Every six months, our team looks forward to bringing clients, colleagues, and community members together for our Semi Annual Economic Luncheon. This year's event at the Diamond Conference Center in Kansas City was no exception, and I have to say, it was one of the best we have put together.
We had a full house and a full agenda. The program opened with a special presentation of colors by the Sons of the American Revolution Color Guard from the Quorum Chapter in Liberty, dressed in Revolutionary War uniforms in honor of America's 250th anniversary of independence. It was a fitting way to set the tone for the afternoon.
Our Growing Team
One of the things I am most proud of is the team we have built at Cramer Capital Management. I was honored to introduce our full roster to the room, including our newest member, Administrative Assistant, Lindsay Peters, who graduated from the University of Missouri in May and helped coordinate the entire event alongside our Intern, Miles McHenry, a rising junior at the University of Arkansas. Watching young professionals step up and deliver at this level is exactly why we invest in the next generation of talent.
Planning for What Matters Most
Glen Smith from Lifescape Law and Development delivered a presentation on eldercare planning that resonated with everyone in the room. Glen challenged the audience to think beyond traditional estate planning and instead consider what happens if you get sick and don't die. It is a question most families are not prepared to answer, and Glen's framework for addressing healthcare, housing, finances, legal matters, and family dynamics gave attendees a practical starting point for those conversations.
Dr. Nadeau reinforced those themes from the health side, reminding us that the vast majority of chronic disease is preventable and encouraging everyone to think about investing in their health with the same discipline they apply to their finances. Her concept of health span over lifespan is one I think about often.
The Keynote: Navigating a High-Risk Bull Market
Our keynote speaker, Victoria Fernandez from Crossmark Global Investments, brought her signature energy and depth of analysis to the stage. Victoria laid out Crossmark's thesis that we remain in a high-risk bull market, one where earnings are strong but the risks surrounding those earnings are significant and growing.
She walked the room through what her team is watching most closely: earnings sustainability, particularly among the largest technology companies spending enormous sums on AI infrastructure; the direction of the Federal Reserve under its new chair; and a potential long-term shift higher in interest rates. She also addressed the growing concentration risk in the equity markets and why she believes this is a time for careful, company-by-company analysis rather than broad index investing.
What stood out to me was her discussion of sector rotation. Money is moving out of mega-cap technology names and into financials and healthcare, which Victoria views as healthy for the market. She outlined three reasons why she does not believe we are at a market top right now, and her second-half outlook gave our clients a clear framework for thinking about their portfolios through the remainder of the year.
Community at the Center
One of the things that makes this event special is the community dimension. Christie from Level Up Kids shared the incredible work her organization is doing to provide free dental and vision care to low-income children through mobile clinics. They are nearing their $2.9 million capital campaign goal, and the impact they are having on thousands of children every year is remarkable. Jennifer Justice gave us a sharp Kansas City real estate update, and Joe Beer from Rally Benefits walked us through the legislative changes affecting retirement planning, including the new Trump accounts that went live earlier this month.
Looking Ahead
Events like this are exactly why we do what we do. They bring people together, provide access to world-class expertise, and create space for the kinds of conversations that lead to better financial decisions. I want to thank every speaker, every sponsor, and every attendee who made this luncheon a success.
If you were unable to join us, we will be sharing additional insights from the event in the weeks ahead. And if you would like to discuss how any of the topics we covered apply to your personal financial situation, our team is here for you. We look forward to seeing everyone at our next event.
Warm regards,
Bruce Cramer
President and Wealth Manager
Cramer Capital Management, LLC
The opinions contained in this material are those of the author, and not a recommendation or solicitation to buy or sell investment products. This information is from sources believed to be reliable, butCetera Wealth Services, LLCcannot guarantee or represent that it is accurate or complete.
Glen Smith, JD, founder and attorney at Lifescape Law and Development, Victoria L. Fernandez, CFA, Chief Market Strategist of Crossmark Global Investments, Inc., Christie from Level Up Kids, Jennifer Justice, Real Estate agent, and Joe Beer from Rally Benefits are not affiliated or registered with Cetera Wealth Services, LLC. Any information provided by Cetera Wealth Services, LLC is in no way related to Cetera Wealth Services, LLC or its registered representatives.
This event was funded in whole by New York Life, Touchstone, Trans America, Raymond James, Nationwide, Pacific Life, and Fidelity Investments. Hosted by Bruce Cramer, President and Wealth Manager, Cramer Capital Management, LLC.
Cetera Wealth Services, LLCexclusively provides investment products and services through its representatives. Although Cetera does not provide tax or legal advice, or supervise tax, accounting or legal services, Cetera representatives may offer these services through their independent outside business. This information is not intended as tax or legal advice.