Stifel Financial Corp.

Throughout history, each wave of technological advancement has reshaped the way we live, work, and do business. For example, the personal computer led to unprecedented capabilities for productivity, communication, and the formation of new industries. The advent of the iPhone further transformed our lives by putting powerful computing and communication capabilities into our pockets, redefining how we connect, consume information, and navigate the world. Now, standing at the brink of a new era, AI is emerging as the next transformative force. Take a look at the thoughts and insights from the Stifel CIO Office in the most recent edition of Investment Strategy Brief here: https://lnkd.in/dXmTZDyU

Meet Erica Gonzalez, a Managing Director for Public Finance in our San Francisco, California office. Erica works on financing public infrastructure projects, specifically for school districts, in need of funding to improve existing facilities or construct new ones. With over 20 years of experience in the public finance industry, Erica attributes the love for her career in large part to the influence of her Hispanic heritage and the impact education has had on her life. As a Latina in the United States, culture is very important to Erica, especially the welcoming and charitable spirit of the Latino culture. “If there is someone, a neighbor or friend, that has a specific need, we’re always acting in service of other people. We jokingly say that we invented GoFundMe in our family because we were always having ‘colectas’ to help raise money for those in need.” These aspects of her Hispanic heritage played a significant role in shaping Erica’s professional endeavors – along with the influence and support of her parents. “My parents were not able to pursue an education for themselves in Mexico. They worked extremely hard and sacrificed a lot for my siblings and me to be able to pursue higher education. Education was a core part of our upbringing. We always knew that graduating from college was the expectation.” Now as a first-generation college graduate, Erica has a deep connection with the work she does in her profession at Stifel. “It’s so reinvigorating to see these projects come to fruition. The types of facilities that are being built are state of the art, and it’s really exciting to know that there are going to be students walking through those hallways, sitting in those classrooms, and creating a sense of pride in their local school. Education is so important, and we do not take our work lightly.” In her personal life, Erica finds it important to pass her Hispanic culture down to her two sons. She weaves it into their daily lives through language, food, music, and so much more. During Hispanic Heritage Month, Erica uses this time to reflect and continue to create awareness about the impact of the Latino community on the United States. While she celebrates her heritage daily, this month allows her to pause and fully celebrate what makes the Latino community so special. As for what’s next with Erica, she plans to continue giving back to others – through her job, her community, and her alma mater USC, where she is a member of the Latino Alumni Association. This association offers scholarships and mentorship programs to students, and provides a community for young Latino students to come together. Erica once benefitted from the culture of inclusivity and belonging created by the Latino Alumni Association as an undergraduate, and is proud to pay it forward to the students of today. Erica’s dedication to supporting the next generation of students, through all aspects of her life, is nothing short of admirable. #PeopleofStifel

At Stifel, we are committed to helping future generations strive for the brightest future possible. That's why we have The Fabric of Society Scholarship essay competition each year to award scholarships to students in need nationwide. Each year, a new quote is selected and eligible students from public high schools are invited to submit a 600 to 800-word essay on what this quote means to them. A panel of judges reviews the essays, and 75 winners are selected – each receiving $2,000 cash to help cover their educational expenses. For more details, visit our Facebook page and keep an eye out for this year’s quote: https://lnkd.in/e-_AYw7K

Feeling good about higher stocks? Think again. AI and Fed cut optimism may be driving markets up, but global risks could trigger a recession and a bear market. To read more, visit stifelinsights.com

Take a look at the remainder of our campus visits for the fall of 2024. You won’t want to miss this! 

In this week’s #StifelSightLines, we review the results of this week’s Federal Reserve meeting and assess the risk of monetary policy error, in one direction or the other. To learn more and watch the full video, visit www.stifelinsights.com

The Federal Reserve (Fed) decided to end its rate hiking cycle aimed at controlling inflation by cutting its target rate by 50 basis points to 4.75% - 5.00%. Take our quiz below and check your answer in this week’s edition of Stifel Bits: https://lnkd.in/eZfVxxsf

In a highly anticipated move, the Federal Reserve has cut interest rates by 0.5 points, in response to evolving economic conditions. This decision, aimed at stimulating growth and counteracting slowing inflation, marks a strategic shift in monetary policy as the central bank seeks to ensure sustained economic stability. Stifel Chief Economist Dr. Lindsay Piegza states, “The Committee, furthermore, anticipates an additional 50bps of cuts by year-end and a further 100bps in cuts in 2025. The Committee also lowered the IORB and the discount rate 50bps 4.90% to 5.00%, respectively.” Click here to read further: https://lnkd.in/gYPtj7RT

Yesterday Stifel and KBW associates attended the 9/11 Meal Pack in St. Louis, San Francisco, and New York City. This was part of a national volunteer effort across 21 cities to pack 9 million meals for those who are food insecure. “It is incumbent upon all of us to ensure the stories of resilience and goodwill that was born out of tragedy 23 years ago are kept alive as the years and generations pass us by,” said Thomas Michaud, KBW CEO and Board Director of 9/11 Day. “Committing to an act of service, big or small, is a powerful way to both honor those we lost and remind us of our common humanity.”

The events of September 11, 2001, tragically affected our nation and our firm. KBW headquarters in the World Trade Center was destroyed and 67 KBW colleagues lost their lives. We are forever grateful for the service they gave, the friendship they shared with us, and the example they set for us. We reflect today on the incredible legacy they left behind. As KBW CEO Tom Michaud explains, "the story of 9/11 isn't over, the chapters just keep getting turned." To learn more about how KBW is keeping the legacy of their employees alive, click here: https://lnkd.in/eT2N6Qa6