July 2025 Recap
The Economy In July 2025, the U.S. economy saw a dramatic slowdown in job growth, a bump in inflationary pressures due to tariffs, and a rebound in GDP following a weak first quarter. The economy added only 73,000 jobs, below the expected 115,000. This slowdown was driven by reduced hiring in manufacturing and construction, partly […]
Economic Commentary – August 4, 2025
The flood of economic data last week measured up to all expectations — and probably exceeded more than a few. Collectively, the data painted a picture that most people had already sketched out, one of slowing economic growth, some upward pressure on prices, and a Federal Reserve facing murky uncertainties. Even if the Federal Open Market […]
Investment Commentary – August 4, 2025
Executive Summary Last week, U.S. stocks were down and bonds up (price up / yield down). The S&P 500 outperformed the MSCI Emerging Markets and MSCI EAFE indices. As for fixed income, the 10 yr. Treasury yield fell 17 bp on the week to 4.21%. The best performing parts of the bond market were treasuries, […]
Wealth Planning Commentary – August 4, 2025
What’s Happening to Renewable Energy Incentives? The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) is a sweeping piece of legislation, covering a wide range of tax and incentive changes. One area generating a great deal of attention is the significant shift in federal support for renewable energy. With OBBBA, there’s a clear pivot away from the […]
What Could Possibly Go Wrong? (Four Candidates for Market Mayhem)
By John Lau, CPA, CFP® August 1, 2025 – Since the market bottomed on April 8, stocks have been on a near uninterrupted climb, with the S&P 500 hitting new all-time highs. What’s driving this rally? A potent cocktail of improved trade clarity, stable economic data, a drama-free Washington (relatively speaking), a solid start to […]
FOMC Commentary – July 30, 2025
The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) Interest Rate Meeting concluded with a decision to leave the Fed Funds Target Range at 4.25%-4.5%. This decision was widely expected, as were the dissenting votes of Fed Governors Chris Waller and Michelle Bowman, both of whom voted for a quarter-point interest rate cut.
Q2 2025 Recap
July 29, 2025 – We provide you with a recap of the second quarter.
Wealth Planning Commentary – July 28, 2025
What Families Should Know about the New Trump Account Earlier this month, President Trump signed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) into law, which included a variety of new child-friendly tax provisions. Among them is a new child savings account called a “Trump Account”. While Trump Accounts may help some families on the margins, […]
Investment Commentary – July 28, 2025
Executive Summary We believe the tariff situation represents more of a consumption tax that will be more similar to a one-time price adjustment than stoking runaway inflation expectations. We also believe that housing is an important component of inflation metrics, where home prices have been recently deflating across the country, and mortgage rates remain elevated. […]
Economic Commentary – July 28, 2025
Occasionally, the amount of economic data made available in a short time can seem overwhelming. Such is the case this week, where the “main event” is the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting on Wednesday, but inflation, employment, consumption, and housing data for Q2 and July all appropriately deserve equal attention. Thankfully, much of the important data will […]
One Big Beautiful Bill Act and Its Impact Webinar
Chief Economist Jeanette Garretty and Head of Wealth Planning Mallon FitzPatrick break down the impact of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) on your financial plan.
Robertson Stephens Continues Its Growth in New York
Wealth Manager Leah Hokenson Joins Robertson Stephens New York Office July 28, 2025 – Robertson Stephens Wealth Management, LLC (“Robertson Stephens”) continues to grow its presence in New York. Leah Hokenson joins as Managing Director and Principal, specializing in comprehensive wealth management for artists, art collectors, and entrepreneurs worldwide. Robertson Stephens manages $7.5 billion in […]