The King Cruse Bitter Group - Baird Private Wealth Management

08/28/2026

Baird Strategas Head of Fixed Income Research Tom Tzitzouris talks through the recent rise in bond yields – what the key drivers are, how the Federal Reserve and Treasury Department are impacted, and what to expect from here.

Baird Strategas Head of Fixed Income Research Tom Tzitzouris talks ...

08/22/2026

U.S. credit card debt is approaching a record high.

Americans’ credit card balances reached $1.26 trillion in the second quarter, rising by $21 billion, according to new data from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.

That puts credit card debt just below the all-time high of $1.28 trillion set late last year.

Strong consumer spending is one factor behind higher balances. Rising prices for essentials like groceries and gas may also be contributing.

Delinquencies remain a concern. The share of credit card balances more than 90 days delinquent rose from 7.6% to 12.8% from mid-2022 through early 2026.

Total U.S. household debt now stands at $18.8 trillion. Auto loan debt also reached a new high of $1.71 trillion.

For households, rising debt is a reminder that everyday expenses, interest rates, minimum payments, and emergency costs can all affect financial flexibility.


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Americans' credit card debt reached $1.26 trillion, increasing by $21 billion in the second quarter of this year, according to new data.

08/21/2026

Washington Research Analyst Jeannette Lowe talks through the recent backup in bond yields and the Treasury’s response before getting into the political ramifications of the data center buildout in a midterm election year.

Washington Research Analyst Jeannette Lowe talks through the recent...

08/20/2026

For many homeowners, the biggest weather risk may no longer be hurricanes.

New research from First Street found that severe convective storms, including tornadoes, hail, and damaging winds, have become the costliest insured natural disasters worldwide.

In 2025, these storms accounted for one-third of global natural disaster economic losses. Insured and uninsured losses totaled $82 billion, with $68 billion concentrated in the U.S.

Hail is the biggest driver of insurance payouts within this category, followed by severe winds.

These storms tend to move quickly, but they can cause widespread damage to homes, cars, businesses, and infrastructure.

For homeowners, the growing cost of severe weather can show up in more than repairs. It may also affect insurance premiums, property maintenance, emergency savings, and long-term housing costs.

As weather risks shift, it can be worth reviewing coverage, deductibles, and how prepared your household is for unexpected property damage.


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Severe "convective" storms account for roughly a third of global natural disaster economic losses, a new study finds.

08/17/2026

Back-to-school season is bringing higher costs for many families.

A new analysis found that a typical basket of school items, including notebooks, lunch boxes, and index cards, is up nearly 8% compared with last year.

School lunches are also more expensive, with the cost of a typical packed lunch up 11%.

The analysis estimates families may spend roughly $4,000 per student on school supplies and lunches this year, including about $175 on school items and $3,800 on packed lunches.

Some items have seen especially sharp increases. Lunch boxes are up 27%, one-subject notebooks are up 23%, and index cards are up 22%.

Higher tariffs, imported school supplies, food prices, and energy costs are all contributing to the increase.

For families, back-to-school shopping is a reminder that seasonal expenses can add up quickly, especially when everyday costs are already stretching household budgets.


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U.S. households will spend roughly $4,000 per student on school supplies and lunches this year, a new analysis found.

08/14/2026

Investment Strategist Ryan Grabinski looks at what the boom in corporate earnings means for U.S. stock market valuations before talking through the broader backdrop for this bull market.

Investment Strategist Ryan Grabinski looks at what the boom in corp...

08/14/2026

🎒📚 Back to School! 🍎✏️

Hey everyone! As the summer sun begins to set, it's time to trade in those flip-flops for some fresh kicks and head back to school. Whether you're starting a new grade, meeting new teachers, or reuniting with friends, this school year is your blank canvas. Let's fill it with laughter, learning, and unforgettable memories. Remember, every day is a new adventure waiting to unfold. Wishing you all a fantastic and successful school year ahead!

🌟

08/07/2026

Chief Economist Don Rissmiller talks through recent Federal Reserve activity and his decision to add a rate hike to the Baird Strategas 2026 forecast. Don then tells us about the potential for a productivity boom and the headwinds that face housing.

Chief Economist Don Rissmiller talks through recent Federal Reserve...

07/31/2026

Strategas Chief Market Strategist Chris Verrone talks through today’s rotational stock market, compares the action to the 1999-2000 bubble, and breaks down what’s going on with Gold’s underperformance year-to-date.

Strategas Chief Market Strategist Chris Verrone talks through today...

07/31/2026

🌞 Did you know schools in the South tend to start the school year the earliest? 🌞

📚 As the back-to-school season approaches, approximately 54.1 million K-12 students and 5.7 million teachers are gearing up to head back to classrooms this fall. 📚

🍎 Teachers are the largest group among the nearly 10 million individuals employed in the country's elementary and secondary schools, which also include principals, school bus monitors, teaching assistants, and janitors. 🚌👩‍🏫



Information from the U.S. Census Bureau