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A Step Toward De-escalation Late yesterday afternoon, the White House announced a two-week ceasefire with Iran, brokered by Pakistan. The U.S. and Israel will pause military strikes. Iran has agreed to allow safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, coordinated with its own military. Face-to-face talks are set to begin

The latest Employment Situation report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics offers investors a fresh read on the direction of the U.S. labor market—and by extension, the broader economy. March’s data shows a modest gain of roughly 178,000 jobs, signaling a rebound from the prior month’s decline but still pointing

The latest ISM Services PMI came in at 54, indicating the sector is still expanding, though at a slower pace than earlier in the cycle. For investors, the key takeaway is that services (roughly 80% of the U.S. economy) remain in growth territory. This backdrop tends to be supportive for

This March 2026 market update highlights key developments across equities, fixed income, and the broader economic landscape as 2026 continues to unfold. EquitiesMarkets Navigated a Meaningful Pullback, with a Constructive FinishGlobal markets faced a meaningful test in March, driven largely by the conflict involving Iran and the resulting spike in

U.S. productivity is usually shorthand for labor productivity: real output produced per hour worked, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics focusing on the nonfarm business sector because it captures most of the private economy. On the latest official data, nonfarm business labor productivity rose at a 1.8% annualized rate in

Securities-based lending (SBL) has its roots in private banking and margin lending practices that date back decades, but it began to take shape as a distinct wealth management strategy in the late 20th century. Initially, borrowing against a portfolio was largely confined to institutional investors and hedge funds using margin

Yesterday (Mon 3/23), the White House said it would hold off on striking Iranian power plants for five days, pointing to “productive conversations” about ending the war. Stocks jumped and oil prices fell on the news. Iran says no formal talks are happening, but the delay replaced a deadline that

Oil prices have a way of capturing attention particularly when they move sharply or are tied to geopolitical events. When that happens, it is natural to ask whether something more significant is unfolding beneath the surface. The more important question, however, is not what oil is doing today but whether

The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) concluded its March 18, 2026 meeting by holding the federal funds rate steady at a range of 3.50% to 3.75%, a decision that was widely anticipated by financial markets. The vote was nearly unanimous, with only one dissenting member advocating for a modest rate

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 Disclaimer The views expressed herein are those of Asset Consulting Group (ACG).