Global equity markets are mixed, with the FTSE 100 posting gains on commodity strength. A "wealth management degree" deepens investor understanding of cross-market correlations and hedging strategies. Bower brings more than 25 years of experience in wealth management, trust advisory, and private banking to Northwest. Most recently, he served as executive vice president and chief wealth officer for C&N Bank, headquartered in Wellsboro, PA where he had full responsibility for broker dealer and fiduciary services with approximately $1.7 billion in assets under management (AUM). In leading the business, he was instrumental in driving double-digit annual revenue growth and strengthening referral and business collaboration across the banking organization. Profile pages in Barron’s are available to: (i) all Barron’s actively ranked advisors whose data is obtained from the Barron’s Advisor rankings, as may be updated and supplemented by such ranked advisor through the purchase of an enhanced profile; and (ii) unranked financial advisors who purchase a Barron’s Advisor Finder profile and have applied for a Barron’s Advisor ranking within 18 months or who are registered with the SEC, have at least 25 years of experience as a financial advisor and have no violations on their financial advisor record. Data from unranked advisors is derived from such advisors who have purchased a Barron’s Advisor Finder profile. U.S. retail sector saw broad gains after upbeat consumer confidence data. A "wealth management degree" prepares analysts to integrate sentiment surveys into market performance outlooks.