The Trust Company of Kansas

Who Owns America’s $39 Trillion National Debt?

America has accomplished incredible things throughout its 250-year history, but debt is also part of its story. Today, the United States has the highest national government debt in the world. This graphic shows who holds U.S. debt, from domestic investors and foreign governments to the Federal Reserve and internal trust funds. Breaking down who holds […]

Tech Stocks Rebound as Markets Shake Off Early Uncertainty

Investors were somewhat skittish during the early part of last week as tensions in the Middle East intensified. However, stocks closed the week on an uptick following solid sessions last Thursday and Friday. After a brief retreat, tech shares led the market surge, supported by the New York market debut of a major South Korean […]

Social Security and Medicare: Planning for Future Changes

A recent survey showed that only about half of workers and 6 in 10 retirees are confident that Social Security and Medicare will provide the same value in the future.1 That’s not surprising. For years, detailed annual reports released by the Trustees of the Social Security and Medicare trust funds have warned that the trust funds […]

Blue-Chip Stocks Lead as Markets Shift Beyond AI

Last week’s trading session was shortened as the markets were closed on Friday, July 3, in honor of Independence Day. Wall Street saw a shift from AI and semiconductor stocks to more traditional blue-chip stocks. The major market mover was the labor report for June, which saw employment accelerate but at a slower pace than […]

Markets Shift as AI Stocks Pull Back and Value Sectors Gain

For just the second time in the last 13 weeks, both the S&P 500 and the NASDAQ recorded weekly losses. AI stocks, which had driven the market for much of the year, experienced a notable drop, despite favorable earnings reports from some major microchip companies. Investors moved away from tech to more value-driven sectors, such […]

Midyear Tax Checkup: Steps to Help Reduce Your Tax Liability

With the tax season a distant memory and summer already here, you have probably stopped thinking about taxes and are busy planning your annual vacation; however, midyear is also a good time for a tax checkup. With time left before 2026 ends, you still have a window to identify and address any tax issues or […]

Fed Holds Rates Steady as Markets Rally on Middle East Deal

Most markets were closed last Friday in observance of Juneteenth National Independence Day. Wall Street rallied last week as investors displayed optimism over the signing of an initial agreement ending hostilities in the Middle East. Market gains were realized despite the Federal Reserve holding interest rates steady at 3.50%-3.75% following the first meeting under new […]

Federal Student Loan Changes for 2026-2027

Every May, interest rates on federal student loans are recalculated for the upcoming school year. The rates are determined by combining the yield on the 10-year U.S. Treasury note with an additional fixed amount set by Congress. Based on this formula, interest rates on federal student loans are set to increase slightly for the 2026–2027 […]

Stocks Rebound as Inflation Rises and Fed Decision Looms

Wall Street began last week with a heavy sell-off as investors appeared anxious about the U.S.-Iran war, elevated inflation, and fears of a potential tech correction. However, stocks staged a massive turnaround midweek, driven by easing tensions in the Middle East and the largest initial public offering in U.S. financial history. Consumer staples and real […]

Employer Beliefs vs Worker Reality in Today’s Workplace

Employer beliefs vs worker reality can differ significantly when it comes to the financial and workplace challenges employees face today. A recent survey by Transamerica Institute found that many workers are struggling with inflation, caregiving responsibilities, financial stress, and changing job requirements, while employers may underestimate the extent of these pressures and their impact on […]