Category: Investments
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What You Should Know About Private Equity in Your 401(k)
Private equity (PE) is no longer just for institutions and millionaires. A change in Department of Labor guidance (under the Trump administration) now allows 401(k) plans to offer indirect exposure to PE through diversified funds like target-date or balanced funds. You still can’t pick a private equity fund directly in your retirement account — but…
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Who Qualifies as an Accredited Investor? A Look at How the SEC’s Definition Has Evolved
An accredited investor is someone the SEC considers financially sophisticated enough to invest in private offerings—such as private equity, hedge funds, or venture capital—without the full disclosure protections required for public investments. The concept didn’t exist until 1982, when the SEC introduced it under Regulation D, Rule 501(a) to streamline capital raising while ensuring only…
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S&P 500: A Strong Start to the Year
Q1-25 has seen impressive earnings performance from S&P 500 companies. Approximately 78% of these companies surpassed their earnings-per-share (EPS) expectations, exceeding both the 5-year average of 77% and the 10-year average of 75%. Now, part of this may be due Key Highlights: Conclusion: The robust earnings performance in Q1 2025 underscores the resilience and adaptability…
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Trader Tax Status and Benefits
Trader Tax Considerations Over the past several years, retail investing has undergone a dramatic transformation. What was once the exclusive domain of institutional players has opened up to everyday individuals. This shift has been fueled by a combination of powerful forces—advances in technology, commission-free trading platforms, the rise of meme stocks, the explosion of cryptocurrency,…
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Navigating Volatility: Why High-Income Investors Should Consider Municipal Bonds
With recent market volatility rattling equities, many investors are reassessing their portfolio strategies to reduce risk and secure more predictable income. One often-overlooked but highly effective solution—especially for high-income individuals—is investing in municipal bonds (“munis”). Why Munis Matter for Tax Efficiency Unlike U.S. Treasuries or corporate bonds, qualifying municipal bonds often provide tax-exempt interest income…