From the Office to the SEC Championship
There’s nothing quite like sharing meaningful moments with family—and for Brennan and his son, Max, this past March delivered exactly that.
On March 15, the pair traveled to the SEC Championship in Nashville to cheer on the Arkansas Razorbacks. What has become a cherished tradition for the McCutchen boys turned into an unforgettable experience as they watched Arkansas bring home the championship.
The energy in the arena was electric—fans on their feet, cheers echoing throughout, and a shared excitement that only live sports can create.
Yet beyond the thrill of the game, it was the time spent together that made the trip truly special.
Moments like these are a powerful reminder: while we’re committed to helping our clients plan for the future, we also believe in embracing the present—especially when it centers around family, meaningful traditions, and a little Razorback pride.
Wooo Pig! 🐗 🏀
April Recipe
It is officially strawberry season! I start craving this yummy salad as soon as the weather begins to warm up. But the absolute star of the show is the poppyseed dressing. We top ours with chicken and make it a meal. Enjoy!
~Autumn
After Tax Season:
A Planning Checkpoint
Tax season is behind us, but it’s one of the most useful times of year to step back and reassess how everything is structured moving forward.
This is when we typically revisit a few key areas to make sure your plan stays aligned:
- Overall investment allocation
- Tax strategies for the current year
- Retirement timelines and income planning
- Any recent changes in your financial picture, such as a new job, large purchase, inheritance, or change in marital status
Taking a proactive look at these areas now can help avoid surprises later and keep your plan aligned with where you’re headed.
What We’re Following Right Now
Here’s what we’re paying attention to right now and why it matters.
Markets are reacting quickly to ongoing geopolitical developments, particularly around Iran, with ripple effects across energy prices, inflation, and overall investor sentiment. Recent momentum has been fueled by optimism, but questions remain about how sustainable it is.
A few recent headlines shaping the conversation:
- Is the Market Getting Ahead of Itself?
- Market Futures Jump on Trump’s Geopolitical Remarks as Iran Conflict Continues
- Is Investing in Power Companies the Way to Play AI?
While markets have responded positively to recent developments, energy volatility and global uncertainty remain key factors to watch.
These dynamics continue to shape broader economic and investment conversations as we move forward.
A Look Back at the First Quarter
The first quarter of the year highlighted how quickly market narratives can shift based on new data, policy updates, and global events.
In our recent blog, What the First Quarter of the Year Can Teach Us About Markets, we explore some of the patterns that emerged and how they have historically shown up over time.
A Look Across the Market
Key Takeaways from March and Market Snapshot
- Equities pulled back. U.S. stocks moved lower in March, with the S&P 500 down around 5%, the Nasdaq 100 down 4.8%, and the Dow down 5.2%. Ongoing geopolitical tension, along with concerns around private credit and the broader impact of AI on large companies, all contributed to the weakness.
- Rates moved higher. The 10-year Treasury yield climbed from 4% to 4.3% during the month. Inflation concerns tied to global conflict played a role, and expectations around rate cuts continue to shift as markets adjust to a higher-for-longer environment.
- AI momentum, with some giveback. Memory chip stocks had been rallying on strong AI demand, but gave back some gains in March. There’s still a lot of attention on how quickly AI is evolving and what that means for different parts of the market.
- Private credit is getting more attention. We’re seeing increased scrutiny in private credit, with some funds experiencing higher redemption requests. Concerns are centered around exposure to certain sectors, especially as AI continues to reshape parts of the economy.
If you want the full monthly breakdown, you can view it here:
