Updates - The Trust Company of Kansas

The Markets (as of market close March 21, 2025)

Wall Street saw a weekly gain for the for the first time in four weeks. Fed forecasts of two more interest rate cuts this year (see below) helped renew investor confidence. Each of the benchmark indexes closed higher last week, led by the Dow, which gained over 1.0%. All 11 of the S&P market sectors […]

Scammers Are Getting Smarter – Here’s How to Stay One Step Ahead

Scammers are using all kinds of tricks to steal your money or personal information. They might pretend to be a government official, a friend in trouble, or even offer you a fake job – but their goal is always the same. Knowing the warning signs can help you and your loved ones from falling victim. […]

The Markets (as of market close March 14, 2025)

Wall Street saw momentum ebb and flow throughout last week, with stocks ultimately closing lower for the fourth week in a row. Investors were influenced by growing uncertainty over inflation and tariffs. Despite a strong close to the week, the overall decline in equities has been notable. In less than a month, the benchmark indexes […]

Federal Income Tax Returns Due for Most Individuals

The federal income tax filing deadline for individuals is generally Tuesday, April 15, 2025. However, the IRS has postponed the deadline to file federal income tax returns and make tax payments for certain disaster-area taxpayers. The current list of eligible localities and other details for each disaster are always available on the Tax Relief in Disaster […]

The Markets (as of market close March 7, 2025)

Stocks suffered through their worst week since September, with each of the benchmark indexes listed here falling more than 2.3% with the exception of the Global Dow, which gained less than 1.0%. Investors faced trade tensions, policy uncertainty, and a slightly weaker-than-expected jobs report. Each of the market sectors declined last week, with the exception […]

Tariffs: How They Work and Potential Economic Effects

On February 1, 2025, President Trump authorized an additional 25% tariff on all goods entering the United States from Canada and Mexico (except for a lower 10% tariff on energy resources from Canada) and an additional 10% tariff on all goods from China. Nine days later, Trump authorized a 25% tariff on steel and aluminum, […]

The Markets (as of market close February 28, 2025)

The markets experienced a volatile week, ultimately closing mostly lower. Among the indexes listed here, only the Dow managed to eke out a weekly gain. The week ended with stocks posting gains, despite a tense meeting between President Trump and Ukrainian President Zelenskyy. Investors wrestled with the uncertain economic impact of President Trump’s proposed tariffs, […]

Many 2017 Tax Act Changes Scheduled to Expire After 2025

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act was signed into law in December 2017. The Act made extensive changes that affected both individuals and businesses. Most provisions were effective for 2018. Many individual tax provisions are scheduled to sunset and revert to pre-existing law after 2025 unless Congress acts. Some key provisions of the Act scheduled […]

The Markets (as of market close February 21, 2025)

Wall Street saw stocks close lower last week as investors soured on risk following the release of weaker-than-expected economic data and inflation worries. Each of the benchmark indexes ended the week in the red. Among the market sectors, consumer discretionary and communication services underperformed. Bond prices moved higher on increased demand, dragging yields lower. Crude […]

There’s Still Time to Fund an IRA for 2024

The tax filing deadline is fast approaching, which means time is running out to fund an IRA for 2024. If you had earned income last year, you may be able to contribute up to $7,000 for 2024 ($8,000 for those age 50 or older by December 31, 2024) up until your tax return due date, […]