The first quarter of 2025 was marked by significant volatility, largely driven by escalating trade tensions under the new U.S. administration and fluctuating expectations for Federal Reserve policy. The original tariffs levied on Canada, Mexico, and China compounded these challenges, as investors grappled with evolving dynamics and fragile market sentiment.

Troy Davidson has joined the firm as a Wealth Advisor, with a focus on serving high- and ultra-high-net-worth clients. He will work closely with clients to provide for their holistic financial needs, including complex estate planning, tax minimization, and wealth management as viewed through a multi-generational prism.

More investment options, more complexity. The expanding universe of alternative investments demands specialized knowledge and smart technology to help identify and access the right opportunities for each client.

When it comes to filing taxes, ensuring you’re well-prepared can mean the difference between significant savings and costly mistakes. Whether you’re filing as an individual or through your business entity, here are 10 tax tips to keep in mind whether you are filing taxes for this year, or the years ahead. 

During heightened economic uncertainty, rising inflation, and market volatility, alternative asset classes provide a compelling case for inclusion in a well-diversified portfolio. By allocating capital to private equity, venture capital, real estate, and private credit, investors can access higher returns, lower market correlation, and enhanced income opportunities.

Market volatility is something that all investors need to deal with. While every financial situation is different, at Ballast Rock Private Wealth we believe that guidance around mindset and approach will help many investors better deal with the inescapable ups and downs that investing in public markets brings.  

In 2025, diversification will continue to be the key to a healthy portfolio. As we look ahead to 2025, navigating global market complexities requires a disciplined and proactive approach to portfolio management.

While stocks were unable to sustain their post-election highs, all major indices managed to close the quarter with modest gains. The Federal Reserve’s December decision to cut the Fed Funds rate by 25 bps—the second cut of the quarter—highlighted its ongoing commitment to supporting economic growth amid a challenging macroeconomic environment. 

Year End Letter from Ballast Rock Private Wealth CEO Andrew Mescon discussing growth of the team and growth of the BRPW business.

Wealth Management Executive Jamie Carroll, Joins Ballast Rock Private Wealth as a Wealth Advisor. Jamie, who will be based in Monroe, LA, joins us from Merrill Lynch, where she was a Financial Advisor.

With publicly listed equity representing a small fraction of US GDP, why aren’t more advisors talking to their clients about true diversification? Impartial investment advice should incorporate both public and private market asset classes and true diversification can only be achieved by considering the entire investable universe.

Warren Buffett, Peter Lynch, and John Bogle have each earned their place in the pantheon of world-renowned investors. Yet, all of the greats achieved wealth and success through different strategies. There is not a one-size-fits-all approach to investment management – nor should there be.