Investment Commentary – June 9, 2025
Executive Summary U.S. stocks closed within ~2% of their all-time highest level since February 2025, lifted by a combination of resilient jobs data and signs of progress in U.S.-China trade negotiations. Bond Yields climbed as investors recalibrated expectations for Federal Reserve policy, following economic signals that eased fears of an imminent slowdown and fluctuating levels […]
Wealth Planning Commentary – June 9, 2025
Demystifying Proposed Social Security Tax Relief A provision in the ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ that many associate with tax-free Social Security benefits is in the news cycle and confusing taxpayers. The proposed legislation, currently under revision in the Senate, does NOT mention tax-free Social Security. However, it does include an adjustment to a long-standing senior deduction. The […]
Five Charts for the Week That Was: June 6, 2025
Chief Economist Jeanette Garretty provides 5 economic charts covering topics including oil prices, the US Dollar, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, Supply Management Purchasing Managers Index, and employment.
May Recap: Reflecting on the YTD Market Volatility & Recovery
Monthly Market Summary Markets Back Near All-Time Highs, But Forward Visibility Remains Low The defining story of 2025 has been changing trade policy. Markets have weathered two months of policy-driven volatility, only to end up roughly where they started. After a nearly 20% decline from late February to early April, the S&P 500 has rebounded […]
Golf and Wealth: Why Your Score—and Your Net Worth—Aren’t the Whole Story
Golf and building wealth might seem like unrelated pursuits, but beneath the surface, they share much in common. Both require careful planning, mental resilience, adaptability, and a recognition that the journey is more important than the final tally. Drawing on insights from “Why No One Cares About Your Golf Score,” here’s how the lessons of […]
Travel Smart This Summer
Summer is a time for rest, relaxation, and travel – but unfortunately, it can also bring heightened cybersecurity risks. As your trusted advisor, we want to help you protect your financial life during this season and beyond. While we’re proud to say that no client of ours has ever lost money to fraud, staying vigilant […]
Wealth Planning Commentary – June 2, 2025
Recent Trends in Social Security Claims According to the New York Times, early claims for Social Security benefits have increased by 13% since the beginning of the year. This rise is notable, especially considering the Social Security Trust Fund’s projected depletion timeline remains unchanged. The current surge in early claims appears to stem from heightened […]
Investment Commentary – June 2, 2025
Executive Summary For the month of May, the S&P 500 returned over 6%, its best monthly performance since November 2023. Financial markets have weathered two months of policy-driven volatility, only to end up roughly where they started. After a nearly 20% decline from late February to early April, the S&P 500 has regained most of […]
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%, […]
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. […]
Investment Commentary – May 27, 2025
Executive Summary Equities, bonds and the dollar all retreated last week amid renewed focus on the U.S. budget deficit and rising debt. Fresh tariff threats were also a reminder that trade developments remain, as evidenced by the equity markets’ decline and recovery in response to the threat and “kick the can” headlines related to European […]
Wealth Planning Commentary – May 27, 2025
House Passes Major Tax Bill – Key Provisions to Watch Last week, the House of Representatives passed a significant tax bill, which now heads to the Senate for approval. As this bill navigates the legislative process, remember that its provisions can change before it becomes law. Here’s what you should know about the key proposals […]