Charts & Chat - April 28, 2024

This week, CEO Eric Boyce, CFA discusses: 1. sales growth heading into holiday shopping season; economic indicators looking at +4% annual economic growth coming out of the 3rd quarter 2. factory orders positive but not "strong"; labor market weakness outside of leisure, hospitality, education and healthcare 3. new home prices now below existing home prices due to inventory shortages, high % of mortgages still below 4%, builder incentives 4. financial conditions "looser"; Philly Fed/Kansas City Fed report softer new orders, but perhaps some optimism on the margin 5. delinquency rates picking up in commercial office, as vacancies continue to rise 6. consumer credit indicators holding somewhat steady, except for credit card delinquencies 7. market correction underway in tech stocks; overall volatility is back on the table (especially for many of the Mag 7 and bitcoin) 8. consumer discretionary outperforming staples; equal weighted S&P 500 at a historic lag to capitalization weights 9. cattle, cotton, cocoa prices in decline. offset by corn, soybeans

This week, CEO Eric Boyce, CFA discusses: 1. small business and corporate sentiment appears favorable; capital spending trends and expected pricing power looking better 2. some stress in the credit markets, especially student loans; bankruptcies higher 3. evidence of K-shaped economy - healthcare premiums, groceries, lower wage growth 4. global and US valuations are indeed stretched, although this is not your father's S&P 500 - concentration of technology makes some historical comparisons difficult. Most consecutive days of the S&P 500 trading above its 50 day moving average since 2008 5. stocks fueled by liquidity, better than expected earnings performance and higher sustained profit margins 6. volatility still relatively low, but risk of increased volatility is prevalent 7. growth stocks outperforming value, large outperforming small; international returns expected be higher than US looking out 10 years, per Goldman

This week, CEO Eric Boyce, CFA discusses: 1. Record length of government shutdown; estimated economic impact $10-30B per week 2. stock valuations bifurcated between Mag 7 and rest of market; profit margins remain elevated despite tariffs; earnings beats during latest quarter remain well above average. 3. high level of short term treasury bills increases supply & keeps interest rates likely higher than would otherwise be the case 4. relative size of US markets to the world dramatically higher than the global financial crisis 5. credit quality ok; delinquencies manageable (except for student loans) and may have reached an interim peak 6. labor market weakness, but not a large problem; other economic indicators not unfavorable 7. holiday sales forecast calls for 4% growth; median age for first time homebuyer is 40 years

This week, CEO Eric Boyce, CFA discusses: 1. the K-shaped sentiment indicator represents the difference between how the higher income populations view the economy versus the lower income levels. 2. inflation sticky, compounding Fed decisions. Future inflation expectations elevated 3. tariff rate ~15%, some increase in small business price increase expectations 4. profit margins expanding for Mag 7; flat to contracting for everyone else in S&P 500 5. increased breadth of market performance relative to 2023/24, but lower versus historical averages 6. delinquencies and defaults are higher, but may have peaked...(?) 7. banking system in good shape from a capital and loss coverage ratio perspective 8. perspectives on the use of alternative investments in a portfolio depending on age and net worth 9. GDP relative to stock prices going back to 1800; 10.gold as a hedge against uncertainty, increased central bank (and China) purchases of gold versus US treasuries

In today’s unpredictable markets, many investors want to protect what they’ve worked hard for—without missing out on growth. That’s where an annuity can help. When thoughtfully included as part of your overall financial plan, annuities can bring stability, guaranteed income, and long-term peace of mind. What Is an Annuity? An annuity is a contract with an insurance company designed to help you grow and protect your money. You can use it to build savings over time or to create a steady income stream in retirement. It’s not a one-size-fits-all product—there are different types designed for different goals. Here is an overview of them: Fixed & Indexed Annuities: Focused on Safety These options protect your principal and provide predictable growth. Fixed annuities pay a guaranteed interest rate for a set period. Fixed Indexed annuities link potential growth to a market index (like the S&P 500) but still protect your original investment from market losses. They’re ideal for investors who value stability and protection over chasing market highs. Fixed Annuities are long term insurance contracts and there is a surrender charge imposed generally during the first 5 to 7 years that you own the annuity contract. Indexed annuities are insurance contracts that, depending on the contract, may offer a guaranteed annual interest rate and some participation growth, if any, of a stock market index. Such contracts have substantial variation in terms, costs of guarantees and features and may cap participation or returns in significant ways. Investors are cautioned to carefully review an indexed annuity for its features, costs, risks, and how the variables are calculated. Any guarantees offered are backed by the financial strength of the insurance company. Surrender charges apply if not held to the end of the term. Withdrawals are taxed as ordinary income and, if taken prior to 59 ½, a 10% federal tax penalty. Variable Annuities: Growth with Optional Protection Variable annuities keep your money invested in the market through subaccounts, offering greater growth potential—but also more risk. You can customize them with optional riders (add-on benefits) for: Lifetime income (a steady paycheck for life) Enhanced death benefits for your loved ones Long-term care or income protection options These can be powerful tools for people who want market participation with a safety net . Please consider the investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses carefully before investing in Variable Annuities. The prospectus, which contains this and other information about the variable annuity contract and the underlying investment options, can be obtained from the insurance company or your financial professional. Be sure to read the prospectus carefully before deciding whether to invest. The investment return and principal value of the variable annuity investment options are not guaranteed. Variable annuity sub-accounts fluctuate with changes in market conditions. The principal may be worth more or less than the original amount invested when the annuity is surrendered. Why Do People Choose Annuities? Income you can’t outlive (this is for FA’s and FIA’s not Variable) Tax-deferred growth on your earnings Protection from market downturns (depending on type) Customization for your goals and time horizon However, annuities come with fees and rules around withdrawals—so it’s important to understand the details before you invest. Our Approach at Boyce & Associates We believe every annuity should have a clear purpose in your financial plan —never as a “catch-all” product. That’s why we partner with dozens of top-rated carriers , not just one, to find the best solution for your specific needs. If you already own an annuity, it’s worth reviewing. Newer products often include better benefits and lower costs , and a professional review ensures your annuity still aligns with your goals. Only a portion of your retirement savings should be used to purchase an annuity. You want most of your money growing inside your brokerage accounts. This is why we always demonstrate how this looks in your financial plan. The Bottom Line Annuities can offer balance, predictability, and lifetime income , but they’re most effective when used intentionally. Knowing what you own and why you own it can make all the difference. You want to design these so you can access your income at the right time. If you’d like to explore how an annuity might strengthen your retirement plan—or review one you already have— our team is here to help you make confident, informed decisions.

Dear Clients and Friends,

This week, CEO Eric Boyce, CFA discusses: 1. economic forecasts has consistently been wrong this year; however, Atlanta Fed GDP Now has been relatively accurate - predicting strong growth in 3Q 2025 2. financial conditions have improved, but so have inflation expectations. Fed has dual mandate, but weakening labor market is the primary focus right now 3. lower US dollar can help fuel inflation, Federal Reserve regional surveys show increase in prices paid 4. low credit spreads, capital spending plans higher, trade policy uncertainty moving lower - no signal of recession at this point 5. private equity and credit markets continue to expend in size and importance

Life will always throw curveballs- it’s not a matter of if, but when. The question is, will you be prepared when financial storms come your way? Having a solid, secure financial plan is less about predicting the future and more about being ready for uncertainty and building a foundation that gives you confidence. Building a Confident Financial Plan A strong plan puts you in a position of strength. Preparation doesn’t stop the storm, but it helps you act with clarity instead of panic. Without one, people often find themselves dipping into savings, relying on credit, or feeling overwhelmed by stress. These are warning signs that your financial health may need attention and that you may be reacting instead of leading your financial life. Similarly, preparation today ensures that no matter what happens- rising inflation, interest rate hikes, or even geopolitical shocks- you are not caught off guard. When you’ve already thought through possible scenarios, you can respond wisely instead of scrambling for quick fixes. Steps to Get Started 1. Get Clarity on What You Want. Start by asking: Does my money reflect my priorities? Review your spending over the last three months without judgment. This exercise will reveal whether your dollars are working toward your goals or drifting elsewhere. 2. Define Your Goals. What do you truly want your life to look like? A confident plan aligns your finances with your dreams—whether that’s building wealth, securing retirement, funding education, or creating meaningful experiences with family. Hope is not a strategy; clear goals are. 3. Make Your Money Work for You. Once you know what matters most, position your money intentionally. That could mean saving systematically, investing for long-term growth, or using insurance to preserve what you’ve built and provide stability no matter what comes your way. Take Action Now Most people don’t fail because they made bad decisions—they fail because they made no decisions. Inaction comes at a cost, while small, purposeful steps build confidence and momentum over time. Your financial future doesn’t have to feel uncertain. By crafting a plan now, you create security, resilience, and the ability to face life’s storms with strength, knowing you’ve taken intentional steps to protect your future.

Markets enter Q4 on mixed data as labor cools and inflation trends toward target. Tech leads, yields ease, and investors eye potential Fed rate cuts.