Charles Rinehart, CFA, CAIA, Chief Investment Officer at Johnson Asset Management recently contributed to the ChartMasters segment for Asset TV. In this video Charles explains the Fed’s history of cutting rates too late and the forces that can hinder economic growth. “Fed Cuts Helpful, But Not All-Clear.” Asset TV, 10/10/2024.
Dan Barnett, CFA, Senior Portfolio Manager, talks with John Matarese from WCPO about investment scams. Dan notes that embarrassment prevents many victims from admitting they’ve been scammed. He warns that red flags include pressure to invest quickly and unrealistic promises of returns over 20%. “Investment scams costing victims more money every year.” Scripps News, 10/9/24.
We are proud to be named once again among Forbes’ Top RIA Firms in America. This prestigious list acknowledges firms with a strong history of safeguarding and growing client wealth for future generations. Forbes, 10/8/24.
Brandon Zureick, CFA, Managing Director and Portfolio Manager, discusses his views on the labor market and economy have rebalanced. He observes that although consumer confidence has decreased, the labor market and economy have successfully adjusted. This is highlighted in the article “Consumer Confidence Tumbles on Job Worries Ahead of the Election.” U.S. News & World Report, 9/24/2024.
Brandon Zureick, CFA, Managing Director and Portfolio Manager, shares his perspective on the Federal Reserve's decision to cut interest rates by half a percent. He notes that while the change may not significantly alter economic conditions, it does convey a clear message to businesses and consumers that the Fed is committed to lowering interest rates. "Interest rate cuts bring good news, but consumers may not feel a huge impact.” Spectrum News 1, 9/21/2024.
Barron’s ranked Johnson Investment Counsel 29th in the nation in their 2024 “Top 100 RIA Firms” ranking. Barron's, 9/16/24.
Joe Abbott, CFA, Senior Research Analyst, shares his thoughts on Kroger’s second-quarter 2024 earnings, highlighting the unexpected improvement in gross margins. “We are confident; Kroger CEO talks Albertsons merger, FTC court case and why results beat expectations.” Cincinnati Business Courier, 9/16/2024.
Senior Research Analyst Joe Abbott, CFA offers insight into the potential Kroger-Albertsons merger, sharing that the case boils down to how the grocery market is defined, if the deal would weaken labor competition and whether C&S would be a relevant competitor. “Kroger-Albertsons merger: Trial comes down to economists testimony, expert says.” Cincinnati Business Courier, 9/11/2024.
Johnson Investment Counsel featured in a Cincinnati Business Courier article as one of ten 2024 honorees at the Goering Center’s 25th Annual Family & Private Business Award. The article highlights Johnson’s commitment to financial peace of mind and focuses on leadership development, client satisfaction, and community involvement. “Johnson Investment Counsel: Investing in the future.” Cincinnati Business Courier, 9/6/2024.
Senior Portfolio Manager Dan Barnett, CFA, was interviewed by Amy Scalia of Cincinnati Refined on retirement savings tips for their show on Local12. “Retirement savings: Tips to keep you on track.” Cincinnati Refined, 8/26/2024.
We believe it’s essential to be active members of our communities and to seek out opportunities to give back and serve others.
Current and former P&G employees can learn more about their Profit Sharing Trust (PST) distribution options during this informative webinar. Former P&G Finance/Brand Management employee, Mike Stanis, CFA, CFP®, MBA, is a Portfolio Manager and the Procter and Gamble (P&G) Retirement Plans Director at JIC. He spent 17+ years with P&G and will share what he learned about transitioning from P&G so that you can make the best decisions for your family.
This month we turn to one of the most enduring debates in wealth and investment planning: whether to deploy investable cash all at once (lump sum investing or LSI) or to stagger entry over time through dollar cost averaging (DCA). While the academic evidence tilts strongly toward lump-sum investing, the emotional calculus is more nuanced.
On July 4th, 2025, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) was signed into law, ushering in a mix of tax law extensions, new phaseouts, and planning opportunities. From new deductions, retained provisions from prior law, estate tax rules, and a new account type to save for children, here’s what pre-retirees and retirees need to know, why it matters and what to do.
For many approaching or in retirement, the portfolio becomes more than just a balance of stocks and bonds—it represents a cash flow lifeline and a potential legacy for future generations. So, it’s perfectly understandable to minimize anxiety, opting for stable returns and lower volatility. But what if that peace of mind comes at a cost? The cost of long-term financial opportunity? How can we balance these competing priorities?
This quarter’s market update from Chief Investment Officer Charles Rinehart, CFA, CAIA, the JIC Beyond the Numbers blog “The Comfort of Conservative Investing: Balancing Peace of Mind with Long-Term Growth” by Managing Director of Northeastern Ohio Market and Senior Portfolio Manager, Anthony Kure, CFP®, and, as always, catch up on all of your JIC employee news.
CIO, Charles Rinehart, CFA, CAIA, covers a whirlwind first half of 2025—from tariff shocks and geopolitical flare-ups to a major tax bill that could shape the years ahead. Despite the chaos, markets posted surprisingly strong returns, masking the risks still lurking beneath the surface. We also examine shifting investor sentiment and why now may be the time to stay alert, not complacent.
Jason Jackman, CFA, Chief Executive Officer of Johnson Investment Counsel, presented the Patrick Chong Memorial Scholarship to two outstanding students, Melina Busken and Gretchen Phelps.
For many nearing retirement, the decision to purchase an annuity isn’t about returns—it’s about peace of mind. But what are you really paying for that feeling of safety? With annuity sales reaching record highs, it's time to unpack the psychological tradeoffs, hidden costs, and key risks.
Johnson Investment Counsel is pleased to announce six new shareholders to the firm. The shareholders include: Joshua Basinger, CTFA®, Alex Bey, CFA, David Christian, CFA, CFP®, Christopher Godby, CFA, Joseph Henderson, CLU®, CFP®, and James Wineland, CFP®, CIMA®, AIF®.
Timing your Social Security claim is a critical decision that impacts retirement cash flow, portfolio strategy, and long-term financial security. While delaying benefits can boost lifetime income, the right choice depends on personal health, lifestyle goals, and peace of mind—not just the numbers.