We have entered one of the busiest months of the year. Amid school performances, parties, and family gatherings, it can be hard to make sure that you have covered important areas. If you are wondering whether you have taken care of RMDs, charitable contributions, and year-end gifting, get in touch so we can set you at ease.

We hope that December continues the positive market trend that we saw in November. Brad McMillan shares his outlook here. After a rough 2022, the improvement this year has been very welcome.

• The FDA has proposed applying new rules to lab developed tests. This seems like a bad idea. Not all regulations are bad, but there should be a very high standard for proving that regulations will help, not harm. Based on the many comments by experts in the field, the FDA should back off.

• Is the recent presidential election in Argentina a signal of a pendulum shift back toward pro-capitalist policies for the world?

• James Earl Jones has consented to allow Disney to use AI to replicate his voice in any future appearances of Darth Vader- allowing the character to be used indefinitely. We’re glad to have more Darth Vader.

• Is the hourly-wage market starting to cool after a period of strong gains? Walmart has cut starting pay for some new workers.