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ISM Manufacturing: A Longstanding Economic Signal

The Institute for Supply Management (ISM) Manufacturing Index is one of the oldest and most widely followed gauges of U.S. economic activity. Originating in the 1940s as a survey of purchasing managers, it was built to capture conditions on the ground including new orders, production, employment, inventories, and supplier deliveries.

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Recap of 2025 Fed Activity

Throughout 2025, Federal Reserve (Fed) policy evolved from a firmly restrictive stance toward a more balanced posture as inflation continued to moderate and growth remained resilient. Policymakers spent much of the year assessing whether disinflation was sufficiently durable to justify a gradual recalibration of rates without reigniting price pressures. Early

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November Jobs Report: What Recent Labor Trends Suggest

The latest U.S. jobs report provided additional insight into a labor market that is beginning to normalize after an extended period of strength. For investors and business leaders, the focus is less on any single data point and more on how broader trends are gradually taking shape across the economy.

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Market Snapshot for November 2025

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).

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December 10th FOMC Follow-Up

Monetary Policy ▪ The FOMC announced today it will cut the Federal Funds target rate by 25 bps to a range of 3.50 – 3.75%, the third consecutive 25 bps rate cut of 2025. While another cut was not a foregone conclusion by mid-November, markets had come to anticipate this

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Trump Accounts: New Tax‑Advantaged Savings for Children

Most Americans now experience taxes as one of the largest long-term drags on wealth. Between taxes on interest, dividends, and capital gains, many investment dollars are taxed repeatedly over a lifetime. Trump Accounts are a new federal savings vehicle created in the most recent tax bill to help families invest

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China’s Surplus Breaks $1 Trillion

China’s trade surplus has surged above a record $1 trillion, cementing its role as the industrial hub of the world. Despite U.S. tariffs, China’s goods-trade surplus has increased month over month, even as its customer base has shifted. Chinese exports to the U.S. have fallen 18.9% in 2025, according to

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November in Review – What’s Driving Markets Now

Below is a summary of the major themes shaping portfolios as we move into year end. 1. Equities: Resilient, but Rotation Underway U.S. stocks ended November slightly higher, continuing a multi-month advance but with notable shifts beneath the surface. The S&P 500 gained just 0.1 percent, extending its winning streak

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Understanding Recent Market Volatility

Financial markets have experienced elevated volatility in recent weeks driven by shifting expectations around interest rates, evolving economic data, and changing sentiment across key sectors including technology and other growth-oriented areas. While periods like this can feel unsettling, volatility is normal and expected. More importantly, it rarely changes the path

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Market Snapshot for October 2025

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).

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After the Shutdown

On November 13, 2025, the US federal government officially reopened after its longest shutdown in history. This reopening benefits both the Federal Reserve in setting monetary policy as well as investors in making informed decisions. The Federal Reserve benefits meaningfully from the restoration of normal government functions, particularly the return

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Major Themes Shaping Portfolios

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

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