Fiduciary Insights

In our April 16, 2025 Market Outlook webinar, we discussed the current state of key Trump administration policy decisions, and our views on the direction of the economy and financial markets.  

While 2024 provided strong returns across major asset classes, many investors are wondering what may lie ahead for 2025. In our 2025 Market Outlook podcast, we highlight our latest views on the economy and financial markets including the direction of the economy and markets given market valuations, potential Trump Administration policies, and portfolio implications.    View the video version here with closed captions.  

In our recent Market Outlook podcast, we highlight our latest views on the economy and financial markets including the potential for a soft landing in the economy, the expected magnitude of future Fed Funds rate cuts, and key investment opportunities across markets. In this podcast, Patrick Donlon, CFA, CFP, Fiduciary's Investment Department Co-Head, presents our latest views and is joined by Austin V. Shapard, President & CEO for Q&A.  You may view the video version with closed captions here.   

In our latest Market Outlook podcast, Fiduciary's Chief Investment Officer, Hans F. Olsen, CFA, outlines the key factors affecting the economy and markets including state of the economy and markets, market concentration, and policy, politics and the markets.    Watch the video version here with closed captions.

Fiduciary's Head of Manager Research and Due Diligence, Harison Sidhu, CFA. discusses how Fiduciary identifies quality managers, our views on active vs. passive management, and how we monitor managers and what factors cause us to change a manager.    Watch the video with closed captions here. 

Despite uncertainty around central bank policies, geopolitical events, and the election, returns were largely positive across major financial markets last quarter. In our latest Market Outlook podcast, Fiduciary's Chief Investment Officer, Hans F. Olsen, CFA, provides our perspective on the economy, the markets, and what may lie ahead this coming quarter.   

The economy and markets performed better in 2023 than many expected at the beginning of the year. In our 2024 market outlook podcast, Fiduciary's Chief Investment Officer, Hans F. Olsen, CFA, outlines key forces that are likely to shape the financial markets this year and shares key considerations for investment portfolios. In addition, Hans is joined by Fiduciary's President & CEO, Austin V. Shapard, to discuss topics on the minds of investors. 

Going into the final months of the year, there are some key questions on many minds about where the economy and markets are headed. In our latest Market Outlook podcast, Fiduciary's Chief Investment Officer, Hans F. Olsen, CFA, discusses the state of the markets, the risk of a potential near-term recession, interest rates and inflation, and investment opportunities in the current environment. 

Rising equity markets, along with increasing interest rates and tightening credit conditions have many investors questioning how these trends will play out in the second half of the year. In our Q3 Market Outlook podcast, Fiduciary's Chief Investment Officer Hans F. Olsen, CFA provides our perspective on the economy and markets as well as our outlook by asset class.    

The Granite State arguably has the best trust laws in the country, backed by a legislature with a history of staying on the forefront of advantageous trust laws. NH trusts are available to families nationwide and internationally, and their use can deliver tremendous benefits in tax savings, asset protection, and multi-generational asset transfer. They also permit directed trusts, where a grantor's existing financial advisor can manage trust assets, while the trust administration is provided by a NH-based trust company. In this podcast from Trusts & Estates journal, experts from Fiduciary Trust of New England and Holland & Knight discuss the key provisions of the Granite State's trust laws, provide client examples, and address audience questions.   View the Video Version Here

Last quarter, markets were broadly higher across major asset classes, although there are key economic and financial market concerns to monitor. In our Q2 Market Outlook podcast, our Chief Investment Officer Hans F. Olsen, CFA shared our perspective on the outlook for inflation and economic growth, the resiliency of the labor market, the probability of a recession, and our outlook by asset class.   View the Video Version

In our 2023 Market Outlook podcast, Fiduciary's Chief Investment Officer, Hans F. Olsen, CFA, provides our latest views on the areas of strength and recession risk in the economy, the underlying drivers of last year's market declines and expectations for 2023, and the outlook for inflation and interest rates. Hans is also joined by Fiduciary's President & CEO, Austin V. Shapard for a discussion of key market questions.   View the video version here View other insights    For more information on Fiduciary Trust, visit FidTrustCo.Com

Donor-advised funds (DAFs) have grown tremendously over the past decade, and play a major role in funding a variety of charitable causes. Much of this rapid growth has been driven by the low cost, flexibility and other advantages of DAFs over private foundations and other giving vehicles. In this podcast from Trusts & Estates journal, experts from Fiduciary Trust Charitable and Fiduciary Trust Company discuss innovative ways to use donor-advised funds to advance charitable giving. The topics discussed include when to use a donor-advised fund relative to a private foundation, how to convert a private foundation to a donor-advised fund, strategies to maximize the tax benefits of using DAFs, and innovative giving vehicles, such as the Fiduciary Flexible Endowment Fund™ and Fiduciary Restricted.  View the video version here.  

Last quarter, rising interest rates and inflation were at the forefront of the economy and markets. In our Q4 Market Outlook podcast, our Chief Investment Officer, Hans F. Olsen, CFA, discusses the current health of the U.S. economy, the outlook for inflation and interest rates, the likelihood of a recession, and our outlook for the financial markets. In addition, Hans discusses a few timely investment questions with our President & CEO, Austin V. Shapard.    View the video version here View other insights    For more information on Fiduciary Trust, visit FidTrustCo.Com

This past quarter has raised many questions about the direction of the economy and markets as inflation rages and interest rates rise. In our Q3 Market Outlook podcast, our Chief Investment Officer Hans F. Olsen, CFA shares our perspective on the outlook for inflation and economic growth, whether now is a good time to buy, the current state of interest rates, and our investment outlook by asset class. In addition, Hans discusses a few timely investment questions with our President & CEO, Austin V. Shapard.    View the video version here View other insights 

May 12, 2022 - In a discussion with Robin Abbott, CEO of the New Hampshire Society of CPAs, our Chief Investment Officer Hans F. Olsen, CFA discusses the current state of the economy and markets. 

In this replay of our May 5, 2022 Market Outlook presentation, Fiduciary Trust's Chief Investment Officer Hans F. Olsen, CFA discusses the key forces driving the market, and Fiduciary's investment perspective on major asset classes. Watch the Video Version Here

There are a number of factors impacting the global economy and growth this year, including the war in Ukraine, labor markets, and supply chain disruptions. In our Q2 Market Outlook podcast, Fiduciary Trust's President & CEO, Austin V. Shapard and Chief Investment Officer, Hans F. Olsen, CFA, discuss the current overall outlook for the economy and corporate earnings, how the tragic war in Ukraine is impacting the economy and markets, and our investment outlook by asset class.  View the video version here View other insights 

Last year was an excellent one for developed equity markets, while Treasury bonds were unable to deliver yields in excess of the inflation rate. So where are the economy and markets headed from here? In our 2022 Market Outlook podcast, Fiduciary Trust President & CEO Austin V. Shapard and CIO Hans F. Olsen, CFA discuss key drivers and market performance for 2021, the impact the evolving pandemic may have on economic growth this year, the outlook for inflation and our investment outlook by asset class.    View the video version here View other insights     

This podcast is focused on helping individuals, foundations and corporate grantmakers increase the impact of their charitable giving through enhancing their charitable strategies and grantmaking processes.  In this podcast, we discuss the benefits of establishing a giving strategy, advice on each step in the giving strategy process, guidance on developing an ongoing grantmaking process, and resources (downloads and organizations) to help with your grantmaking activities The discussion is moderated by Todd Eckler, Executive Director of Fiduciary Trust Charitable, the sponsor of flexible, advisor-managed donor-advised funds. He is joined by Betsy Brill, President of Strategic Philanthropy, Ltd., a leading philanthropic consulting firm she co-founded over 20 years ago.  Click here to view the video version

After a strong first half of the year, developed equity markets paused in the third quarter as Covid cases rose and U.S. policy uncertainties weighed on investors. In our Q4 Market Outlook podcast, Fiduciary Trust's President & CEO, Austin V. Shapard, and Chief Investment Officer, Hans F. Olsen, CFA, discuss the current economic landscape and the expected drivers of future growth, the potential impact of proposed federal tax law changes and possible reduction in Federal Reserve asset purchases, the current level of the market and potential risks, and our investment outlook by asset class.   View the video version here with closed captions View other insights 

As COVID-19 cases decline in many areas of the world, the gradual reopening of businesses has had a positive effect on the economy and equity markets. In our Q3 Market Outlook podcast, our President & CEO, Austin V. Shapard, is joined by our Chief Investment Officer, Hans F. Olsen, CFA, to share our perspective on the current state of global vaccination efforts and the outlook for economic growth, the price of equities and how the U.S. compares to other regions, the outlook for inflation and interest rates, and our investment perspective by asset class Access the video version Access additional Fiduciary Trust Insights

After a surprisingly strong 2020 in the markets in the wake of the pandemic, most equity asset classes have continued to appreciate in 2021. The economy has also been regaining footing, benefitting in part by aggressive fiscal stimulus and monetary policies. In our Q2 Market Outlook, our President & CEO, Austin V. Shapard, and our Chief Investment Officer, Hans F. Olsen, CFA,  share our perspective on the likely trajectory of economic recovery, the potential impact of proposed changes in federal tax policies on the markets, and our investment outlook by asset class.    Access the video version with closed captions Access additional Fiduciary Trust Insights  

The combination of near record-low interest rates, the prospect of higher income and estate tax rates, and the changing of personal goals for some, presents an opportune time to reassess your wealth plan. In this podcast, Fiduciary Trust's Head of Wealth Planning, Jody R. King, JD, CPA, provides her thoughts on attractive wealth transfer strategies that benefit from the low rate environment, approaches to mitigate the impact of potentially higher income and estate taxes, and key financial and estate planning elements of a robust wealth plan.    Access the video presentation  Access other wealth planning insights    

New Hampshire has some of the most favorable trust laws in the country which can benefit individuals from across the U.S. and abroad. They include no state income and capital gains tax, asset protection, and a number of other valuable features.In this podcast, you will learn about the key benefits of New Hampshire’s trust laws, how New Hampshire compares to other trust-favorable states, the outlook for further advancement of New Hampshire’s trust laws, and steps to establish a trust in, or migrate a trust to New Hampshire. You will hear from two leading experts on New Hampshire trusts:Thanda Brassard, JD: General Counsel and Director of Fiduciary Trust of New EnglandSteve Burke, JD, CPA: Director of Tax, Trust & Estates, and Corporate Departments of McLane Middleton Access the video versionAccess additional Fiduciary Trust Insights 

While the financial markets faced extreme volatility in 2020, they ended the year on a strong note. Can this momentum be sustained? In our 2021 Market Outlook, President & CEO Austin V. Shapard discusses our views with our Chief Investment Officer Hans F. Olsen, CFA, including the current state of the economy and financial markets, the key forces expected to shape 2021's returns, potential impacts of the new presidential administration, and our investment perspective by asset class.Access the video versionAccess additional Fiduciary Trust Insights

Interest in understanding one's family history and legacy has grown dramatically over the past several years, propelled by DNA testing and accelerated by pandemic-driven curiosity.In this podcast, American Ancestors President & CEO Brenton Simons will discuss the benefits of understanding your family roots, whether DNA testing is right for you, and how you may approach this process. In addition, Fiduciary Trust's CIO Hans Olsen will highlight his personal experience uncovering his family history. Access additional Fiduciary Trust Insights

The pandemic has resulted in a challenging economic landscape for many businesses and individuals. At the same time, after a second quarter disruption, the financial markets rebounded and several markets have reached new highs, raising questions about the potential for another market downturn.In our podcast, experts from Brookline Bank and Fiduciary Trust Company discuss their outlook on the economy and markets and help you stay informed and prepared for what may be ahead.The panelists are for this podcast are:Darryl Fess, President and CEO, Brookline BankAustin Shapard, President and CEO, Fiduciary Trust CompanyHans Olsen, Chief Investment Officer, Fiduciary Trust CompanyRobert Rose, Chief Credit Officer, Brookline BankAccess the video version of this podcast (which contains closed captions for the hearing impaired)Access additional Fiduciary Trust Insights

In our Q4 Market Outlook podcast, Fiduciary Trust Company President & CEO Austin Shapard and CIO Hans Olsen discuss topics that include the disparities within equity markets, the impact of this year's Fed actions on future investment opportunities and our perspective by asset class.  Access the video version with closed captions Access additional Fiduciary Trust Insights

The first half of 2020 brought with it all time highs in many equity markets, as well as multi-year lows, as the pandemic unfolded. In this podcast, we discuss the near-term outlook for the market as economies are opening up, as well as the longer-term implications for the economy and markets. In addition, we highlight investment opportunities that have presented themselves as a result of the current environment.The panelists are two of Fiduciary Trust Company’s experts:Austin V. Shapard, President & CEOHans F. Olsen, CFA, Chief Investment OfficerAccess the video version of this podcast (which contains closed captions for the hearing impaired)Access additional Fiduciary Trust Insights 

The pandemic has created financial and service delivery challenges for most nonprofits, while the need for many of their services has increased significantly. In this podcast, we discuss innovative strategies nonprofits are taking during the pandemic, steps donors can take to enhance the resiliency of the organizations they support, charitable options for helping those most affected by the current environment, and special tax incentives for charitable giving. The panelists include:      Todd Eckler, Executive Director, Fiduciary Trust Charitable (ftcharitable.org)      Kate Guedj, SVP and Chief Philanthropy Officer, The Boston Foundation (tbf.org)      John LaFleur, Managing Director, Strategic Philanthropy Ltd. (stratphilanthropy.com)  Access the video version of this podcastAccess additional Fiduciary Trust Insights Disclosure: The opinions expressed in this material are as of the date issued and subject to change at any time. The views of the panelists are their own and may not represent the opinions of Fiduciary Trust.Nothing contained herein is intended to constitute investment, legal, tax or accounting advice and you should discuss any proposed arrangement or transaction with your investment, legal or tax advisors.

While the current environment presents numerous challenges, there are also a number of advantageous income and estate tax strategies that are now available. In addition, many individuals are reassessing their personal and financial priorities. In this podcast, you will hear two award-winning experts highlight key financial and wealth transfer tax strategies to help listeners take control of their finances.Panelists:Jody R. King, JD, CPA, Director of Financial Planning at Fiduciary TrustStacy K. Mullaney, JD, Chief Fiduciary Officer at Fiduciary TrustView the video version of the podcastAccess additional Fiduciary Trust Insights

Fiduciary Trust Chief Investment Officer Hans F. Olsen, CFA discusses the current state of the economy and markets, the likelihood of another material near-term stock market drop, and our views on the pace of economic recovery. He also highlights investment opportunities that are presenting themselves in the current environment. Access a written transcript of this podcastAccess additional Fiduciary Trust Insights 

Dr. Lisa Golding, a Mt. Auburn Hospital physician and Harvard Medical School instructor, shares key steps on how to help minimize your and your family’s risk of contracting COVID-19. Dr. Golding goes beyond the widely-known, high-level guidance, and highlights key issues around proper mask use, how social distancing should vary based on the environment, whether mail and groceries need to be disinfected, and several related areas.Access a written transcript of this podcastAccess additional Fiduciary Trust Insights 

Fiduciary Trust Company's Chief Operating Officer Rob Jeffers discusses key steps to protect your identity and personal information. He also highlights fraud and phishing scams related to the coronavirus emergency so listeners can better recognize them and avoid being compromised.To access the related article on our website, please click here.Access a written transcript of this podcastAccess additional Fiduciary Trust Insights

In our Market Outlook podcast, Fiduciary Trust Company President & CEO Austin Shapard and CIO Hans Olsen discuss the current state of the coronavirus, the impact on the markets, and key considerations for investment portfolios going forward.If you are hearing impaired, please view our video with closed captions on our website. Access additional Fiduciary Trust Insights

In our latest podcast, Fiduciary Trust President & CEO Austin V. Shapard and Chief Investment Officer Hans F. Olsen, CFA discuss the current state of the coronavirus pandemic and financial markets as well as the implications for managing investment portfolios.If you are hearing impaired, please view our video with closed captions on our website. Access additional Fiduciary Trust Insights

Although life as a 60-something varies greatly from person to person, there are common planning considerations, such as retirement timing and lifestyle, asset allocation and income, insurance, estate planning, care and support, and social security. In this podcast, Jody R. King, Vice President and Director of Financial Planning, discusses these and other related topics.  If you are hearing impaired, please view our video with closed captions by filling out the form on our website. Access additional Fiduciary Insights

The emerging impact of Coronavirus Disease 2019 on China's economy and concerns about the potential economic impact in other countries has resulted in a pullback in the global equity markets.  In our latest podcast, Fiduciary Trust Chief Investment Officer Hans Olsen, CFA discusses the current state of the epidemic, the potential impact on the markets for the remainder of the year, and the implications for investment portfolios.To access an article version of this content, please click here. Access additional Fiduciary Trust Insights

For families with assets to protect or a desire to pass wealth to future generations, trusts are a common estate planning vehicle. However, many individuals are not aware of the benefits a New Hampshire trust can offer, regardless of a grantor or beneficiary’s state of residence. The advantages range from no state income or capital gains tax to perpetual trusts and beyond.In this podcast, Thanda Brassard, General Counsel of New Hampshire-chartered Fiduciary Trust of New England, details the benefits of New Hampshire trusts.Access a written transcript of this podcastAccess additional Fiduciary Trust Insights

Given the remarkable returns across markets in 2019, is their room for continued growth this year? In our 2020 Market Outlook podcast, President & CEO Austin V. Shapard discusses our views with our Chief Investment Officer Hans F. Olsen, CFA, including the major factors driving the markets last year, the key forces expected to shape 2020’s returns, and our investment perspective by asset class.If you are hearing impaired, please view our video with closed captions on our website. Access additional Fiduciary Trust Insights