Markets Rebound as Fed Signals December Rate Cut
Executive Summary Last week, the equity market staged a broad rebound, recovering a portion of November’s losses. The rally was sparked by commentary from the Federal Reserve suggesting a December rate cut is back on the table. Major equity indices rallied sharply, with gains spread across sectors and factors. Small-cap stocks were the standout performers, […]
Consumer Sentiment vs. Spending: A Holiday Season Disconnect
Economists have long cautioned against using consumer sentiment surveys to forecast consumer spending. Statistically, income growth is the overwhelming determinant of consumer expenditures, with a lesser, but significant, contributory role played by changes in wealth. Retirement accounts and home equity constitute more than 60% of US Household wealth and these two important components of wealth, like […]
Strategic Charitable Giving Before 2026: Maximize Your Deductions Under OBBBA
As we enter the final weeks of the year, it is an important moment to revisit charitable giving strategies, especially given the meaningful tax changes taking effect in 2026 under OBBBA. For those who donate regularly, front-loading charitable gifts this month may help maximize deductions before the new limitations begin. In 2026, OBBBA will introduce […]
November 2025 Recap
Economic Commentary The Health of the Consumer and the Holiday Shopping Season The shift in holiday spending patterns is more than just a retail curiosity; it reflects a fundamental change in how consumer spending is measured. The pre-holiday “pull-forward” strategy, driven by aggressive online promotions, suggests that the question is not about the line outside […]