Is the economy too strong for rate cuts?

October's jobs report showed 165,000 new jobs, far above the 59,000 expected, along with stronger wage growth and a 4.1% unemployment rate. That resilience eases recession concerns, but it could also keep inflation sticky and interest rates higher for longer.

Our latest Market Minute looks at what's driving the labor market and what investors should watch as the new policy agenda takes shape.

With inflation above the Fed’s target and economic growth showing strength, we examine the outlook for interest rates, next week’s elections, and how a potential deal with Iran could affect energy prices.

Will AI replace jobs, or just slow hiring? Barclays’ plan to cut 5,000 positions brings that question closer to home, and with consumer spending driving about 70% of the U.S. economy, it’s one worth watching.

Markets continue to navigate geopolitical tensions, inflation concerns, and evolving economic data. While recent inflation reports offered encouraging signs, uncertainty surrounding global events and the upcoming midterm elections may contribute to continued market volatility. Here's what investors should know.

A U.S.-Iran peace deal announced Sunday evening sent stock futures higher and oil prices sharply lower. But the real story is what happens next in the bond market. Unlike past geopolitical conflicts, Treasuries failed to rally this time, a sign that inflation concerns are overriding the traditional flight-to-safety trade. We break down what the market moves are telling us, and why we don't expect a straight line from here.

Rising credit card delinquencies, persistent inflation, and geopolitical uncertainty are creating new pressures on the American consumer. In this month's market commentary, we examine why consumer health remains a key economic indicator and what these trends could mean for spending, markets, and long-term investment strategy.

Markets surged on ceasefire optimism, but unresolved risks in the Strait of Hormuz, sticky inflation, and rising oil prices continue to cloud the outlook. With core inflation holding at 3%, investors now turn their attention to earnings and consumer spending trends.

Markets continue to react to geopolitical developments and a fast-moving news cycle. We share our perspective on how current events may influence oil, interest rates, and equity markets, and why a long-term investment approach remains essential.

Markets remain in a holding pattern as rising energy prices and geopolitical tensions complicate the path forward. With crude oil up roughly 65% since year-end, inflation pressures persist, limiting the Federal Reserve’s ability to cut rates. Investors are now watching closely for signs of easing energy costs—or broader economic slowdown.

Recent market swings tied to tensions in the Middle East have driven sharp movements in oil prices and daily market performance. While volatility is likely to continue in the near term, current conditions point more toward short-term uncertainty rather than permanent market damage, with oil prices, inflation expectations, and Federal Reserve policy remaining key factors to watch.

In a 6–3 decision, the Supreme Court struck down large portions of President Trump’s tariff program imposed under emergency powers, ruling that the administration exceeded its authority under IEEPA. The decision could trigger billions in refund claims, create a significant gap in projected federal revenue, and alter the balance of power in future trade negotiations. While some national security tariffs remain in place, the ruling introduces renewed uncertainty for businesses, policymakers, and global markets.

The January employment report beat expectations with 130,000 new jobs added, yet underlying revisions and slowing wage growth suggest the labor market is normalizing. While unemployment remains stable at 4.3%, the broader trend points to a late-cycle economy marked by moderate growth, cooling wage pressure, and a lower — but not eliminated — risk of recession.

February opened with increased market volatility as rising layoffs, weakness in technology stocks, and uncertainty around AI’s impact on jobs weighed on investor sentiment. Key indicators including consumer spending, employment trends, and inflation data will be closely watched to help clarify the path ahead for the economy and markets.

Markets hit new highs as the S&P briefly crossed 7,000, while gold and silver continued to rise amid a weaker U.S. dollar. The Federal Reserve held interest rates steady at 3.50%–3.75% after three consecutive cuts in late 2025, citing steady inflation and a stabilizing labor market. However, a sharp drop in consumer confidence and growing uncertainty around employment suggest that further rate cuts later in 2026 remain a strong possibility.

Today’s Market Minute unpacks rising tensions between the White House and the Federal Reserve, the DOJ’s investigation into Chairman Powell, and what it all means for market volatility. Despite early market jitters, major indexes finished the day higher—highlighting once again why long-term discipline matters more than short-term headlines.

We begin 2026 with markets navigating a complex mix of economic and geopolitical developments. From renewed scrutiny of federal welfare programs and spending to the arrest of Nicolas Maduro and its implications for global energy markets, investors are once again reminded how policy and politics can influence capital flows. After three consecutive years of strong U.S. equity performance, markets may remain cautious as they digest these events, with short-term volatility possible. We continue to monitor developments closely and remain focused on long-term portfolio positioning and financial planning.