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Below is a brief summary of the major themes shaping portfolios as we move into the final months of the year. 1. Equities: Rally Continues Amid Earnings Strength U.S. stocks extended their gains in October. The S&P 500 rose about 2.3 percent, while the Nasdaq gained nearly 4.7 percent, driven

What’s Going On: A Snapshot of the Shutdown The current government shutdown stems from Congress’s inability to pass appropriations for the 2026 fiscal year. A significant number of federal employees have already been furloughed, while many others continue working without pay. Essential services such as Medicare, Medicaid, national defense, and

Please find the next blog in our monthly series that provides a snapshot of the markets and the state of the economy. Economic Overview Market Returns Asset Class Valuations – Rebalancing Rationale Key Risk Factors We Are Watching Disclaimers: The views expressed herein are those of Asset Consulting Group (ACG).

U.S. equities delivered strong gains in September, a month that often leans weaker seasonally. The S&P 500 rose about 3.5 percent and the Nasdaq gained roughly 5.6 percent, marking the best September in over 15 years. Participation was somewhat uneven. Large-cap technology and growth companies remained important drivers of performance,

Consumer Confidence is more than just a survey: recent research in narrative economics suggests it is a critical determinant of the American economy. Here is why: Consumers control the economy, accounting for roughly seventy percent of GDP; their spending is heavily influenced by narratives. The narrative of fear and distrust,

Monetary Policy ▪ The FOMC announced yesterday it will cut the Federal Funds target rate by 25 bps to a range of 4.00 – 4.25%, the first policy rate change of 2025. This decision had become widely expected by the market prior to the meeting.▪ Newly sworn in Fed Governor

Equity markets have staged a strong rally from the April lows, supported by economic and earnings data that have proven more resilient than initially feared. While our investment process incorporates a wide range of inputs, we highlight below several developments that have been particularly relevant in recent weeks. 1. Federal

The Housing Starts Report measures the pace of new residential construction in the United States. It focuses on 2 key indicators: Interpreting the Numbers July’s numbers tell two stories. On one hand, builders are pressing ahead with current projects despite high borrowing costs, showing resilient housing demand. At the same