May 2025 Recap
The Economy The U.S. economy in May 2025 remained in a transition period, marked by slowing growth, persistent inflation concerns, and a cautious Federal Reserve navigating new trade policies. Real GDP contracted by 0.3% annualized in Q1 2025, mainly due to a surge in imports, while the Federal Reserve maintained its federal funds rate at 4.25%-4.50%, […]
Where Do We Stand with Tariffs and How Important Are They for Markets?
By John Lau, CPA, CFP® June 2, 2025 – Last week brought unexpected volatility to U.S. trade policy. The Court of International Trade blocked most of the administration’s 2025 tariffs, ruling that the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) does not give the president the authority to impose such tariffs. But within 24 hours, the […]
June’s Reputation For Calm Tested By Tariff’s – June 2, 2025
Good morning, Stock futures are kicking off June in the red (-0.5%) after the weekend brought another round of tariff drama, with both China and the U.S. accusing each other of violating a trade deal signed just a few weeks ago. This comes on the heels of the best May since 1990, but now we’re […]
Economic Commentary – June 2, 2025
Amidst all the confusion as to which US tariffs are in place, which are in deferment and which have never come into being — not to mention which retaliatory actions by US trading partners are in effect, or threatened—- it is not entirely surprising that inflation has not been the big story that was anticipated. […]