The Zektzer Group at Morgan Stanley

07/21/2026

Data centers are environmentally risky, but it's hard not to own them. Here's what sustainable investors are doing.

morningstar.com

07/17/2026

Considering where to spend your retirement years? These states consistently rank among the best thanks to their lower taxes, reasonable cost of living and a wide range of other retiree-friendly benefits.

kiplinger.com

07/16/2026

Earlier this week marked Shark Awareness Day — a reminder that some of the most misunderstood creatures in the ocean are also among the most important.

Sharks are often viewed through the lens of fear. But in reality, they play a critical role in helping maintain balance within marine ecosystems.

That idea feels surprisingly relevant to investing.
Some parts of wealth management can seem counterintuitive at first:
• Staying invested during periods of volatility
• Rebalancing when markets feel uncertain
• Maintaining diversification instead of chasing what is "hot"
• Planning for taxes, liquidity, and risk before they become urgent

Like sharks in the ocean, these strategies may be underappreciated — or even misunderstood — but they can serve an important purpose in maintaining balance over time.

A strong financial plan is not just about reacting to what is visible on the surface. It is about understanding the deeper ecosystem: your goals, risk tolerance, time horizon, cash flow needs, and long-term priorities.

Sometimes, the tools that feel uncomfortable in the moment are the ones helping protect the bigger picture.

07/14/2026

Summer travel is in full swing—and I'm always looking for the small prep steps that make the trip feel easier once you land.

A few "before you go" ideas that can help reduce travel-day friction:
• Double-check how you'll pay (card vs. cash vs. ATM) and what fees might apply
• If you're using an ATM abroad, consider choosing the local currency option (it can help avoid extra conversion costs in some cases)
• Make sure you have a plan if a card is declined or you need to freeze an account quickly

If you're traveling this month: what's your must-have—carry-on only, or checked bag every time?

morganstanley.com

07/09/2026

Investor interest in space is surging as NASA's Artemis program, increased defense spending and private innovation drive growth across the space economy, from materials to satellite services.

morganstanley.com

07/04/2026

Wishing everyone a safe and meaningful Fourth of July as we celebrate the ideals of independence, service, and community. Grateful for the opportunity to work alongside colleagues and clients who help strengthen the communities we live in and serve.

Happy Independence Day.

07/02/2026

Although markets may recalibrate to a different policy playbook under the new Fed chair Kevin Warsh, housing could remain in a holding pattern. Our co-heads of Securitized Products Research Jay Bacow and James Egan explain why.

morganstanley.com

06/23/2026

Mid-year is a great time for a quick retirement "systems check"—especially for busy professionals balancing career, family, and long-term goals.

A few 2026 planning items to keep on your radar:
• Workplace plan deferrals (401(k)/403(b)/457): the employee limit increased to $24,500 for 2026 (irs.gov)
• IRA contributions: the limit increased to $7,500 for 2026 (irs.gov)
• Roth IRA eligibility: income phase-outs moved higher for 2026 (helpful for executives whose compensation fluctuates) (irs.gov)

Practical next steps we our clients:
• Confirm you're on pace (not just "set and forget")
• Review beneficiary designations and account titling as life changes occur
• Coordinate retirement savings with cash-flow needs and emergency reserves
• For business owners: revisit plan design and employer contribution flexibility

If you'd like a mid-year review, we are happy to help you map contributions and cash flow to your broader retirement strategy.

morganstanley.com

06/19/2026

Honoring Juneteenth—recognizing the freedom celebrated on June 19 and recommitting to the work of equity and justice.

06/18/2026

This week brings several market-moving updates—most notably the Federal Reserve's June 16–17 meeting—alongside fresh reads on inflation and the labor market.

When the news cycle accelerates, it can be tempting to "do something" quickly. In our experience, the more durable approach is to revisit the basics:
• Reconfirm time horizon (near-term cash needs vs. long-term goals)
• Check diversification and concentration risk (especially in employer stock)
• Stress-test the plan for different rate and inflation paths
• Keep liquidity and rebalancing rules clear before volatility shows up

For executives, business owners, and families, weeks like this are a good reminder: the plan should be built to handle uncertainty—not depend on perfect forecasts.

kiplinger.com