Archive for January 2025
An AI bombshell from China sends markets tumbling
Equity markets moved higher last week amid a flurry of executive orders President Donald Trump issued in his first days in office, with the S&P 500 Index hitting a new high on Friday. Today came a bombshell that sent markets lower: Chinese company DeepSeek has been able to train its artificial intelligence models cheaply and…
Read MoreSocial Security: The Choice of a Lifetime, Feb. 19, 2025
Filing for Social Security benefits might seem like a simple, straightforward decision. But with so many rules (over 2,700!) that can impact the benefits you receive, your Social Security filing decision is actually more complicated than you might think. Join us for a free informational webinar that will address three critical considerations you should make…
Read MoreMarkets surged ahead of Inauguration Day. What happens after today?
Last week, the U.S. equity markets posted their best weekly performance since the November 2024 elections, driven by a bit of good news on the inflation front. The release of the latest inflation data on Wednesday helped fuel a rally, despite some minor technical factors that played a role. Here’s a breakdown of the key…
Read MoreFrom optimism to uncertainty: A market shift in the new year
The optimism surrounding the economic benefits of a new U.S. administration and its pro-growth policies quickly faded last week. Friday’s release of a robust employment report triggered a surge in interest rates and significant losses in equity markets. The markets are navigating a complex landscape amid rising concerns about inflation and mounting government debt. Could…
Read MoreA fast-changing world order likely will affect the investment landscape this year
As we enter 2025, the financial investment landscape presents an unusually wide range of risks and opportunities. Traditionally, predictions for financial markets center on corporate earnings expectations and the path of interest rates dictated by global central banks. While these considerations remain important, a number of macroeconomic and geopolitical forces could take center stage in…
Read More