A.I. Is Everywhere

If you’ve heard CEOs mention “A.I.” multiple times during second-quarter conference calls or on the news, you’re not imagining it. There have been an astounding 1,072 mentions of A.I. (and counting) so far.1

Some believe that A.I. (Artificial Intelligence) has the potential to reshape industries, automate processes, and improve efficiency, resulting in ongoing cost savings for companies. But in truth, it may be too early to tell.

While the impact and potential benefit of A.I. continues to develop, it is crucial to approach this trend with a discerning eye. It’s likely that some companies benefit from the new developments while others will struggle to adopt the latest tools.

I want to assure you that I am closely monitoring the market in light of this ongoing interest in A.I. If you see any A.I. development and want to discuss it, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I’d welcome the chance to hear your perspective.

1. Yahoo.com, May 5, 2023

Happy Independence Day

The Fourth of July is just ahead – a chance for us all to get together and celebrate what makes America so special.

As Americans, we have the liberty to act, speak, think, and worship freely. This precious liberty was fought for, and it has been upheld for more than two centuries, at great cost. As we enjoy the holiday, it is worth remembering that we live in a nation like no other, born from a brave and courageous vision and sustained by those who believe in the American dream. When those spectacular fireworks go off on the Fourth, they remind us that we are so lucky to live in this spectacular country.

Wishing You a Happy Father’s Day

Let’s hear it for the dads, the ones who help us grow, give us guidance, and look out for us in a million different ways. In celebration of Father’s Day, here are some of the ways you can honor the father-figures in your life:

  • Tell the dads in your life how much you appreciate them
  • Look through old pictures or home videos with your father, or a father-figure
  • If your own father has passed, keep their memory close by sharing a cherished story about them with a friend or loved one

If you’re a father yourself, thank you. In small ways and big ways, you’ve helped make this world a better place for all of us. Wishing you and your family a very special Father’s Day.

This Memorial Day…

Memorial Day is a time for Americans to honor and remember those who lost their lives while serving in the armed forces. Veterans will think back on the men and women who served alongside them who gave the ultimate sacrifice for their country and know that we honor and remember them.

Let’s not forget the essential meaning of the holiday. The service and sacrifice of these men and women should always be remembered — on this day and every day.

Schwab’s State of Health

Are you concerned about the potential banking crisis?  We are happy to announce that Schwab, our custodian for the majority of our investment accounts, is in great shape and is growing!

Schwab Reports Monthly Activity Highlights

05/12/2023

WESTLAKE, Texas–(BUSINESS WIRE)– The Charles Schwab Corporation released its Monthly Activity Report today. Company highlights for the month of April 2023 include:

  • Total net new assets brought to the company by new and existing clients in April 2023 totaled $13.6 billion, while core net new assets equaled negative $2.3 billion. These flows reflect client cash disbursements during tax season.
  • Total client assets were $7.63 trillion as of month-end April, up 5% from April 2022 and up 1% compared to March 2023.
  • Active brokerage accounts reached 34.2 million in April, up 1% from April 2022 and flat compared to March 2023.

Commentary from the CFO

Chief Financial Officer Peter Crawford commented, “As previously noted in my commentary published on May 5, 2023, April marked the third consecutive month of deceleration in the daily average pace of cash realignment within bank sweep deposits and Bank Deposit Account (BDA) balances. This trend has continued into May, with the month-to-date pace improving nearly 50% versus April. We remain confident that client cash realignment activity will abate during 2023 – helping client cash on the balance sheet resume growing in proportion with the growth in total client assets over time.”

Read the entire article:  https://pressroom.aboutschwab.com/press-releases/press-release/2023/Schwab-Reports-Monthly-Activity-Highlights-5db736e73/default.aspx

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