As featured in the Charlotte Business Journal. Whenever I make public speeches, I like to start things off with an old, tired joke. I tell the audience that the conference organizers asked me “to say a…
Thought Leadership
We believe communication is the key to successful client relationships. While sharing useful information is beneficial, regardless of source, Oakworth believes in the value proposition of developing and having its own experienced financial professionals and ideas. By generating our own market commentaries, economic newsletters, topical subject analysis and serials, and even conversational podcasts and videos, our clients know we are using our knowledge, creativity and experience to help them succeed.
This past Thursday night, I watched the Steelers vs. Bengals game on television. It was an exciting game — and surprising one, at least for me — that the Bengals won. After all, according to ESPN.com,…
In a lot of ways, the 3rd quarter of 2025 was one of the more boring of my career. With everything happening in the world right now, that might seem like a crazy statement. However, when…
In a gold rush, the miners rarely strike it rich – it’s the companies selling the picks and shovels that do. This is termed “the picks and shovels play” and has been an interesting strategy employed…
Over the last few years, precious metals – especially gold – have regained relevance in global finance. Once dismissed by some as an outdated relic of archaic systems, gold is again commanding serious attention. Recent price…
TECH STOCK VALUATIONS History suggests U.S. investors have always loved their technology stocks at inflection points in the economy. Most people would probably agree artificial intelligence (AI) will change our lives and how we conduct business.…
Last quarter, we predicted that excess levels of debt, bloated central bank balance sheets and declining investor confidence in public institutions could support continued strength in precious metals. This quarter, we get to add another factor…
As we entered the 3rd quarter, there were three main questions that, in our opinion, could influence whether stocks could continue their climb higher. Would the Federal Reserve cut the Fed Funds rate? Could the elevated…
The third quarter of the 2025 unfolded with an unusual quietness in the markets, especially compared to the turbulence of Q2. Volatility remained muted and stock indexes drifted steadily higher. In contrast to the prior quarter’s…
What is the true state of the U.S. economy? After all, it seems as though the powers that be seasonally adjust, revise and otherwise massage the data to such an extent, it is nearly impossible for…