In the latest report by the Census Bureau, building permits unexpectedly rose to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1.482 million in March. This marks a 1.6% increase from February but a 0.2% decline compared to one year ago.
In the latest report by the Census Bureau, housing starts plummeted to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1.324 million in March. This marks an 11.4% decrease from February, the largest monthly decline in a year, but a 1.9% increase compared to one year ago.
US Treasuries fell, snapping three days of gains, as traders pared bets on Federal Reserve interest-rate cuts after Chair Jerome Powell reiterated his commitment to keeping inflation in check.
Charles Schwab Corp.’s daily average trades exceeded expectations as retail investors rushed to respond to market volatility in the first three months of the year.
The latest Philadelphia Fed manufacturing index showed a decline in activity this month. The index sank nearly 39 points to -26.4, its lowest reading in two years. The latest reading was much lower than the forecast of 2.2.
In the week ending April 12th, initial jobless claims were at a seasonally adjusted level of 215,000. This represents a decrease of 9,000 from the previous week's figure. The latest reading was lower than the 225,000 forecast.
Covered call strategies have been around for a very long time, but covered call ETFs have recently enjoyed a massive increase in popularity.
The month of April will unfortunately go down in financial market folklore as being one of the more noteworthy on record.
Although uncertainty remains, perpetual market swings may be less frequent.
In this article, we examine everything from the yield curve to CAPE ratios to gain a sense of where we are, and where we might be headed next.
CIO Sean Taylor assesses a better-than-expected quarter for emerging markets and takes stock of the drivers that may support the asset class in what could be difficult months ahead for global markets.
If there’s one thing investors have learned in recent days, it’s that there’s no way to guess what America will do next. With its on-again, off-again tariffs, the US administration has demonstrated a rare and reckless willingness to shock markets.
JPMorgan's Jon Maier spoke with VettaFi about active management in the ETFs space approaching investing in the current environment.
Nominal retail sales in March were up 1.43% month-over-month (MoM) and up 4.60% year-over-year (YoY). However, after adjusting for inflation, real retail sales were up 1.48% MoM and up 2.15% YoY.
Builder confidence inched up in April thanks to a recent dip in mortgage rates however economic uncertainty stemming from tariff concerns kept sentiment negative for a 12th straight month. The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Housing Market Index (HMI) rose to 40 this month, up 1 point from March. The latest reading was above the 38 forecast.
Delta Air Lines Inc. and the parent of Frontier Airlines recently yanked earnings guidance for 2025, with JPMorgan Chase & Co. Chief Executive Officer Jamie Dimon saying that he expects “to see more of that.”
Now that the stock market has momentarily stabilized from the shock of President Donald Trump’s “Liberation Day” tariffs, investors have an opportunity to reflect on how their portfolio held up during the past two turbulent weeks.
Swedish firm EQT AB received more than $10 billion in investor commitments for its latest pan-Asia private equity fund, putting it on track to reach its fundraising goal despite the market volatility.
The Census Bureau's Advance Retail Sales Report for March showed a surge in consumer spending last month, with headline sales rising 1.4%. This is the largest monthly increase since January 2023 and higher than the expected 1.3% growth.
Inflation affects everything from grocery bills to rent, making the Consumer Price Index (CPI) one of the most closely watched economic indicators. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) tracks this by categorizing spending into eight categories, each weighted by its relative importance.
Navigating market volatility can be challenging for investors. Our Bill Cass shares several tax planning strategies to consider.
Last week, the S&P 500 was up 5.7%, the strongest week for the market since November 2023.
While the US experiments with reordering the world’s trading system, uncertainty rises and volatility ensues. We are reminded of the delicate balance between safeguarding domestic interests and promoting a cooperative global trading system.
Nick Goetze discusses fixed income market conditions and offers insight for bond investors.
While we continue to feel the U.S. has structural investment advantages, we are mindful that the scope of the current administration's policy shifts may present challenges to our sustained economic momentum.
2025 has marked a striking reversal, with European stocks delivering exceptional returns that have handily surpassed US market performance.
The current market unrest over the potential for tariff increases and their impact is unpredictable. The volatility can be unnerving.
SPY's recent surge of inflows showcases how advisors are using ETFs as crucial vehicles for navigating market volatility.
Gas prices fell for the first time in four weeks, experiencing its largest weekly drop in over ten months. As of April 14th, the price of regular and premium gas were each down 7 cents from the previous week.
Markets have had a wild ride these past couple of weeks, alongside chaotic tariff-related news, with volatility (and its policy triggers) most elevated in the bond market.
After sinking nearly $2 billion into a triple-levered semiconductor fund last week, retail investors are enduring a volatile ride as the Nasdaq 100 swings between gains and losses.
US equities extended a rebound into a third session Tuesday as traders weighed the ongoing global trade war against a slew of positive earnings reports from Wall Street banks.
Travel on all roads and streets declined in February. The 12-month moving average was down 0.11% month-over-month but was up 0.95% year-over-year. However, if we factor in population growth, the 12-month MA of the civilian population-adjusted data (age 16-and-over) was down 0.17% MoM and down 0.95% YoY.
On this episode of the “ETF of the Week” podcast, VettaFi’s Head of Research Todd Rosenbluth talked about the Neuberger Berman Commodity Strategy ETF (NBCM) with Money Life host Chuck Jaffe. The pair covered a range of topics related to the fund, providing investors with a deeper understanding of the ETF.
Wall Street on Monday finally caught a respite from the deep selloffs and unusually sharp swings that have raced through markets ever since President Donald Trump unleashed his global trade war.
This month’s roller-coaster ride through the markets has been more frightening than exhilarating for many Americans, who have more than $44 trillion invested in retirement accounts.
Portfolio rebalancing helps advisors uncover a new investment plan of action that aligns with a client's long-term financial milestones. It also considers how the current market will impact asset diversification.
On Monday, April 7, the S&P 500 dropped as much as 4.7% at the session low before whiplashing higher on reports of a potential tariff delay—closing the day up 3.4% from Friday’s close.
We think it’s important for the Fed to move gradually. The US dollar has weakened lately, and, as a result, there is little case for a drastic loosening of monetary policy. The Fed could let up somewhat on bank regulations and capital requirements, which would help the struggling bond market.
Significant government policy shifts, particularly in tariffs and regulatory restructuring, have created uncertainty and volatility. We continue monitoring potential risks like inflation and recession while remaining focused on identifying profitable investment opportunities amidst these changes.
In a tumultuous environment, investors increasingly turned to actively managed bond ETFs this year according to JPMAM research.
Yield spreads are critical to understanding market sentiment and predicting potential stock market downturns. While yield spreads have widened, they remain well below the long-term averages. However, if recession risks increase due to tariffs, sentiment, or illiquidity, those yield spreads will widen further.
After sparking the steepest plunge in financial markets since the global pandemic five years ago, President Donald Trump’s administration made another dramatic pivot in its trade war strategy on April 9: It paused for 90 days the “reciprocal” tariffs that had been in effect for less than 24 hours.
After starting the year on a high note with the S&P 500 index of U.S. Large Cap stocks posting an all-time high on February 19th, equities retreated during the second half of the quarter, officially falling into correction territory (down 10 percent) on March 13.
Another period of heightened volatility in the markets reminds us why tax management can be such an essential part of fixed income investing.
It was a wild week on Wall Street after President Donald Trump announced a broad new tariff policy that went beyond what most analysts had anticipated, spurring a plunge in both stock and bond markets.
On 9 April, President Donald Trump announced a 90-day pause on the higher “add-on” reciprocal tariffs on 50-plus countries that had been announced the previous week, precipitating a historic equity market rally and showing that there was seemingly a limit to how far he would go to move forward with his trade agenda.
Spending cuts, tariffs and recession risk—Jan van Eck’s latest outlook breaks down what to watch and why he’s focused on gold, bitcoin, semiconductors and India.
Vanguard head of U.S. ETF Capital Markets Bill Coleman discussed the growing role that active ETFs are playing in portfolios.
Bonds have gained as investors sought shelter amid growing fears around a tariff-driven global economic slowdown.
Morgan Stanley’s stock-traders delivered first-quarter revenue that exceeded analyst predictions, as Wall Street’s biggest banks continue to benefit from turbulence ignited by President Donald Trump’s policies.
Berkshire Hathaway Inc. sold ¥90 billion ($628 million) of bonds on Friday in its smallest yen deal ever in a market rocked by an escalating trade war.
JPMorgan Chase & Co.’s stock traders took in a record haul in the first quarter, boosted by chaotic market moves set off by President Donald Trump’s policy announcements after he took office in January.
Wholesale inflation unexpectedly fell in March, dropping for the first time in 17 months. The producer price index for final demand was down 0.4% month-over-month after a 0.1% increase in February. This was lower than the expected 0.2% growth.
Earnings season begins with companies adjusting on the fly to tariffs. This could give investors insight into strategies firms are taking and how businesses might be affected.
Taxpayers plan to use their tax refunds for essentials and debt repayment, as well as savings strategies. Bill Cass shares ideas and strategies to consider this year.
The markets are in the middle of a historic decline. Not so much in the magnitude—while we are approaching a bear market, these happen fairly regularly—but in the speed of the drop.
On 2 April, the Trump administration announced sweeping tariffs that were more aggressive than many had expected. Then on 9 April, the administration announced a 90-day pause on most of the new country-specific “reciprocal tariffs.”
After several weeks of steep selloffs, the major averages roared back on Wednesday as the Trump administration announced a 90-day pause on its reciprocal tariffs.
Markets responded swiftly to President Trump’s recent announcement of sweeping reciprocal tariffs, with the S&P 500 falling more than 3% in a single day.
Concerns about a trade war have rattled markets so far in 2025, but we believe fixed income investors need to be patient, stay defensive, and see how things evolve before making any big decisions.
Global equities faced fresh challenges in the first quarter of 2025 amid growing trade-war concerns and developments in artificial intelligence (AI).
Last week President Trump announced tariffs on nearly all US trading partners, a move that far exceeded the most pessimistic expectations of market participants.
The Consumer Price Index for Urban Consumers (CPI-U) release for March puts the year-over-year inflation rate at 2.39%. The latest reading keeps inflation below the 3.73% average since the end of the Second World War. Additionally, for a second straight month, inflation sits below the 10-year moving average which is at 2.95%.
With the financial markets still wrestling with the tariff announcements from last week, one thing is still certain: uncertainty remains an integral part of the investment landscape.
Shorter-term Treasuries gained after an unexpected ebb in US inflation last month calmed bond traders shaken by President Donald Trump’s evolving trade policy.
Inflation cooled for a second straight month in March, falling to its lowest level in over four years. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the headline figure for the Consumer Price Index was at 2.4% year-over-year, lower than the expected 2.5% growth.
In an era when a select group of tech behemoths has dominated market returns, investors are growing increasingly wary of the concentration risk it poses.
Markets were jolted last week after President Trump announced sweeping tariffs, including steep increases on China, Japan, and the EU, leading to a 10.5% drop in the S&P 500 over two days—an event seen only during major crises in the past 75 years.
A Wall Street axiom states that the stock markets lead the economy by about six months. While not a perfect predictor, the stock market reacts to investor expectations about future corporate earnings, economic activity, interest rates, and inflation.
With uncertainty in abundance, we think investors should avoid drastic moves.
Callable bonds make up a large share of the bond market—and introduce one more variable into the bond-investing process.
The April 2 “reciprocal” tariff announcement has introduced a considerable amount of uncertainty and confusion about the path ahead and the end game for President Trump.
How might the recently announced US trade measures translate into economic reality?
VettaFi addresses common questions on midstream/MLPs, oil prices, recessions, and tariffs following last week’s equity sell-off.
With a number of factors at play, the short-term pullback in gold will likely meet resistance to the long-term, unchanged fundamentals,
This article provides information on the history and more recent developments of trust law and the corporate trustee industry. This information will help advisors to make informed decisions on clients’ generational planning choices, and to attract and retain assets.
DoubleLine Global Bond Portfolio Manager Bill Campbell shares DoubleLine’s outlook for risk markets, the U.S. Treasury curve, inflation, growth and Federal Reserve policy in light of Washington’s reciprocal tariffs and reactions of U.S. trade partners.
When it’s finally completed seven years from now, Citadel LLC’s New York tower will be the second tallest building in the city, after the World Trade Center. It will also loom over the headquarters of JPMorgan Chase & Co. just a few hundred yards south along Park Avenue.
An enduring image from 2024 will be the capture of the SpaceX booster rocket by the Mechazilla robot arms on its return to Earth.
At the start of last week, the S&P 500 rallied three days in a row, with investors believing that the tariffs announced on Wednesday would be targeted.
Tariff Turbulence. The President’s long-anticipated tariff announcement on April 2 has come and gone. Our hopes for some clarity, so the uncertainty weighing on confidence and the equity market could subside, were dashed after we heard the breadth and magnitude of the administration’s tariff plan.
We’re adjusting our stance in response to rising risk while maintaining a disciplined view on long-term strategy.
While the path may have twists and turns, the destination seems clear; higher U.S. tariffs.
Many of us came into the year with highly concentrated portfolios, which now were faced with changing market conditions.
The recent market drawdown highlights risks of a concentrated S&P 500—and the case for diversification now.
Our monthly workforce recovery analysis has been updated to include the latest employment report for March. The unemployment rate inched up to 4.2%. Additionally, the number of new non-farm jobs (a relatively volatile number subject to extensive revisions) came in at 228,000.
A sharp selloff in shares of Apple Inc. illustrates investor skepticism about its ability to navigate President Donald Trump’s tariffs on China, Vietnam and India — countries all critical to the iPhone maker’s supply chain.
MFS, which pioneered the first mutual fund in 1924, recently entered the ETF arena with the launch of five actively managed products. MFS’s Emily Dupre discusses the firm’s decision-making process around launching ETFs, their investment capabilities, and the role active management plays in a portfolio. Plus, VettaFi’s Roxanna Islam assesses the ETF impact of the recent tariffs announcement.
US Treasuries tentatively resumed their gains on Tuesday after the wildest day for bond traders since the height of the pandemic in March 2020.
Risk Management
Building Permits Unexpectedly Rise 1.6% in March
In the latest report by the Census Bureau, building permits unexpectedly rose to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1.482 million in March. This marks a 1.6% increase from February but a 0.2% decline compared to one year ago.
Housing Starts Plummet 11.4% in March
In the latest report by the Census Bureau, housing starts plummeted to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1.324 million in March. This marks an 11.4% decrease from February, the largest monthly decline in a year, but a 1.9% increase compared to one year ago.
US Treasuries Decline as Powell’s Hawkish Message Sinks In
US Treasuries fell, snapping three days of gains, as traders pared bets on Federal Reserve interest-rate cuts after Chair Jerome Powell reiterated his commitment to keeping inflation in check.
Schwab Trading Tops Estimates as Customers Cope With Volatility
Charles Schwab Corp.’s daily average trades exceeded expectations as retail investors rushed to respond to market volatility in the first three months of the year.
Philadelphia Fed Manufacturing Index: Sinks to 2-Year Low
The latest Philadelphia Fed manufacturing index showed a decline in activity this month. The index sank nearly 39 points to -26.4, its lowest reading in two years. The latest reading was much lower than the forecast of 2.2.
Unemployment Claims Down 9K, Lower Than Expected
In the week ending April 12th, initial jobless claims were at a seasonally adjusted level of 215,000. This represents a decrease of 9,000 from the previous week's figure. The latest reading was lower than the 225,000 forecast.
A Deep Dive into Covered Call ETFs
Covered call strategies have been around for a very long time, but covered call ETFs have recently enjoyed a massive increase in popularity.
The Fed Can Use the “Alphabet” if Need Be
The month of April will unfortunately go down in financial market folklore as being one of the more noteworthy on record.
Is the Worst Behind Us?
Although uncertainty remains, perpetual market swings may be less frequent.
Do Indicators Point to Potential Further Stock Market Declines?
In this article, we examine everything from the yield curve to CAPE ratios to gain a sense of where we are, and where we might be headed next.
Domestic Drivers in Tariff Headwinds
CIO Sean Taylor assesses a better-than-expected quarter for emerging markets and takes stock of the drivers that may support the asset class in what could be difficult months ahead for global markets.
The Financial Crisis of 2025? Better to Be Ready
If there’s one thing investors have learned in recent days, it’s that there’s no way to guess what America will do next. With its on-again, off-again tariffs, the US administration has demonstrated a rare and reckless willingness to shock markets.
JPMorgan’s Maier Sees Paradigm Shift to Active Management in ETFs
JPMorgan's Jon Maier spoke with VettaFi about active management in the ETFs space approaching investing in the current environment.
The Big Four Recession Indicators: Real Retail Jump 1.5% in March
Nominal retail sales in March were up 1.43% month-over-month (MoM) and up 4.60% year-over-year (YoY). However, after adjusting for inflation, real retail sales were up 1.48% MoM and up 2.15% YoY.
NAHB Housing Market Index: Uncertainty Continues to Weigh on Builder Confidence
Builder confidence inched up in April thanks to a recent dip in mortgage rates however economic uncertainty stemming from tariff concerns kept sentiment negative for a 12th straight month. The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Housing Market Index (HMI) rose to 40 this month, up 1 point from March. The latest reading was above the 38 forecast.
Baffled C-Suites Are a Fresh Hurdle for Markets
Delta Air Lines Inc. and the parent of Frontier Airlines recently yanked earnings guidance for 2025, with JPMorgan Chase & Co. Chief Executive Officer Jamie Dimon saying that he expects “to see more of that.”
Now Is the Time to Ask: How Much Market Risk Can You Take?
Now that the stock market has momentarily stabilized from the shock of President Donald Trump’s “Liberation Day” tariffs, investors have an opportunity to reflect on how their portfolio held up during the past two turbulent weeks.
EQT’s Asia Buyout Fund Gets $10 Billion, On Track for Target
Swedish firm EQT AB received more than $10 billion in investor commitments for its latest pan-Asia private equity fund, putting it on track to reach its fundraising goal despite the market volatility.
Retail Sales Surge 1.4% in March, Higher Than Expected
The Census Bureau's Advance Retail Sales Report for March showed a surge in consumer spending last month, with headline sales rising 1.4%. This is the largest monthly increase since January 2023 and higher than the expected 1.3% growth.
Inside the Consumer Price Index: March 2025
Inflation affects everything from grocery bills to rent, making the Consumer Price Index (CPI) one of the most closely watched economic indicators. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) tracks this by categorizing spending into eight categories, each weighted by its relative importance.
Six Tax Planning Ideas for Navigating Market Volatility
Navigating market volatility can be challenging for investors. Our Bill Cass shares several tax planning strategies to consider.
Looking at the Economic Data and Volatility in the Bond Market
Last week, the S&P 500 was up 5.7%, the strongest week for the market since November 2023.
What to Expect From Equities in the New World Order
While the US experiments with reordering the world’s trading system, uncertainty rises and volatility ensues. We are reminded of the delicate balance between safeguarding domestic interests and promoting a cooperative global trading system.
Volatility Is the Theme of the Moment
Nick Goetze discusses fixed income market conditions and offers insight for bond investors.
Equity Outlook: American Exceptionalism Reexamined
While we continue to feel the U.S. has structural investment advantages, we are mindful that the scope of the current administration's policy shifts may present challenges to our sustained economic momentum.
From Magnificent 7 to European Revival
2025 has marked a striking reversal, with European stocks delivering exceptional returns that have handily surpassed US market performance.
Risk Management Amid Economic Uncertainty
The current market unrest over the potential for tariff increases and their impact is unpredictable. The volatility can be unnerving.
SPY’s Trading Volume Highlights Advisor Enthusiasm Toward ETFs
SPY's recent surge of inflows showcases how advisors are using ETFs as crucial vehicles for navigating market volatility.
Gas Prices Fall for First Time in Four Weeks
Gas prices fell for the first time in four weeks, experiencing its largest weekly drop in over ten months. As of April 14th, the price of regular and premium gas were each down 7 cents from the previous week.
Upside Down(side): Markets' Wild Rides
Markets have had a wild ride these past couple of weeks, alongside chaotic tariff-related news, with volatility (and its policy triggers) most elevated in the bond market.
Leveraged ETF Traders Endure Volatile Ride After Chip Bet
After sinking nearly $2 billion into a triple-levered semiconductor fund last week, retail investors are enduring a volatile ride as the Nasdaq 100 swings between gains and losses.
S&P 500 Rises as Traders Parse Earnings and Tariff Developments
US equities extended a rebound into a third session Tuesday as traders weighed the ongoing global trade war against a slew of positive earnings reports from Wall Street banks.
America's Driving Habits: February 2025
Travel on all roads and streets declined in February. The 12-month moving average was down 0.11% month-over-month but was up 0.95% year-over-year. However, if we factor in population growth, the 12-month MA of the civilian population-adjusted data (age 16-and-over) was down 0.17% MoM and down 0.95% YoY.
Neuberger Berman Commodity Strategy ETF (NBCM)
On this episode of the “ETF of the Week” podcast, VettaFi’s Head of Research Todd Rosenbluth talked about the Neuberger Berman Commodity Strategy ETF (NBCM) with Money Life host Chuck Jaffe. The pair covered a range of topics related to the fund, providing investors with a deeper understanding of the ETF.
Bond Rebound Relieves Markets Dazed by Week of Trade Turmoil
Wall Street on Monday finally caught a respite from the deep selloffs and unusually sharp swings that have raced through markets ever since President Donald Trump unleashed his global trade war.
Social Security Is Protection From Volatility
This month’s roller-coaster ride through the markets has been more frightening than exhilarating for many Americans, who have more than $44 trillion invested in retirement accounts.
How Advisors Can Assist Clients in Rebalancing Their Portfolio Over Time
Portfolio rebalancing helps advisors uncover a new investment plan of action that aligns with a client's long-term financial milestones. It also considers how the current market will impact asset diversification.
Lessons From the Dip: A Gameplan for Market Chaos
On Monday, April 7, the S&P 500 dropped as much as 4.7% at the session low before whiplashing higher on reports of a potential tariff delay—closing the day up 3.4% from Friday’s close.
Time to Cut Rates
We think it’s important for the Fed to move gradually. The US dollar has weakened lately, and, as a result, there is little case for a drastic loosening of monetary policy. The Fed could let up somewhat on bank regulations and capital requirements, which would help the struggling bond market.
Muhlenkamp Quarterly Market Commentary – April 2025
Significant government policy shifts, particularly in tariffs and regulatory restructuring, have created uncertainty and volatility. We continue monitoring potential risks like inflation and recession while remaining focused on identifying profitable investment opportunities amidst these changes.
Investors Turn to Actively Managed Bond ETFs in March
In a tumultuous environment, investors increasingly turned to actively managed bond ETFs this year according to JPMAM research.
Yield Spreads Suggest The Risk Isn’t Over Yet
Yield spreads are critical to understanding market sentiment and predicting potential stock market downturns. While yield spreads have widened, they remain well below the long-term averages. However, if recession risks increase due to tariffs, sentiment, or illiquidity, those yield spreads will widen further.
What Does the Tariff Pause Mean for Markets?
After sparking the steepest plunge in financial markets since the global pandemic five years ago, President Donald Trump’s administration made another dramatic pivot in its trade war strategy on April 9: It paused for 90 days the “reciprocal” tariffs that had been in effect for less than 24 hours.
Tariffs Add Another Challenge for Investors to Consider
After starting the year on a high note with the S&P 500 index of U.S. Large Cap stocks posting an all-time high on February 19th, equities retreated during the second half of the quarter, officially falling into correction territory (down 10 percent) on March 13.
Fixed Income Tax Loss Harvesting: Realizing Losses No Matter When They Occur
Another period of heightened volatility in the markets reminds us why tax management can be such an essential part of fixed income investing.
Hard Turn on Tariffs
It was a wild week on Wall Street after President Donald Trump announced a broad new tariff policy that went beyond what most analysts had anticipated, spurring a plunge in both stock and bond markets.
President Trump Blinks for Now, But Tariffs Remain High
On 9 April, President Donald Trump announced a 90-day pause on the higher “add-on” reciprocal tariffs on 50-plus countries that had been announced the previous week, precipitating a historic equity market rally and showing that there was seemingly a limit to how far he would go to move forward with his trade agenda.
Q2 2025 Outlook: In the Middle of the 3% Reckoning
Spending cuts, tariffs and recession risk—Jan van Eck’s latest outlook breaks down what to watch and why he’s focused on gold, bitcoin, semiconductors and India.
Vanguard Details Demand & Opportunities for Active ETFs
Vanguard head of U.S. ETF Capital Markets Bill Coleman discussed the growing role that active ETFs are playing in portfolios.
As Tariffs Cloud Outlook, Municipal Bonds May Offer Opportunity
Bonds have gained as investors sought shelter amid growing fears around a tariff-driven global economic slowdown.
Morgan Stanley Stock Traders Deliver Record on Volatility
Morgan Stanley’s stock-traders delivered first-quarter revenue that exceeded analyst predictions, as Wall Street’s biggest banks continue to benefit from turbulence ignited by President Donald Trump’s policies.
Berkshire Yen Bond Deal Is Its Smallest Ever Amid Trade War
Berkshire Hathaway Inc. sold ¥90 billion ($628 million) of bonds on Friday in its smallest yen deal ever in a market rocked by an escalating trade war.
JPMorgan Stock Traders Notch Record Revenue on Market Chaos
JPMorgan Chase & Co.’s stock traders took in a record haul in the first quarter, boosted by chaotic market moves set off by President Donald Trump’s policy announcements after he took office in January.
Producer Price Index: Wholesale Inflation Unexpectedly Falls in March
Wholesale inflation unexpectedly fell in March, dropping for the first time in 17 months. The producer price index for final demand was down 0.4% month-over-month after a 0.1% increase in February. This was lower than the expected 0.2% growth.
Tariff Two-Step: What to Watch as Earnings Begin
Earnings season begins with companies adjusting on the fly to tariffs. This could give investors insight into strategies firms are taking and how businesses might be affected.
Putting Your Tax Refund to Work
Taxpayers plan to use their tax refunds for essentials and debt repayment, as well as savings strategies. Bill Cass shares ideas and strategies to consider this year.
Tariffs Shock Economy and Markets
The markets are in the middle of a historic decline. Not so much in the magnitude—while we are approaching a bear market, these happen fairly regularly—but in the speed of the drop.
The U.S. Economy’s Trajectory Amid Higher Tariffs
On 2 April, the Trump administration announced sweeping tariffs that were more aggressive than many had expected. Then on 9 April, the administration announced a 90-day pause on most of the new country-specific “reciprocal tariffs.”
Tariff Pause Brings One-Day Relief Rally–Largest Since '08
After several weeks of steep selloffs, the major averages roared back on Wednesday as the Trump administration announced a 90-day pause on its reciprocal tariffs.
Tariffs, Turbulence, and the Case for Staying Diversified
Markets responded swiftly to President Trump’s recent announcement of sweeping reciprocal tariffs, with the S&P 500 falling more than 3% in a single day.
Strategic Income Outlook: Magic 8-Ball Says, “Ask Again Later"
Concerns about a trade war have rattled markets so far in 2025, but we believe fixed income investors need to be patient, stay defensive, and see how things evolve before making any big decisions.
Finding Silver Linings in Very Cloudy Markets
Global equities faced fresh challenges in the first quarter of 2025 amid growing trade-war concerns and developments in artificial intelligence (AI).
The Path Forward After the Tariff Shock
Last week President Trump announced tariffs on nearly all US trading partners, a move that far exceeded the most pessimistic expectations of market participants.
Inflation Since 1872: A Long-Term Look at the CPI
The Consumer Price Index for Urban Consumers (CPI-U) release for March puts the year-over-year inflation rate at 2.39%. The latest reading keeps inflation below the 3.73% average since the end of the Second World War. Additionally, for a second straight month, inflation sits below the 10-year moving average which is at 2.95%.
Trump, Powell & Rates: The Post-Liberation Day Edition
With the financial markets still wrestling with the tariff announcements from last week, one thing is still certain: uncertainty remains an integral part of the investment landscape.
US Treasuries Rebound Even as Tariff Rout Haunts Long-Dated Debt
Shorter-term Treasuries gained after an unexpected ebb in US inflation last month calmed bond traders shaken by President Donald Trump’s evolving trade policy.
Consumer Price Index: Inflation Cools to 2.4% in March
Inflation cooled for a second straight month in March, falling to its lowest level in over four years. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the headline figure for the Consumer Price Index was at 2.4% year-over-year, lower than the expected 2.5% growth.
Small Caps, Big Opportunities: Investing Beyond Large-Cap Stocks
In an era when a select group of tech behemoths has dominated market returns, investors are growing increasingly wary of the concentration risk it poses.
Q1 2025 Baird Chautauqua Global Outlook
Markets were jolted last week after President Trump announced sweeping tariffs, including steep increases on China, Japan, and the EU, leading to a 10.5% drop in the S&P 500 over two days—an event seen only during major crises in the past 75 years.
The Stock Market Warning Of A Recession?
A Wall Street axiom states that the stock markets lead the economy by about six months. While not a perfect predictor, the stock market reacts to investor expectations about future corporate earnings, economic activity, interest rates, and inflation.
Tariff Shock: Managing a Portfolio Through the Turmoil
With uncertainty in abundance, we think investors should avoid drastic moves.
Callable Bonds: Understanding How They Work
Callable bonds make up a large share of the bond market—and introduce one more variable into the bond-investing process.
What’s the Tariff Endgame?
The April 2 “reciprocal” tariff announcement has introduced a considerable amount of uncertainty and confusion about the path ahead and the end game for President Trump.
The Tale of Tariffs Round Two for the US Economy
How might the recently announced US trade measures translate into economic reality?
Tariff Tantrum: Addressing Questions on Oil & Midstream
VettaFi addresses common questions on midstream/MLPs, oil prices, recessions, and tariffs following last week’s equity sell-off.
Should You Be Concerned About the Pullback in Gold?
With a number of factors at play, the short-term pullback in gold will likely meet resistance to the long-term, unchanged fundamentals,
An Advisor Road Map to the Corporate Trustee Industry
This article provides information on the history and more recent developments of trust law and the corporate trustee industry. This information will help advisors to make informed decisions on clients’ generational planning choices, and to attract and retain assets.
DoubleLine's Take on the Reciprocal Tariffs
DoubleLine Global Bond Portfolio Manager Bill Campbell shares DoubleLine’s outlook for risk markets, the U.S. Treasury curve, inflation, growth and Federal Reserve policy in light of Washington’s reciprocal tariffs and reactions of U.S. trade partners.
Shadow Banks Are Too Big to Stay in the Shadows
When it’s finally completed seven years from now, Citadel LLC’s New York tower will be the second tallest building in the city, after the World Trade Center. It will also loom over the headquarters of JPMorgan Chase & Co. just a few hundred yards south along Park Avenue.
2025 Global Market Outlook: The Mechazilla Moment
An enduring image from 2024 will be the capture of the SpaceX booster rocket by the Mechazilla robot arms on its return to Earth.
Putting the Market Sell-Off into Perspective
At the start of last week, the S&P 500 rallied three days in a row, with investors believing that the tariffs announced on Wednesday would be targeted.
Trade Policy Shifts Put the Fed in a Challenging Position
Tariff Turbulence. The President’s long-anticipated tariff announcement on April 2 has come and gone. Our hopes for some clarity, so the uncertainty weighing on confidence and the equity market could subside, were dashed after we heard the breadth and magnitude of the administration’s tariff plan.
Recalibrating for Higher Risk Without Overcorrecting
We’re adjusting our stance in response to rising risk while maintaining a disciplined view on long-term strategy.
Tariff Turbulence: What to Watch, Including Possible Constraints
While the path may have twists and turns, the destination seems clear; higher U.S. tariffs.
3 ETF Demand Trends Amid Market Turmoil
Many of us came into the year with highly concentrated portfolios, which now were faced with changing market conditions.
Market Madness: The 'Elite 8' Are Becoming a Liability
The recent market drawdown highlights risks of a concentrated S&P 500—and the case for diversification now.
U.S. Workforce Recovery Analysis: March 2025
Our monthly workforce recovery analysis has been updated to include the latest employment report for March. The unemployment rate inched up to 4.2%. Additionally, the number of new non-farm jobs (a relatively volatile number subject to extensive revisions) came in at 228,000.
Apple’s Historic Selloff Has Bulls Balking From Tariff Risks
A sharp selloff in shares of Apple Inc. illustrates investor skepticism about its ability to navigate President Donald Trump’s tariffs on China, Vietnam and India — countries all critical to the iPhone maker’s supply chain.
Mutual Fund Pioneer MFS Enters ETF Arena
MFS, which pioneered the first mutual fund in 1924, recently entered the ETF arena with the launch of five actively managed products. MFS’s Emily Dupre discusses the firm’s decision-making process around launching ETFs, their investment capabilities, and the role active management plays in a portfolio. Plus, VettaFi’s Roxanna Islam assesses the ETF impact of the recent tariffs announcement.
US Bonds Stabilize After Choppiest Day of Trading in Five Years
US Treasuries tentatively resumed their gains on Tuesday after the wildest day for bond traders since the height of the pandemic in March 2020.