The S&P 500 gained over +17% in 2025, the sixth year out of seven with returns of at least that amount. Themes that drove markets higher in many of those past years were the same in 2025. The market was driven by a handful of large technology companies, buoyed by optimism around AI technology, and … Continued
As part of the ongoing rollout of SECURE Act 2.0, the IRS finalized several new regulations in late 2024 and early 2025. These rules clarify how Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) work for both IRA owners and beneficiaries, building on earlier changes first introduced under the original SECURE Act in 2019 and expanded in 2023. For … Continued
The S&P 500 ended November up over +16% year-to-date and is set to once again turn in double-digit gains —its sixth out of the last seven years. Four of those years saw returns of +25% or more. Despite starting the year with consternation around trade policy and tariffs, since bottoming in early April, the stock … Continued
When most people think about investment management, financial planning, or trust administration, their minds go straight to portfolio managers or bankers. At New Covenant Trust Company (NCTC), there’s a team working quietly — and tirelessly — behind the scenes to ensure that client accounts are properly maintained, administrative needs are met, and every transaction flows … Continued
In a time of market swings and global uncertainty, New Covenant Trust Company (NCTC) hosted a free webinar that explored how investors can remain faithful stewards in volatile markets. The webinar, “Faithful Investing in Uncertain Times,” opened with Rev. Erin Skinner, Ministry Relations Officer for the Presbyterian Foundation, who welcomed participants and offered a brief … Continued
October brings more than just crisp air and changing leaves — it’s also Cybersecurity Awareness Month, a time to reflect on how we protect our digital lives. As cyber threats continue to evolve, so must our defenses. Whether you’re checking your accounts online or emailing your financial institutions, safeguarding your financial information is more important … Continued
The S&P 500 is up around +32% from its April 8 low at the time of this writing, continuing a relentless push higher that has accelerated in recent weeks. Markets have been cheered by the Federal Reserve’s decision to cut interest rates by a quarter point in September, while signaling at least a couple of … Continued
When it comes to managing your money and planning for the future, choosing the right investment partner is critical. But not every investment firm or financial services organization is the same. Corporate structure, compensation models, regulatory oversight and even the way they handle your investment goals can vary significantly from one firm to the next. … Continued
In some ways, a whip-saw market with historic volatility was not a far-fetched outcome for the first half of 2025. Following the 2024 election, and with a January inauguration looming, many strategists were in fact calling for elevated volatility and uncertainty heading into 2025. The way the first 100 days of the new administration went, … Continued
The S&P 500 gained over +6% in May, ending the month up nearly +15% from April 21, when trade tensions between the United States and China first began to visibly thaw. U.S. stocks are now slightly higher than where they started the year, fixed income is mostly flat, and international stocks are up double digits. … Continued