Tower Trust & Investment Company

06/02/2026

From Associate Portfolio Manager Craig Loken:

Most major stock markets posted gains last week, continuing the rebound that carried through the month of May. Growth stocks regained leadership with the Nasdaq moving back into the top spot, followed by small caps and the S&P 500. However, performance differences between similar benchmarks stood out, as the Russell outpaced the S&P Mid Cap 600 due in part to different sector exposures.

Markets were helped by continued optimism around artificial intelligence and improving sentiment tied to Iran. Oil prices moved lower to close out the month, though gasoline prices remain elevated. Volatility could remain elevated as markets digest geopolitical developments, energy prices, inflation data, and future Federal Reserve policy expectations.

May finished with a roughly 5% gain for the S&P 500, bringing year-to-date gains to more than 10%.

05/27/2026

Most major stock markets posted gains last week, however there was a rotation in what sectors outperformed. Tech stocks slowed down and value stocks outperformed with small cap value leading the way.

Markets have continued there rebound since the March stock market pullback. Oil prices have also come down a bit with hopes for a reopening of the Straight of Hormuz next month. Volatility is likely to remain elevated as markets digest future data related to negotiations with Iran, higher oil prices leading to price increased, and the probability that the next Federal Reserve interest rate move could be a hike instead of the cuts the market was expecting to begin the year.

05/21/2026

Summer jobs can create strong financial habits.

Encourage students to:
- Save part of every paycheck
- Starting building credit responsibly
- Learn the basics of investing
- Track expenses before the school year begins
- Set short-term and long-term goals

Financial confidence doesn’t happen overnight. It’s built one smart decision at a time.

Our team at Tower Trust and Investment Company is here to help families and young adults prepare for the future. Reach out at 563-388-2628.
- Start building credit responsibly

05/19/2026

From our Portfolio Manager, Keith Bonjour:
Stocks finished mixed last week, with small-cap stocks notably underperforming their large-cap counterparts. Rate-sensitive sectors, including real estate and utilities, lagged, while energy stocks posted gains driven by rising oil prices.

Persistent inflation and higher energy costs continue to pressure markets and remain key variables for the Federal Reserve. These factors are likely to influence future interest rate decisions, further complicating the Fed’s path forward.

05/18/2026

Graduation gifts are exciting, but one of the most meaningful gifts you can give is financial confidence.

Whether it’s:

✅ Helping open an investment account
✅ Contributing to future savings goals
✅ Teaching budgeting basics
✅ Discussing retirement plans at a first job

Small conversations today can create lifelong habits tomorrow.
At Tower Trust and Investment Company, we believe financial education is one of the greatest investments you can make in the next generation. Call 563-388-2628 to learn more.

05/15/2026

Graduation Isn’t the Finish Line – It’s the Financial Starting Line

Caps are flying, celebrations are happening, and a brand-new chapter is beginning. But with exciting opportunities come important financial decisions.

A few smart money habits for new graduations:

🎓 Build a basic monthly budget
🎓 Start an emergency savings account
🎓Understand employee benefits before enrolling
🎓Begin investing early—even small amounts matter
🎓Don’t ignore student loan repayment options

The earlier good habits begin, the stronger the financial foundation becomes.
At Tower Trust and Investment Company, we’re here to help graduates and families navigate the next stage with confidence. Call us at 563-388-2628 to start the conversation.

05/11/2026

Spring is a reminder to get ahead on tax planning—and strategies like Charitable Gift Annuities can offer tax benefits, income, and lasting impact. Read more to see how smart giving today can strengthen your financial plan for 2026 and beyond.

This spring, we all lost an hour of sleep when our annual 23-hour day arrived, and we moved our clocks forward. Two competing thoughts always cross my mind when resetting the clocks. The first is that winter is over—yay! The second is that it’s time to organize last year’s details and prepare ...

05/05/2026

New “Trump Accounts” aim to give children a head start on retirement savings—but how they fit into your broader financial plan matters just as much as starting early. Read more to understand the benefits, limitations, and how these accounts compare to other savings options.

New savings options tend to draw attention, and the recently introduced Trump Accounts are no exception. Designed to give children an early start on retirement savings, they reflect something we have always believed. Time is one of the most powerful tools for investors.

04/30/2026

It was a great presentation. Thanks Ben and Twin State Technical Services!

04/30/2026

Building wealth isn’t about luck—it’s about consistent, smart habits:

1️⃣ Spend less than you earn – Control your expenses, live within your means
2️⃣ Save and invest consistently – Let your money grow over time
3️⃣ Avoid high-interest debt – Keep bad debt from slowing your progress
4️⃣ Maintain an emergency fund – Protect yourself from unexpected expenses
5️⃣ Plan for the long term – Stay disciplined, even during market ups and downs

At Tower Trust and Investment Company, we talk through strategies to help you make these habits work for your goals.