Charlottesville, Bannon, Fed: Wealth Economic Update Aug 18, 2017

Posted on August 18, 2017 by oldsecondbank

U.S. and World News

In the wake of President Trump’s response to the violent and deadly acts at a white nationalist rally in Charlottesville, Virginia last weekend, many high profile CEOs began resigning from Trump’s Manufacturing Council. President Trump originally responded to the first resignations by tweeting, “For every CEO that drops out, I have many to take their place.” However, as the resignations began to mount, the Manufacturing Council as well as the Strategic and Policy Forum were disbanded as more and more CEOs refused to be associated with this administration. In addition to the CEOs that have abandoned ship, famed investor Carl Icahn stepped down as a special advisor to the President late Friday afternoon.
Chief White House Strategist Steve Bannon has left his duties at the White House, though the nature of his departure remains unclear. A person close to Bannon said that the strategist had submitted his resignation on August 7, but the announcement was delayed after the violence that occurred at a white nationalist rally in Charlottesville, Virginia on August 12. Traders on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange audibly cheered when the news broke, reflecting the views on many on Wall Street. Stock markets initially rose on the news before fading late in the day as traders may think that with Bannon’s ouster and Chief Economic Advisor Gary Cohn remaining on the staff, the prospects of passing a budget and getting tax reform improve.
Minutes from the Federal Reserve’s July meeting were released this week and showed that policymakers are divided over the timeline for future rate hikes. While some members appeared wary about the recent weak inflation figures, others were more eager to have an additional rate increase sometime in 2017. The minutes also seemed to indicate that an announcement regarding the reduction of the Fed’s balance sheet could occur at the September meeting. The market is currently pricing in a 35% probability of an additional rate hike this year.

Markets

Markets fell this again this week following a rally on Monday. The S&P 500 dropped 0.58% and closed at 2,426. The Dow Jones fell 0.77% for the week and closed at 21,675. Year to date, the S&P is up 9.73% and the Dow is up 11.36%.
Interest rates ended the week relatively unchanged. The 5 year and 10 year U.S. Treasury Notes are now yielding 1.76% and 2.20%, respectively.
The spot price of WTI Crude Oil decreased by 0.28% this week, closing at $48.68 per barrel. Year to date, Oil prices have fallen 9.45%.
The spot price of Gold ended the week lower by 0.32%, closing at $1,289.30 per ounce. Year to date, Gold prices are up 12.00%.

Economic Data

Initial jobless claims fell by 12,000 from last week, coming in at 232,000. The Labor Department noted no factors affecting the data this week. The four week moving average for claims remained at 241,000.
Housing starts declined -4.8% in July, lower than the median forecast of a 0.4% increase. The volatile multi-family category led the decline (-15.3%), while the more stable single family starts figure dropped -0.5%. Starts declined in the Northeast (-15.7%), Midwest (-15.2%) and West (-1.6%) but edged up in the South (+0.6%).
The University of Michigan consumer sentiment index rose 4.2 points to 97.6 in the preliminary August report, rebounding from declines in June and July. Although the survey’s current conditions index dipped, the expectations for the future component had the largest jump in four years.

Fact of the Week

Of the 8.56 million new households formed in the last 10 years, 95% of them (8.13 million) were comprised of families that are renting. (Source: Census Bureau)

Please contact a member of the Wealth Management Department if you have any questions about this information.

Rich Gartelmann CFP® – (630) 844-5730 rgartelmann@oldsecond.com
Steve Meves, CFA® – (630) 801-2217 – smeves@oldsecond.com
Brad Johnson CFA®, CFP® – (630) 906-5545 bjohnson@oldsecond.com
Joel Binder, SVP – (630) 844-6767 jbinder@oldsecond.com
Jacqueline Runnberg CFP® – (630) 966-2462 jrunnberg@oldsecond.com
Ed Gorenz, VP – (630) 906-5467 ejgorenz@oldsecond.com

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North Korea: Wealth Economic Update Aug 11, 2017

Posted on August 11, 2017 by oldsecondbank

U.S. and World News

Tensions between the United States and North Korea continue to escalate as intelligence reports suggest that North Korea has successfully developed a “miniaturized nuclear weapon” that can be launched by missile. President Trump stated early in the week, “North Korea best not make any more threats to the United States. They will be met with fire and fury like the world has never seen.” North Korea responded by threatening to hit the U.S. territory of Guam with missiles. Trump has continued to stand by his ‘fire and fury’ statement, even reiterating them and warning that if Kim Jong-un’s regime does anything to the U.S. or an ally, “things will happen to them like they never thought possible.”

Markets

Markets fell this week amid geopolitical tensions. The S&P 500 dropped 1.36% and closed at 2,441. The Dow Jones fell 0.91% for the week and closed at 21,858. Year to date, the S&P is up 10.36% and the Dow is up 12.21%.
Markets fell this week amid geopolitical tensions. The S&P 500 dropped 1.36% and closed at 2,441. The Dow Jones fell 0.91% for the week and closed at 21,858. Year to date, the S&P is up 10.36% and the Dow is up 12.21%.
Interest rates ended the week a lower. The 5 year and 10 year U.S. Treasury Notes are now yielding 1.74% and 2.19%, respectively.
The spot price of WTI Crude Oil decreased by 1.59% this week, closing at $48.79 per barrel. Year to date, Oil prices have fallen 9.18%.
The spot price of Gold ended the week higher by 2.42%, closing at $1,289.30 per ounce. Year to date, Gold prices are up 12.36%.

Economic Data

Initial jobless claims rose by 3,000 from last week, coming in at 244,000. The Labor Department noted no factors affecting the data this week. The four week moving average for claims edged down to 241,000.
The Consumer Price Index (inflation) rose 0.1% in July, lower than expectations of 0.2%. Food prices gained 0.2% in the month but energy prices edged down -0.1%. Over the last 12 months, headline CPI has increased 1.7%.
- Core CPI (excludes food and energy) also rose 0.1%, again missing expectations of 0.2%. Over the last 12 months, Core CPI has increased 1.7%.

Fact of the Week

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) just finished a 10 day winning streak this week, which is historically a good sign for bull markets. However, despite the 2.8% gain over the 10-day period, the S&P 500 returned a more modest 0.4%, and the Dow’s gain marked the lowest return during a 10-day winning streak.
The DJIA is a price weighted index that aims to represent the broad market using only 30 stocks. These 30 stocks are decided upon by editors of the Wall Street Journal, and are exclusively blue chip names. Unlike its peers such as the S&P 500, the DJIA is price-weighted, meaning that the impact a stock within the DJIA has on the index as a whole is dependent solely on the price of the stock. For example, Boeing (BA) is currently the largest weighted holding in the Dow at 7.3% with a price of $234.88/share. At the bottom is General Electric (GE) at only 0.79% of the index with a price of $25.20/share. Boeing has a market capitalization of $140 billion while General Electric has a market capitalization of $223 billion. (Sources: LPL Research, InvestorPlace, IndexArb)

Please contact a member of the Wealth Management Department if you have any questions about this information.

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Guardianships: Someone to Watch Over Them

Posted on August 8, 2017 by oldsecondbank

Michele Morgan, Vice President/Trust Officer

The one thing you should know about guardianships—also known as conservatorships—is that they protect individuals who are unable to make sound decisions for themselves. As court-ordered arrangements, they result in the appointment of an individual or corporation to handle that person’s care and/or financial matters.

The arrangement lasts as long as necessary. In the case of a minor, that may be until they reach the age of 18. For an adult, it could be a lifelong appointment or just until they sufficiently recover from a health issue.

Circumstances That Lead to the Need

Guardianships are subject to state laws, and established by a court proceeding in the individual’s home county. Where children are involved, there is typically a large sum of money—either an unexpected inheritance or a personal injury settlement. Adult guardianships generally arise due to a temporary or permanent disability or an injury.

When the need arises, there are two different roles created in a guardianship: one involving the “Guardian of the Person” where the named individual or corporation is appointed to oversee the needs and care of the individual. The second role is the “Guardian of the Estate” to oversee the individual’s financial matters.

Guardians can be family members, unrelated individuals or, as mentioned above, corporations. Where large sums are involved, judges often prefer to see a bank serve as the guardian of the estate or, at the very least, as a co-guardian to ensure the assets will remain in place to support the individual throughout their life. Regardless of who is appointed the court requires an annual report to ensure the current arrangements continue to serve the needs and best interests of the individual.

Guardianships for children end at the age of 18 with a proceeding that determines the individual is now capable of making rational and prompt decisions about their own care and finances. For adults, a physician typically supplies a statement verifying they’ve regained the capacity to assume responsibility for their own care and finances.

Guardianships versus Powers of Attorney or Estate Plans

The need for a guardianship arises from the lack of other legal documents, such as powers of attorney or an estate plan. Sometimes, family members are overwhelmed by the medical side of caring for a loved one or have trouble agreeing on a course of action. In such cases, they may petition the court to appoint an impartial corporate guardian, especially to oversee financial matters. This saves family members from having to account to the court for how money is spent and from having to reimburse the estate if any charges are deemed inappropriate later.

Compassion Is Part of the Arrangement

While having the court involved in the care and financial matters of a loved one may seem invasive, judges involved with cases like these typically act as extended family members, especially where juveniles are involved. They take a genuine interest in ensuring each person gets what they need to be the best they can be. Compassion carries the day.

To learn more about guardianships and how Old Second can be of assistance in this area, please call me at 630-844-3222. I’m here to help get you the answers you need as you consider your family’s options.

Russia sanctions, China trade: Wealth Economic Update Aug 4, 2017

Posted on August 4, 2017 by oldsecondbank

U.S. and World News

President Trump has signed a bill that imposes sanctions on Russia after Moscow ordered the U.S. to cut hundreds of diplomatic staff and said it would seize two U.S. diplomatic properties. The new sanctions are the equivalent of a “full-scale trade war” according to Russian Prime Minister Dimitry Medvedev. The sanctions mark some of the strongest action Congress has taken against Russia since the Cold War. Meanwhile, the investigation into Russian interference in the U.S. election is taking a step forward as special counsel Robert Mueller has reportedly convened a grand jury. The move would give him the power to compel witness testimony and obtain evidence. Links between the Trump campaign and Russia are subject to the investigation, although President Trump has deemed the probe a “witch hunt”.
A planned announcement by President Trump outlining a significant trade action against China has been postponed. It was expected that President Trump would direct U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer to open an investigation into Chinese violations of U.S. intellectual property rights and forced technology transfer. The move would bypass the World Trade Organization and is getting some rare bipartisan support; with Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer saying that the U.S. should skip any investigation and take immediate action against China. It is now unknown when or if this trade action will be announced.

Markets

Markets were generally higher this week. The S&P 500 rose 0.23% and closed at 2,477. The Dow Jones rose 1.22% for the week and closed at a new All-Time High of 22,093. Year to date, the S&P is up 11.87% and the Dow is up 13.23%.
Interest rates ended the week a bit lower. The 5 year and 10 year U.S. Treasury Notes are now yielding 1.82% and 2.26%, respectively.
The spot price of WTI Crude Oil decreased by 0.38% this week, closing at $49.52 per barrel. Year to date, Oil prices have fallen 7.85%.
The spot price of Gold ended the week lower by 0.81%, closing at $1,259.31 per ounce. Year to date, Gold prices are up 9.74%.

Economic Data

Initial jobless claims fell by 5,000 from last week, coming in at 240,000. The Labor Department noted no factors affecting the data this week. The four week moving average for claims held steady at 242,000.
The July jobs reports came in better than expected with 209,000 jobs added, beating estimates of 180,000. The prior two months’ figures were revised upwards by 2,000, bringing the three month average for job gains to 194,000.
- The headline unemployment rate edged down to 4.3%, in line with forecasts. The labor force participation rate ticked up 0.1% to 62.9%, making the reduction in the unemployment rate stronger.
- Average hourly earnings increased by 0.3% in the month, meeting expectations. Over the last year, wages have grown 2.5%.
Headline PCE inflation was flat in the month of June, in line with consensus expectations. Over the last 12 months, headline PCE inflation has increased 1.4%.
- Core PCE inflation (excludes food and energy, Fed’s preferred inflation measure) rose by 0.1% in June, also in line with expectations. Over the last 12 months, Core PCE inflation has increased 1.5%.

Fact of the Week

Since 1962, Congress has increased the nation’s debt ceiling 79 times. This amounts to once every 8 months over the last 55 years. This year, Congress must vote by mid-October to raise America’s debt ceiling or risk defaulting on its debt. (Source: Federal Reserve)

Please contact a member of the Wealth Management Department if you have any questions about this information.

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Fed Rate, Healthcare: Wealth Economic Update July 31, 2017

Posted on July 31, 2017 by oldsecondbank

U.S. and World News

The Federal Reserve left interest rates unchanged at their policy meeting this week as was expected. The post-meeting statement noted that the Committee expects to begin reducing the size of its balance sheet “relatively soon” as opposed to “this year” as had been in the June statement. This implies that there will be some sort of an announcement regarding letting maturing bonds run-off the balance sheet at the Fed’s September meeting. The market is currently pricing in a 40% chance there is another rate hike before the end of the year.
Following failed Senate votes to repeal and replace Obamacare, Republican senators shifted their focus to a “skinny” healthcare repeal that introduces smaller changes to the Affordable Care Act. The changes included eliminating individual and employer insurance mandates and removing the medical device tax. Despite the more limited scope of the “skinny repeal”, the bill was still struck down by a vote of 51-49 as three GOP senators voted against it. In a floor speech following the defeat, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said, “it is time to move on.”

Markets

Markets were mixed this week. The S&P 500 was flat and closed at 2,472. The Dow Jones rose 1.17% for the week and closed at a new All-Time High of 21,830. Year to date, the S&P is up 11.67% and the Dow is up 11.88%.
Markets were mixed this week. The S&P 500 was flat and closed at 2,472. The Dow Jones rose 1.17% for the week and closed at a new All-Time High of 21,830. Year to date, the S&P is up 11.67% and the Dow is up 11.88%.
Interest rates ended the week a bit higher. The 5 year and 10 year U.S. Treasury Notes are now yielding 1.83% and 2.29%, respectively.
The spot price of WTI Crude Oil increased by 8.63% this week, closing at $49.72 per barrel. Year to date, Oil prices have fallen 7.45%.
The spot price of Gold ended the week higher by 1.14%, closing at $1,269.34 per ounce. Year to date, Gold prices are up 10.62%.

Economic Data

Initial jobless claims rose by 10,000 from last week, coming in at 244,000. The Labor Department noted no factors affecting the data this week. The four week moving average for claims held steady at 244,000.
Initial jobless claims rose by 10,000 from last week, coming in at 244,000. The Labor Department noted no factors affecting the data this week. The four week moving average for claims held steady at 244,000.
The Case-Shiller home price index rose by 0.1% in May, lower than expectations of a 0.3% increase. Prices rose in 14 of the 20 cities surveyed with Seattle (+0.9%), Las Vegas (+0.6%) and Portland (+0.5%) showing the largest monthly increases and New York City (-0.6%), Chicago (-0.4%) and Boston (-0.4%) seeing the largest decreases. Over the last 12 months, home prices as measured by the index have risen 5.7%.
The first estimate of 2nd quarter Real GDP showed 2.6% quarter over quarter growth, slightly below expectations of 2.7%. This first print represents an acceleration of growth over the 1st quarter’s figure of 1.4%.

Fact of the Week

Over the last 5 years ending June 30th, the S&P 500 has had an annualized total return of 14.6% per year. If an investor were to have missed out on the 5 best performance days in that span, the average annual return was cut by 3% to 11.6% per year. (Source: BTN Research)

Please contact a member of the Wealth Management Department if you have any questions about this information.

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Healthcare, McCain: Wealth Economic Update July 21, 2017

Posted on July 21, 2017 by oldsecondbank

U.S. and World News

The U.S. Senate has further delayed a vote regarding repealing and replacing Obamacare and may scrap the plan altogether. This was the result of two more GOP senators stating they would not vote for the proposal, leaving Republicans short of the votes they would need to pass the American Health Care Act. Adding to the uncertainty, Senator John McCain has been diagnosed with a brain tumor and the timing of his return is very much unknown.

Markets

Markets were mixed this week. The S&P 500 rose 0.55% and closed at 2,472. The Dow Jones dipped 0.23% for the week and closed at 21,579. Year to date, the S&P is up 11.61% and the Dow is up 10.59%.
Markets were mixed this week. The S&P 500 rose 0.55% and closed at 2,472. The Dow Jones dipped 0.23% for the week and closed at 21,579. Year to date, the S&P is up 11.61% and the Dow is up 10.59%.
Interest rates ended the week lower. The 5 year and 10 year U.S. Treasury Notes are now yielding 1.80% and 2.23%, respectively.
The spot price of WTI Crude Oil fell by 1.83% this week, closing at $45.69 per barrel. Year to date, Oil prices have fallen 14.95%.
The spot price of Gold ended the week higher by 2.14%, closing at $1,254.97 per ounce. Year to date, Gold prices are up 9.37%.

Economic Data

Initial jobless claims fell by 15,000 from last week, coming in at 233,000. The Labor Department noted that the decrease may have been a result of summer auto plant shutdowns during the July 4th holiday. The four week moving average for claims moved down to 244,000.
Housing starts rose by 8.3% in June, beating expectations of a 6.2% increase. The increase was led by the volatile multifamily category (+13.3%) but single-family starts also increased (+6.3%) follow three months of declines.

Fact of the Week

On October 3, 1995, all activity in the United States halted in anticipation of the verdict of the “Trial of the Century”; the murder trial of Hall of Fame NFL Player and Actor O.J. Simpson. After 16 months of obsessive media coverage, the nation dropped everything they were doing to watch the verdict live. Among other phenomena such as water usage plummeting (not wanting to miss the verdict while in the bathroom) and electricity consumption surging (TV sets being turned on), trading volumes on the New York Stock Exchange fell by 41% as traders were glued to their TV screens. In all, it is believed that the verdict cost the U.S. economy $480 million in productivity that day. (Source: Alan Dershowitz’s “America on Trial)

Please contact a member of the Wealth Management Department if you have any questions about this information.

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Understanding the Benefits of a Special Needs Trust

Posted on July 20, 2017 by oldsecondbank

Michele Morgan, Vice President/Trust Officer MorganM_BUS003xqc

When you or a family member has a disability, protecting financial assets becomes a priority, especially when qualification for Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is involved. Fortunately, two types of special needs trusts (SNT) can help accomplish this.

Both trusts offer significant financial protection and can be used to pay for quality-of-life expenses, like wages for personal attendants and travel costs as well as for home furnishings, cars and even the therapeutic treatments not covered by Medicaid. The trusts differ in the degree to which these supplemental expenses are covered. This makes it essential to choose the right one for the job.

First-Party-Funded SNTs are funded using the disabled person’s own financial assets.
Third-Party-Funded SNTs are created using someone else’s money, not the disabled person’s assets.

While both types of trusts are exempt for Medicaid-qualification purposes, different rules apply to the way distributions can be made. This means the situations for their best use also differ.

First-Party-Funded SNT Rules

This type of trust is used when the disabled person’s own assets are sufficient to pay for the expenses Medicaid doesn’t cover. The disabled person, or someone acting on their behalf, creates the trust. That person is a parent, grandparent, legal guardian or the court. Funds typically come from a personal injury settlement, or inheritance that did not take a disability into account.

These trusts are irrevocable—once established, no changes are permitted. They must also include language that declares Medicaid has a lien on the trust’s assets. Any balances due to Medicaid for services received during the disabled person’s lifetime will need to be repaid to Medicaid before any other distributions may be made per the wishes of the disabled person’s estate.

Because Medicaid has this claim against the trust, all distributions during the trust owner’s lifetime are subject to review by Medicaid. The rules regarding those distributions are restrictive. For instance, a disabled person who wants to give a birthday gift to a sibling is prevented from doing so under this type of trust. The penalty for an errant disbursement can be severe. The disabled person is disqualified from Medicaid, becomes a private payer and needs to spend down the trust. Once that person’s assets reach $2,000 they may reapply for Medicaid.

Third-Party-Funded SNT Rules

This SNT is also exempt for Medicaid purposes because the money is not the disabled person’s and there is not a Medicaid lien. However, with no payback provision, the allowed distributions are less restrictive and determined by the grantor of the trust. Third-party trusts are typically funded with inheritances and bequests from family members who planned ahead and created the trust.

However, there are still rules. Chief among these is that the disabled person may not have any control whatsoever over the funds.

Hiring a Professional

Because the administration and investment of these trusts requires deep knowledge of the disbursement rules, typically either a corporate trustee or a combination of both a family member and a corporate trustee is chosen to oversee them. While naming only a family member is also possible, it puts undue pressure on that person. One false disbursement could strip a loved one of Medicaid coverage.

When hiring a corporate trustee, it’s important to find one who is willing to spend the time needed to understand and accommodate not just the rules but the needs and preferences of the disabled person.

If you, a friend or a family member might benefit from establishing an SNT—or from having a corporate trustee assume more responsibility for administering an existing SNT—we would be happy to talk to you about the options.

Call me at 630-844-3222. I am happy to help in any way I can.

Healthcare, Fed: Wealth Economic Update July 17, 2017

Posted on July 17, 2017 by oldsecondbank

U.S. and World News

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell stated that the Senate will vote on the Republican health care bill to replace Obamacare next week. McConnell has agreed with Ted Cruz on a bill that would allow insurance companies to sell plans that are cheaper and simpler. The two taxes on high-income households from the Affordable Care Act would remain and billions of dollars would be spent combating opioid addiction and assisting states in lowering premiums. The bill also entails the use of health savings accounts to pay insurance premiums.
Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen’s testimony had a more dovish tone as she indicated that balance sheet runoff would likely be pushed to September. However, Janet Yellen did provide a positive view on the economy, citing higher household spending, a pickup in business investment, and strength in the labor market. The Fed remains uncertain about inflation, but expects it to return to 2% in the next couple of years. Global equity markets reacted positively to testimony and the U.S. equity market has once again reached record highs.

Markets

Markets climbed higher this week. The S&P 500 rose 1.42% and closed at 2,459. The Dow Jones rose 1.04% for the week and closed at 21,638. Year to date, the S&P is up 11% and the Dow is up 10.84%.
Interest rates ended the week lower. The 5 year and 10 year U.S. Treasury Notes are now yielding 1.86% and 2.33%, respectively.
The spot price of WTI Crude Oil surged 5.38% this week, closing at $46.61 per barrel. Year to date, Oil prices have fallen 13.24%.
The spot price of Gold ended the week higher by 1.35%, closing at $1,228.81 per ounce. Year to date, Gold prices are up 7.09%.

Economic Data

Initial jobless claims fell by 3,000 from last week, coming in at 247,000. The Labor Department noted no unusual factors affecting the data this week. The four week moving average for claims ticked up to 246,000.

The producer price index (PPI) increased by 0.1% in June and 2% year-over-year which was slightly higher than expectations and core PPI (finished goods excluding food and energy) rose 0.2%.
The consumer price index (CPI) decreased by 0.02% in June and now stands at 1.6% year-over-year. The lower CPI reflects lower energy prices. Core CPI (excluding food and energy) rose 0.12% in June and the year-over-year figure stands at 1.7%.
Retail sales fell by 0.2% in June versus expectations of a 0.1% increase and retail sales (ex-autos, gasoline, and building materials) fell 0.1% versus expectations of a 0.3% gain.
The University of Michigan consumer sentiment index fell 2 points to 93.1 for the preliminary July report reaching a nine-month low.

Fact of the Week

In July 2009 there were 14.6 million unemployed Americans and 2.2 million job openings. In April 2017 there were 7.1 million unemployed Americans and 6.0 million job openings (Source: Department of Labor).

Please contact a member of the Wealth Management Department if you have any questions about this information.

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IL Budget, G20: Wealth Economic Update July 7, 2017

Posted on July 7, 2017 by oldsecondbank

U.S. and World News

For the first time since July of 2015, the state of Illinois has a budget after the House of Representatives overrode the governor’s vetoes. The state of Illinois’ unpaid bills reached $15 billion and the new budget is projected to bring that figure down by about $5 billion, however, according to Moody’s Investor Service this is likely not enough for Illinois to avoid being downgraded to junk status with the unpaid bill backlog and unfunded pension liability being so overwhelmingly high.
The G-20 summit begins today in Hamburg, Germany where tens of thousands of protesters have already begun demonstrating a day in advance as sensitive topics such as terrorism, global trade, and climate change are on the agenda and a long awaited first meeting between President Trump and Vladimir Putin. The meeting between President Trump and Vladimir Putin is not expected to go without tension after sanctions, concerns over Ukraine and Syria, and accusations of meddling in the election have transpired in the past few months.

Markets

Markets ended the week slightly higher. The S&P 500 rose 0.14% and closed at 2,425. The Dow Jones increased by 0.38% for the week and closed at 21,414. Year to date, the S&P is up 9.46% and the Dow is up 9.71%.
Interest rates rose on both the short and long ends this week. The 5 year and 10 year U.S. Treasury Notes are now yielding 1.95% and 2.39%, respectively.
The spot price of WTI Crude Oil fell 3.80% this week, closing at $44.29 per barrel. Year to date, Oil prices have fallen 17.55%.
The spot price of Gold ended the week lower by 2.34%, closing at $1,212.60 per ounce. Year to date, Gold prices are up 5.67%.

Economic Data

Initial jobless claims increased by 4,000 from last week, coming in at 248,000. The Labor Department noted no unusual factors affecting the data this week. The four week moving average for claims ticked up to 243,000.
Nonfarm payrolls rose 222k in June which was higher than consensus expectations of 178k and prior months were revised up. The unemployment rate rose slightly to 4.4% and the labor force participation rate also increased to 62.8%. Average hourly earnings rose 0.15% and average weekly hours rose 0.1 to 34.5.
The ISM non-manufacturing index rose 0.5 points to 57.4 in June against expectations of a slight decline.
The ISM manufacturing index rose 2.9 points to 57.8 beating expectations with new orders, employment, and production all increasing for the month.

Fact of the Week

The total amount of money owed by every single person and country in the world is US$199 trillion, but the world has only US$80.9 trillion in cash and bank deposits. (Source: Marketwatch)

Please contact a member of the Wealth Management Department if you have any questions about this information.

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Land Trusts: An Estate Planning Tool

Posted on July 6, 2017 by oldsecondbank

Carolyn Swafford, CTFA, Vice President/Trust Officer SwaffordC_BUS014qc

Land trusts are a versatile legal tool for holding title to real estate. Individuals, investors, businesses and families all use land trusts to accomplish specific goals regarding the acquisition, ownership and transfer of property.

Land of Lincoln…and Trusts

Illinois is among only a handful of states that allows the creation of land trusts. Although the legal precedent originated in England, land trusts also began popping up in the United States. They first appeared in Illinois in the late 19^th century and were used by real estate developers to acquire multiple parcels of land needed to build large-scale developments.

Using Land Trusts

Privacy is a popular reason to establish a land trust. Property can be deeded into a land trust either at the time of purchase or anytime afterwards. The trust becomes the owner of the property. The individual then becomes the beneficiary with all the rights, avails and proceeds to the property. Since the trust is the owner of the property, the beneficiary is able to keep their name off all public records.

As a legal tool, therefore, a land trust can be used to accomplish very specific goals. Here are three of the most common uses.

Protecting Business Interests

Land trusts are a great way to add a layer of protection between the beneficiary and the property that is contained in the trust. This protection ensures judgment claims against a beneficiary do not automatically become a lien on the real estate or otherwise cloud the title.

Bypassing Probate

If an individual or individuals are named to inherit the beneficiary’s interest after their death, the land trust is not subject to the probate process. This allows the remainder beneficiaries to manage or sell the real estate much faster.

Transferring Interests

When there are multiple beneficiaries in a land trust, there may be a time when one beneficiary buys another out. Individuals may also want to gift their share to another person. Transferring interests within a land trust is accomplished easily and quickly without the need to record public documents.

Flexible and Easy to Establish

Since a land trust is a legal entity, you will want your attorney to prepare the Land Trust Agreement and Deed in Trust. In cases where Old Second is named as the trustee, the necessary forms are downloadable from our website.

For more information on land trusts, click here or contact me directly at 630-906-5470 to discuss how this legal tool might benefit you.

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Guardianships versus Powers of Attorney or Estate Plans

Compassion Is Part of the Arrangement

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