerous key economic indicators. On Tuesday, the ISM Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) came in at 49.0, signaling contraction in the manufacturing sector. The decline was driven by weakening new orders and continued softness in export demand, reflecting global economic uncertainty and the lingering effects of elevated interest rates.
Economic data released last week painted a mixed picture of U.S. activity. The S&P Global Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) held steady at 52.0 in June, matching May’s 15-month high and signaling continued expansion. Factory output rose for the first time in four months, and employment in the sector grew at its fastest pace in a year. Meanwhile, the Services PMI rose to 53.1, indicating a stronger pace of growth in the services sector, driven by increased new business and improved demand conditions.