We understand that the transformative shifts in trade policy highlight the critical importance of portfolio diversification. The evolving global landscape—with its dynamic trade relations and rapidly changing policy environments—strengthens our commitment to constructing diversified investment portfolios that can endure various scenarios.

Cesie Delve Scheuermann of Inspiring Generosity and Julia Frisbie of Faith Foundation Northwest teamed up to teach an interactive class rich with real-world examples from our own episcopal area. 

If you could not make it or would like to watch it again, the recording is available now on demand at the following link: Click here to access this recording.

The “soft landing” scenario in the U.S. is now looking more like “no landing” scenario, meaning cooler inflation with no major slowdown in the economy. During the quarter, the forecast for Fed cuts again shifted lower, from three cuts and 75 basis points (bps) forecast in April to just one cut and 25 bps expected, reflecting growing confidence in the no landing scenario. U.S. equities remain near all-time highs, with the S&P 500 up 15.3% year to date.

Proxy voting isn’t usually as dramatic as the shareholder meetings depicted in shows like “Succession,” but it’s still a key part of our job as investors. From voting on human rights-related issues with the maker of Oreos to advocating for shareholder voice at Facebook’s parent company, this blog highlights what Wespath voted on this year—and explains why proxy voting is important.

At the beginning of 2023, many investors expected an imminent U.S. economic slowdown, or even a recession, and a series of Fed rate cuts to go along with it. Fifteen months later, we are seeing substantial economic downturns in several countries, from the U.K. and Ireland to Japan and Germany. But the U.S. remains notably strong. Instead of a hard or soft landing, we’ve had no landing… yet.

Here are some reminders about how to get to our statement portal, what you will find there, and how to update who is able to log in and view fund information for your organization.

Tom Wilson, the Executive Director of Faith Foundation Northwest, shared his plans to retire at the end of June 2023 during its corporate board meeting in October 2022.

In this quarter-end commentary, Wespath Managing Director Joe Halwax provides perspective on a persistently difficult economic landscape, including stubbornly high inflation, the Fed’s continued stance, a looming global recession, Europe’s energy crisis, the strength of the U.S. dollar, and more. Joe also indicates key areas to watch in the coming quarter.

You may remember that last fall we published a piece called 6 questions to ask about your church’s investments. This year, along those same lines, we’ve tried to anticipate some of the questions you may receive from your committees, and provide information that would help you answer them, either during your fall meeting or as part of your report to Charge Conference. We hope you will find information that supports and informs your important task.

A message from our staff to the delegates of our annual conferences. We miss you and wish we could be together!

Concerns about the unprecedented economic downturn following the COVID-19 pandemic have dominated headlines for more than a year. But as vaccination numbers continue to rise and life begins to feel normal again for many around the country, the economic conversation is beginning to shift from recession to recovery—and even a potential overheating.

Let’s be honest—all the terminology used in financial services is enough to make any investor’s head spin. Today I want to focus on one word often overheard in investment conversations, especially those driven by boards and investment committees: fiduciary.

So what exactly is a fiduciary?

Wespath’s process of shareholder engagement involves working with corporations, asset managers and policymakers to implement sustainable practices and policies, which we believe will lead to a more sustainable economy and improved investment returns.

Glenview, IL—In the first net-zero commitment of its kind, Wespath Benefits and Investments (Wespath), along with other agencies of The United Methodist Church (UMC), today released a joint statement, “Our Climate Commitment to Net-Zero Emissions.” The collaborative, multi-institution statement pledges to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions across the organizations’ ministries, facilities, operations and investments by 2050. “Net-zero” describes the process by which human-caused greenhouse gas emissions can be balanced, or “netted out”, by removing emissions from the atmosphere.

The statement acknowledges that the UMC “has long affirmed our individual and collective responsibility to address the unfolding climate crisis.” In light of these values, the group said it was “called by our faith, informed by science, and led by our relationships with impacted communities” to respond urgently.

In April 2020, Wespath joined the United Nations (UN)-convened Net-Zero Asset Owner Alliance (Alliance), committing to pursue strategies that will achieve net-zero portfolio emissions by 2050.

The Alliance and its members understand that this goal – one which aligns with the 1.5°C scenario outlined in the Paris Climate Agreement – looks well into the future. To help ensure we are on track to fulfill this long-term goal by 2050, Alliance members are setting near-term targets for achieving emissions reductions at certain intervals.

I recently got one of those emails that I love receiving: “I’m retiring soon and I’d like to set up the person who follows me for success. We still don’t have online giving. Can you help me figure out how to make it happen?”

Let me first say, BRAVO! Not only to tackling online giving, but for being so kind to the person who follows you. Again, BRAVO!

This person also indicated that some folks still weren’t sure that online giving was the way to go.

Here are a four things to remember about the importance and reality of online giving:

A planned gift is any gift above and beyond a person’s usual pledge that requires careful thought and planning ahead of time. Most planned gifts come in the form of bequests (gifts made through a person’s will after death) or beneficiary designations. If you’re hesitant to talk about this type of giving at your church, you’re not alone… but you might be missing out on some ministry-changing generosity! Here are five reasons to start talking about planned giving at your church…