Steven Ferneding Northwestern Mutual

09/22/2026

The Fed raised rates to try to bring down inflation as economic data continued to be strong. Chief Investment Officer Brent Schutte explains the data and why it calls for a measured approach. http://spr.ly/6183BGdts1

07/07/2026

Can`t believe it has already been a year! I`m still very humbled to have been nominated for the 40 under 40 class of 2025 by the Cincinnati Business Courier. This class was filled with extraordinary people that have made a substantial impact on this city. The people I met during this experience have set the bar high for what it means to create significant change for those around them. My hope is to continue growing professionally while still being a benefactor to the community. P.S. my daughter is still the most intimidating person I`ve ever met.

"I can’t win arguments with my 2½-year-old daughter."

06/09/2026

When the Mag 7 drives most of the market's returns, having a diversified portfolio can feel like you`re coming up short. That's typically when staying the course is most important. Matt Stucky, chief portfolio manager at Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company`s latest piece traces the full arc of the MSCI USA Enhanced Value Index from 2020 through today, including a two-year stretch of underperformance and a subsequent recovery that more than made up for it. It's a useful read for anyone thinking about how value exposure fits into a long-term portfolio:

This value ETF’s comeback offers a timely lesson in long-term investing. Read more.

05/28/2026

AI leadership, hotter inflation signals, and a changing of the guard at the Fed—Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company CIO Brent Schutte breaks down the economic data and markets news investors need to know. http://spr.ly/6181B8kNP1

05/14/2026

Equities moved higher again this week, supported by continued strong earnings, fresh evidence of a stabilizing labor market, and growing optimism surrounding artificial intelligence. Beneath the surface, however, the U.S. economy has only grown more divided. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company CIO Brent Schutte breaks down the latest market news and economic data. http://spr.ly/6185BBxz8l

03/30/2026

When it comes to taxes, different retirement accounts work in different ways. Please reach out if you’d like to discuss how you can use this to your advantage. If you`re a business owner there are even more areas you have access to when diversifying your asset location.

Smart tax planning can mean having more money in your pocket throughout retirement.

03/17/2026

The continued amplification of the conflict in the Middle East has created heightened uncertainty in financial markets. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management CIO Brent Schutte breaks down the delicate balance the Fed faces at its next meeting as it attempts to address stubborn inflation and increased labor weakness. http://spr.ly/6182B6RCDj

02/03/2026

A perfect storm of high-stakes events including volatile tech earnings and Kevin Warsh’s nomination as the next Federal Reserve Chair fueled large, divergent stock and price movements across asset classes. Here’s what investors need to know. http://spr.ly/6188hHsj2

01/27/2026

The S&P 500 ended in negative territory for the second consecutive week on Friday despite signs of softening inflation, economic growth and a potential deal over Greenland. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management CIO Brent Schutte discusses what’s next for investors. http://spr.ly/6180hBbor

01/02/2026

Exciting news for 2026, our team is expanding! Please welcome Ryan Mullaney. Ryan is a Cincinnati native, born and raised. Originally from the West Side of Cincinnati but spent most of his years growing up in Mason, Ohio. He is a big sports fan rooting for the Bengals, Reds, Bearcats and Ohio State Buckeyes.

He is a graduate of Archbishop Moeller High School where he was involved in courses and clubs that developed his passion for the financial services industry. This interest carried over into college for him at the University of Cincinnati, where he majored in Finance. While furthering his education, Ryan also played for the University of Cincinnati football team. He had the opportunity to be a part of unique experiences and learn a lot while playing football for an AAC and Big 12 program. Some of his memorable experiences were playing in the College Football Playoffs versus Alabama, playing a bowl game at Fenway Park and playing Georgia in the Peach Bowl. He graduated from the Carl H. Lindner College of Business at the University of Cincinnati having majored in Finance and Real Estate for his undergraduate degrees and completed his Master of Business Administration while finishing his 5th year of football eligibility.

He started at Northwestern Mutual after graduating from his MBA program in 2024 and has not looked back. Ryan will be transitioning his role to client services and operations for our clients. We are looking forward to watching him grow professionally and continue to support our amazing clients. Please welcome Ryan to our team.