In an effort to manage risk and reduce volatility, investors often seek to diversify the holdings in their portfolio. Diversification is sometimes described as the only “free lunch” when it comes to investing. The idea behind diversification is that an… Read More >
Municipal Market Update – August 2017
Our Municipal Market Update is data-driven, one page sheet that is intended to give you an overview of key interest rates – both floating and swap-to-fixed as well as the credit spreads of key local and state entities with data as… Read More >
The Bank Shot – August 2017
In This Issue In “Up, Up and Away…Bank M&A Scorecard June 30, 2017,” we discuss how M&A activity and pricing so far in 2017 is noticeably up compared to 2016. In “The Ol’ Pea Under the Shell Game,” former Alabama… Read More >
Municipal Market Update – July 2017
Our Municipal Market Update is data-driven, one page sheet that is intended to give you an overview of key interest rates – both floating and swap-to-fixed as well as the credit spreads of key local and state entities with data as… Read More >
Benefits of a Donor Advised Fund
Each year around the end of March, I spend at least half a day tracking down my charitable contribution receipts in the hope of increasing my tax refund with a charitable deduction. There are plenty of tools to help me… Read More >
Birmingham Area Economic Report, Q1 2017
This report explores a few key statistics that paint a picture of the Birmingham area economy. The Porter, White & Company Birmingham Area Economic Report, published quarterly, places the Birmingham area economy in a state, regional and national context. Click… Read More >
Municipal Market Update – June 2017
Our Municipal Market Update is data-driven, one page sheet that is intended to give you an overview of key interest rates – both floating and swap-to-fixed as well as the credit spreads of key local and state entities with data… Read More >
Municipal Market Update – May 2017
Our Municipal Market Update is data-driven, one page sheet that is intended to give you an overview of key interest rates – both floating and swap-to-fixed as well as the credit spreads of key local and state entities with data… Read More >
Municipal Market Update – April 2017
Our Municipal Market Update is data-driven, one page sheet that is intended to give you an overview of key interest rates – both floating and swap-to-fixed as well as the credit spreads of key local and state entities with data… Read More >
Municipal Market Update – March 2017
Our Municipal Market Update is data-driven, one page sheet that is intended to give you an overview of key interest rates – both floating and swap-to-fixed as well as the credit spreads of key local and state entities with data… Read More >
Estimating Bond Returns
Many people find the performance of bonds, and particularly bond funds, confusing. We know that if we buy a bond for $100 that matures in 5 years and pays a $5 coupon (or 5% yield), then we will earn 5%… Read More >
What’s It Worth, Q4 2016
Our quarterly valuation review explores recent valuation trends in the public and private markets, directed to small and middle market business owners and the professionals and financial institutions that serve them. The review is designed to provide realistic guidance on… Read More >
Municipal Market Update – February 2017
Our Municipal Market Update is data-driven, one page sheet that is intended to give you an overview of key interest rates – both floating and swap-to-fixed as well as the credit spreads of key local and state entities with data… Read More >
The Bank Shot – February 2017
Click here for the PDF. In This Issue In “Trump Bump?…2016 Bank M&A Scorecard,” we discuss how M&A in 2016 was down compared to 2015 but wonder if the November election could be a boon to 2017 bank M&A. In… Read More >
Birmingham Area Economic Report, Q3 2016
This report explores a few key statistics that paint a picture of the Birmingham area economy. This is the tenth edition of the newly reinstated Porter, White & Company Birmingham Area Economic Report, which is published quarterly. The results in… Read More >
Municipal Market Update – January 2017
Our Municipal Market Update is data-driven, one page sheet that is intended to give you an overview of key interest rates – both floating and swap-to-fixed as well as the credit spreads of key local and state entities with data… Read More >
Municipal Market Update – December 2016
As anticipated, the Federal Reserve raised its benchmark interest rate at the December meeting for the first time since 2015. The central bank indicated that it expects gradual increases in the federal funds rate in the near-term as the economy… Read More >
Should I Check the Per Stirpes Box?
Many people save for retirement in a defined-contribution retirement plan (like a 401k) or an individual retirement account (traditional or Roth IRA). It is important to designate beneficiaries for accounts. The forms, often seemingly simple to fill out, have hidden… Read More >
