Wealth Management
Silver surged to its highest level in 13 years and platinum hit peaks not seen since early 2022, as investors piled into industrial precious metals amid strengthening fundamentals and market momentum. Both metals extended sharp gains from the prior session, with silver rallying past $36 an ounce and platinum climbing nearly 3%, while gold pulled back slightly following stronger-than-expected U.S. jobs data that cooled rate-cut expectations.
Renewed physical demand—especially for silver in India and platinum in China—has supported the rally, alongside a tightening supply outlook that’s pushing both markets toward deficits this year.
Silver’s role in solar panel production and platinum’s use in auto catalysts and lab equipment continue to anchor their industrial relevance, fueling investor interest. Analysts note that holding silver above $35 could reignite retail demand, while platinum-backed ETFs are seeing a resurgence, hinting at a broader speculative move.
Finsum: With palladium also joining the rally and ETF inflows rising, the precious metals space is regaining serious momentum even as gold temporarily steps back.
As interest rate hikes pause, short-term bond funds remain a compelling option for investors seeking steady income with limited rate sensitivity. These funds, which invest in government and corporate debt maturing within five years, can provide attractive yields while minimizing the downside of rate volatility.
Ideal for short-term goals, they offer better returns than savings accounts without the higher risk of longer-duration bonds or equities. Top picks in this category include SPDR Portfolio Short-Term Corporate Bond ETF (SPSB), iShares 1-5 Year Investment Grade Corporate Bond ETF (IGSB), Schwab 1-5 Year Corporate Bond ETF (SCHJ), Vanguard Short-Term Bond ETF (BSV), and Fidelity Short-Term Bond Fund (FSHBX)—all offering yields north of 4%, with low expenses.
While short-term bonds aren’t risk-free, they’re a smart choice for investors looking to park cash with a time horizon of three to five years.
Finsum: As always, cost matters—opt for funds with lower fees to maximize net returns.
For parents seeking toddler-friendly destinations closer to home, several standout U.S. getaways offer fun for both kids and adults.
- San Antonio, Texas, features an accessible zoo with interactive nature spaces, a one-of-a-kind ultra-inclusive theme park, immersive art installations, and standout local cuisine.
- In Wisconsin, Manitowoc and Sheboygan provide scenic beaches, children’s literature-inspired gardens, and the rare opportunity to sleep aboard a WWII submarine at the SubBNB.
- St. Louis, Missouri, delivers big-city variety with small-town ease, offering attractions like the Gateway Arch, creative spray parks, the toddler-friendly City Museum, and a lively food scene.
Each destination blends hands-on activities for little ones with cultural and culinary experiences that appeal to grown-ups. From feeding giraffes to climbing through submarines, these locations offer memorable adventures tailored to families.
Finsum: The key takeaway for parents: traveling with toddlers is possible—and incredibly rewarding—with the right destination.
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Bitwise CIO Matt Hougan believes the long-observed four-year cryptocurrency cycle may be breaking down, suggesting this cycle could be “bigger and last longer” than expected. Traditionally, crypto markets follow a rhythm of three bullish years followed by a correction, often tied to Bitcoin halving events or macroeconomic shifts.
Hougan argues that despite recent regulatory headwinds, the foundational infrastructure—like stablecoins, DeFi, and tokenization—has quietly strengthened and is now poised to accelerate. He likens the industry to a “coiled spring,” ready to expand rapidly as regulatory barriers are lifted, especially under more crypto-friendly political leadership.
While he acknowledges the potential for a correction driven by speculative excess, Hougan believes any downturns will be more muted and short-lived than in past cycles.
Finsum: With maturing markets and a broader, more value-focused investor base, could 2026 bring another crypto winter—or simply the next phase of a longer growth era.
REITs have faced a tough stretch over the past five years, weathering both the COVID-19 pandemic and a sharp rise in interest rates. Despite these challenges, their core purpose remains unchanged: to deliver steady income through rental-generating assets that distribute at least 90% of profits.
For income-focused investors, REITs function like long-term bonds, offering regular payouts from stable property portfolios. When evaluating REITs, focus on strong sponsors, consistent distribution per unit (DPU) records, and appropriate position sizing based on your risk tolerance.
With many Singapore REITs now trading at discounted valuations, the current environment may offer long-term investors an attractive opportunity to lock in 6–7% yields and grow passive income.
Finsum: Timing also matters, you can either build positions gradually or take advantage of market pullbacks to invest more heavily
High-net-worth clients face financial challenges that extend far beyond investing — from tax strategy and estate planning to philanthropic giving and risk management. The tricky part is, they often don’t realize what’s missing until something goes wrong.
That’s where an advisor steps in — not necessarily as an all-knowing expert, but as a skilled generalist who knows how to ask the right questions and rally the right specialists. The best advisors lead like point guards: coordinating tax professionals, estate attorneys, and insurance experts to keep the client’s entire financial picture aligned.
They play offense and defense — identifying blind spots, managing risks, and preparing families for wealth transfer long before a crisis hits.
Finsum: With the right team, proactive mindset, and a client-first playbook, you can position yourself as the go-to strategist for high-net-worth households.