Author: David Davis
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Market Update: March 3 – March 10, 2025
U.S. Stock Market Overview Over the past week, the U.S. stock market faced challenges, primarily due to concerns over new tariff implementations. Despite these hurdles, it’s essential to recognize that markets have historically demonstrated resilience during periods of uncertainty. Key Highlights: • S&P 500 Performance: The SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is currently priced…
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Market Update: February 18 – February 25, 2025
U.S. Stock Market Overview Over the past week, the U.S. stock market has showcased resilience and optimism, with major indices maintaining strong positions. The S&P 500, represented by the SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY), is currently priced at $592.38. The Dow Jones Industrial Average, tracked by the SPDR Dow Jones Industrial Average ETF (DIA),…
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Summary of the FOMC Meeting (January 28-29, 2025)
The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) convened on January 28-29, 2025, to review economic conditions, financial markets, and monetary policy. Key takeaways from the meeting include: • The FOMC maintained the federal funds rate at 4.25%–4.50%, emphasizing a data-driven approach for future changes. • Members agreed that inflation remains somewhat elevated but has significantly eased…
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Market Update: February 11 – February 18, 2025
U.S. Stock Market Overview Over the past week, the U.S. stock market has demonstrated resilience and optimism, with major indices approaching record highs. The S&P 500 experienced a 1.5% increase, while the Nasdaq Composite advanced by 2.6%, reflecting robust investor confidence. The Dow Jones Industrial Average also saw a positive movement, rising by 0.5% during…
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Market Update: February 3 – February 10, 2025
Trade Tensions Escalate in North America Over the past week, significant developments have emerged concerning trade relations between the United States, Canada, and Mexico. On February 1, 2025, President Donald Trump announced the imposition of a 25% tariff on imports from Canada and Mexico, citing concerns over illegal immigration and drug trafficking. In response, both…
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Market Update – February 4, 2025
Over the past week, financial markets have experienced notable volatility, primarily driven by significant developments in international trade policies. Market Performance Overview The S&P 500 and the Nasdaq Composite declined by 0.8% and 1.2%, respectively, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 0.3%. These movements reflect investor concerns over recent trade policy announcements. Tariff Announcements…
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Market Update – January 27, 2025
Over the past week, financial markets have experienced significant volatility, primarily driven by developments in the artificial intelligence (AI) sector. A notable event was the emergence of China’s DeepSeek, an AI assistant application that has rapidly gained popularity. DeepSeek’s rise has led to a substantial sell-off in major technology stocks, as investors reassess the competitive…
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Market Update – January 21, 2025
National Economic Overview The U.S. economy continues to navigate a complex landscape marked by rising bond yields and market concentration. In 2025, two primary risks have emerged for investors: elevated bond yields and a concentrated market index. The shift from an era of low interest rates to one characterized by higher rates and looser fiscal…
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Navigating Financial Planning Amidst 2025 Policy Shifts
The financial landscape is evolving with significant policy changes in 2025. Understanding these developments can be crucial for effective financial planning. Key Policy Changes: 1. Tax Reforms: • Income Tax Rates: The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) provisions, which lowered income tax rates, are set to expire. There is potential for these rates to…
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Internet vs. Financial Planner: The Real Value of Personalized Financial Advice
With the rise of financial influencers (or “finfluencers”) and easily accessible advice on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube, people are turning to social media and the internet for quick money tips. While these platforms can offer helpful information, they also come with risks. When it comes to building a financial future, there’s a significant…
