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Timely, concise insights from across Mesirow

Our financial products and services are grounded in understanding of the themes and trends driving opportunity now.

    Currency
    Double exposure of coins and clock with calendar for business and finance background

    Spot and forward rates

    What they mean and why they matter

    Knowing how these rates work, when they’re appropriate and their typical uses can lead to smarter financial decisions for importers, travelers or investors.

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    Are we too dependent on this FX benchmark?

    FX benchmark prices are critical for global commerce, investments, and trading, but is there a hidden risk in your favorite FX rate?

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    folded US and Chinese Currencies

    Nothing lasts forever

    From 1999 to the end of 2024, dollar holdings as reserve currency declined by about thirteen percentage points. Crises and competition challenges USD hegemony as the dominant foreign exchange reserve. How much longer will dollar dominance last?

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    close-up of old us silver dollar

    US Dollar: Currency Dynasty

    The currency composition of official foreign exchange reserves has changed significantly over the past 25 years. How did the USD ascend and can it hang on to its dominance?

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    Background from paper money of the different countries.

    Should a nation manage its currency?

    Free float vs managed float currency exchange rates: which one is better?

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    Mesirow Currency Management | 1Q2025 Commentary

    Currency market activity and commentary on Mesirow’s currency for return strategies

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    Currency exchange rate board

    The powerful and wide-ranging effects of currency exchange rates

    Keeping an eye on currency trends and information can explain the ‘why’ of economic events that have life-altering consequences for people and nations.

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    American 100 Dollar Under Paper Cut Out Bar Graph

    Don’t let FX erode your gains

    Embedded currency exposure in a portfolio can detract from risk-adjusted returns. Investors should assess how currency exposure impacts their portfolios and consider strategies to manage this risk as a means of enhancing overall portfolio outcomes.

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    Currency ticker EUR-USD, EUR-GBP, USD-JPY and their symbols.

    Understanding currency quotes

    Learning how exchange rates are presented and what they signify can offer a clearer view of the economic trends and market forces shaping currency values.

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    Abraham Lincoln close up from a colorized 5 dollar bill

    Mesirow Currency Management | 4Q2024 Commentary

    Currency market activity and commentary on Mesirow’s currency for return strategies

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    US Dollar bill, super macro, close up photo

    Currency Outlook 2025

    Inflation, the US election, geopolitical uncertainty and FX volatility were major themes in 2024. What might we see in 2025?

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    Macro shot of the fifty swiss francs banknote

    Safe haven currency hedging

    Why do US and Swiss pension funds use different currency risk strategies?

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    Sectors
    colorful tomatoes

    May 2025 Market Update: Food, Beverage and Agribusiness

    M&A activity remained steady in May with 33 announced transactions, slightly ahead of April, marking another month of elevated deal flow.

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    white machine

    2025 Mid-Year Market Update: Industrial Technology

    In this report, our experts cover strong sector performance and AI-driven demand amid uncertainty and cautious market outlooks.

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    beverage

    April 2025 Market Update: Food, Beverage and Agribusiness

    Transaction volume held steady in April, driven by sustained buyer appetite across the food industry, particularly in categories with strong consumer relevance and margin visibility.

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    walnuts

    March 2025 Market Update: Food, Beverage and Agribusiness

    Despite ongoing market volatility in March, the food & beverage M&A landscape remained resilient.

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    Top of aluminum drink cans

    February 2025 Market Update: Food, Beverage and Agribusiness

    February 2025 was another active month for M&A in the food, beverage, and agribusiness industry, as companies leveraged early-year momentum to refine their portfolios.

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    nuts and berries in a jar

    January 2025 Market Update: Food, Beverage and Agribusiness

    The food and beverage M&A landscape experienced mixed signals in January as geopolitical tensions and new tariffs introduced heightened uncertainty.

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    freight overlooking water

    2024 Recap and 2025 Outlook: Specialty Distribution

    In-depth evaluation of Specialty Distribution M&A trends and transactions in 2024 and 2025 outlook

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    cakes

    December 2024 Market Update: Food, Beverage and Agribusiness

    December ended the year on solid footing for food, beverage and agribusiness M&A, with momentum expected to carry into 2025.

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    different color

    4Q 2024 Technology & Services Sector Overview - Public Safety and First Responders

    The Public Safety / First Responder Technology & Services M&A market is experiencing resilient transaction volumes in 2024 as investors continue to value emerging technologies that reduce costs, increase efficiency and improve service quality.

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    Spices

    November 2024 Market Update: Food, Beverage and Agribusiness

    With post-election uncertainty beginning to subside, the food, beverage, and agribusiness M&A market is gaining momentum.

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    Computer technology

    4Q 2024 HCM Technology Sector Overview

    The HCM Technology M&A market is experiencing resilient transaction volumes in 2024 following a drop off in 2023 due to improvements in macro-economic conditions including unemployment and inflation rates that affected public markets across the globe.

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    Leaf

    October 2024 Market Update: Food, Beverage and Agribusiness

    October deal activity implies the market is on track with 2022 levels in terms of number of deals. Dollar volume in 2024 has notably outpaced 2023 levels, driven by the resurgence of mega-deals.

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    Wealth
    Gary on WGN

    Mesirow Wealth Management's Gary Pattengale on WGN 720 | June 2025

    When should you make a Roth conversion? Well, the answer is different for everyone. Gary Pattengale recently discussed the intricacies of this topic,  with Jon Hansen on “Mesirow Monday” on WGN Radio 720. Have questions, message us!

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    Large tree on the edge of a lake during dusk

    Leaving your IRA to a Charitable Remainder Unitrust can benefit your heirs and your preferred charity

    If you have substantial assets in your IRA (or other qualified plan account), leaving this asset to your children or other family members can create many headaches. First, it can create a significant tax burden under the current distribution rules. Also,

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    Steering wheel and compass of a boat

    Rethinking retirement: Myths that could derail your future plans

    Experience is often a good teacher. However, when approaching retirement, watching the path of others before you may not provide adequate guidance. Retirement has changed greatly in recent decades and yours may be different from what your parents and gran

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    Path along lake with mountains in the distance

    Mid-year financial checkup: Are you on track to meet your 2025 goals?

    This is a great time to review the goals that you set at the beginning of the year to ensure you are on track. It is important to reflect on your financial goals, investment strategies and risk tolerance to ensure that you are well-positioned for the rema

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    Desai May 2025

    Mesirow Wealth Management's Sumit Desai on WGN 620 | May 2025

    Are you worried that tariffs could put your portfolio at risk? Mesirow Wealth Management’s Director of Research, Sumit Desai, CFA, recently discussed how to navigate the storm, with Jon Hansen on “Mesirow Monday” on WGN Radio 720. Have questions, message

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    Gregg on WGN

    Mesirow Wealth Management's Gregg Lunceford on WGN 720 | April 2025

    When is the right time to discuss money values with your family? Gregg Lunceford recently discussed the intricacies of this topic, with Jon Hansen on “Mesirow Monday” on WGN Radio 720. Have questions, message us! 

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    Stethoscope

    Healthy, wealthy and wise: Integrating unusual health care costs into your financial plan

    Financial planning is largely an exercise in risk management – you prepare

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    Noah on WGN

    Mesirow Wealth Management's Noah Bloch on WGN 720 | March 2025

    Hear Noah’s interview from March 3, 2025, where he discussed important topics to consider if you or someone you know is deciding to buying a home.

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    Jars of change from small to large

    The “Super Catch-Up” contribution: An opportunity you don’t want to miss

    The Super Catch-up Contribution: An opportunity you don't want to miss

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    Wooden toy house close up

    Gift tax reporting for transfers to Irrevocable Trusts

    Gift tax reporting for transfers to Irrevocable Trusts

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    Plastic pieces sorted by color

    The importance of asset allocation for retirement and estate planning

    Asset allocation is one of the most critical decisions in building and preserving wealth, particularly as it relates to retirement and estate planning.

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    For sale sign on building door

    Selling your business: Tax planning strategies to consider well before you pull the trigger

    Selling your business: Tax planning strategies to consider well before you pull the trigger

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