Wisdom for Your
Financial Journey

Investors increasingly seek portfolios aligned with their personal values and beliefs. This white paper explores how values-based investing strategies—through avoidance, integration, and shareholder engagement—allow Christians to express their convictions while pursuing financial goals and generating positive impact without sacrificing returns.

Entering 2025, the U.S. economy and market optimism were running high. However, President Trump's “Liberation Day” announcement of “reciprocal” tariffs on April 2 jolted expectations. In the wake of the news, U.S. stocks plunged 12% as recession fears surged. Then, on April 9, after Trump announced a 90-day pause on reciprocal tariffs―for every country except China―stocks rallied almost 10%, recovering over two-thirds of their decline in a single day.

Written by David Campaigne, Sr. Partner and Sr. Private Wealth Advisor in Blue Trust's Baltimore, Maryland Office. Mother's Day is approaching, and many will take the time to show some extra love and appreciation for the women in their lives who have shaped their family's legacy. A wise and loving mother is a wonderful gift indeed!

Did you know about one in every seven people in the U.S. has unclaimed property or assets (like forgotten bank accounts or security deposits) being held by a state government, according to the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators (NAUPA)? Understanding how to uncover and reclaim these funds is crucial. The journey to reclaiming assets starts with recognizing what qualifies as unclaimed property and knowing where to look.

Written by Michael Cranford, Partner and Sr. Private Wealth Advisor in Blue Trust's Charlotte Office “And when he got into the boat, his disciples followed him. And behold, there arose a great storm on the sea, so that the boat was being swamped by the waves; but he was asleep. And they went and woke him, saying, ‘Save us, Lord; we are perishing.'

Written by Erik Daniels, Sr. Partner and Executive Vice President A few years ago, my daughter Kelsey persuaded me to join her for the final 10 days of her journey walking the Camino de Santiago (the Way of St. James in English). The Camino encompasses several routes in Spain, France, and Portugal, drawing hundreds of thousands of pilgrims each year as many venture this trek for spiritual growth and intimacy with the Almighty.

The second quarter economic review examines how concentrated valuations in today's stock market compare to historical periods like the Nifty Fifty and dot-com bubble. While the Magnificent Seven currently dominate the market, their valuations assume sustained double-digit earnings growth that history shows is difficult to achieve.

This story is continuing to develop. After this piece was written on 4/9/2025, President Trump announced that he has authorized a 90-day pause, lowered reciprocal tariffs to 10% during this period, and increased tariffs on China to 125% effective immediately. One widely accepted notion is that introducing tariffs is harmful to the economy. This view seems validated by the sharp equity market sell-off over the past week—a sentiment likely noticed by President Trump.

Lies. They come in all shapes and sizes–from “little white lies” that save us from awkward conversations to whopping deceptions that hang around for years or even decades. Although honesty is not usually the easiest option, we know it is always the best option. In Leviticus 19:11, God tells Moses to remind the gathering of people, “Do not steal.

The market appears to be front-running the economy with the theme of sell first and sort out the questions later. Investors would do well to remember that markets and the economy are two different things. The economic impact at this point is completely uncertain. Key questions remain unanswered: How will countries respond to the ongoing tariff policies?

The ongoing stream of tariff announcements culminated on April 2 with the President's major initiative to impose broad, across-the-board tariffs on all imports. A 10% baseline tariff on all countries will go into effect this Saturday. Higher rates will be placed on countries based, purportedly, on their trade balance, tariffs on U.S. goods, and non-tariff restrictions.

Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5   As the apostle Paul reminds us in the book of Hebrews, we are called to be content with what we have and not worry about tomorrow for God will never leave or forsake us.