Markets turned volatile this week as the conflict in the Middle East continued, pushing oil prices above $100 per barrel and raising concerns about inflation and economic growth. The S&P 500 has pulled back from recent highs as investors assess the potential impact of rising energy costs and a weaker-than-expected…
In this week’s Market Update, we discuss the market’s reaction to recent geopolitical developments and what investors should focus on moving forward. While headlines drove short-term volatility, markets recovered quickly as investors assessed the broader economic impact. Historically, geopolitical events alone have not led to prolonged market declines. We also…
Are foreign investors pulling back from U.S. Treasuries? In this week’s Market Update, we examine recent headlines and investor concerns around foreign ownership of U.S. government debt. We look at what the data actually show, why Treasury yields have remained stable, and where the real risk may lie—not in selling…
This week’s Market Update explores why markets can move higher in uncertain environments, what elevated investor sentiment means for risk and opportunity, and why this week’s earnings reports, Federal Reserve meeting, and government funding deadline matter. We also share why staying focused on long-term fundamentals—not daily noise—remains critical in today’s…
Markets have kicked off the year with a wide range of developments—from rising geopolitical tensions to renewed focus on housing affordability, interest rates, and Federal Reserve independence. With earnings season now underway, investors are watching closely to see how companies are navigating these challenges and what it means for valuations…
Markets opened 2026 steady despite geopolitical headlines. In this week’s Market Update, we discuss why investors are taking a measured view of developments in Venezuela and why Friday’s jobs report will be an important indicator for the economy and markets. #MarketUpdate #Investing #MarketOutlook #JobsReport
As 2025 comes to a close, markets delivered another strong year for investors, with gains across stocks, bonds, and international markets. This Market Update reviews what drove returns in 2025 and outlines the key themes shaping the outlook for 2026. Topics include market performance, elevated valuations, earnings expectations, interest rates,…
The Federal Reserve’s latest interest rate cut came with notable disagreement among policymakers, underscoring the complexity of today’s economic environment. In this Market Update, we break down what the Fed’s internal dissents signal, why borrowing costs remain elevated despite multiple rate cuts, and which upcoming jobs and inflation reports could…
This week marks another important moment for financial markets as the Federal Reserve heads into its December policy meeting. The Fed is widely expected to cut interest rates by 25 basis points, bringing total reductions to 175 basis points since rate cuts began in September of last year. While the…
Holiday spending is strong but more modest once inflation is factored in — and markets are responding mostly to shifting expectations around the Federal Reserve. In this week’s Market Update, we discuss the state of the U.S. consumer, November’s market rebound, and why December often provides supportive seasonal trends for…
Volatility is back as both equities and crypto pull back from recent highs. In this week’s Market Update, Adam Phillips, CFA, CAIA, CFP®, explains what’s driving the renewed market pressure—from shifting Federal Reserve expectations to questions around AI spending and earnings. He also highlights key earnings reports from Nvidia, Walmart,…
After forty days, the longest government shutdown in U.S. history may finally be ending, but consumer sentiment tells a different story. EP Wealth’s Managing Director of Portfolio Strategy, Adam Phillips, CFA, CFP®, breaks down what the tentative government funding deal means for the markets, why consumer confidence has fallen to…
The Federal Reserve’s latest rate decision, the ongoing government shutdown, and a closer look at Big Tech’s AI spending headline this week’s market update. While the Fed signals caution and Washington remains in gridlock, investors are beginning to demand real results from the so-called “Magnificent Seven.” In this week’s video,…
The Federal Reserve’s upcoming policy decision and a wave of tech earnings could shape market direction for the rest of the year. More than 85% of reporting companies have beaten profit expectations, and roughly 82% have exceeded revenue forecasts. Market participants are watching closely as Microsoft, Alphabet, Meta, Amazon, and…
Recent losses at several regional banks have raised concerns about potential cracks in the credit market. While headlines have fueled anxiety, key indicators like default rates and delinquencies remain stable, and most banks continue to report healthy balance sheets. This update examines what’s really happening beneath the surface, how the…
Three years into the current bull market, the S&P 500 has gained more than 80% since October 2022. How does this performance compare with past bull markets—and what could it mean for investors moving forward? This week’s Market Update looks at how technology and AI-driven companies have led the rally,…
Market Update – Investors Stay Upbeat Despite Government Shutdown Markets continue to show strength even as the federal government shutdown halts key economic reports. With limited data available, investors are relying on private-sector indicators such as ADP’s employment report, which suggests continued softening in the labor market. Despite uncertainty, the…
As the U.S. faces the possibility of another government shutdown, many are asking: What does this mean for the economy, the markets, and everyday Americans? In this video, we break down: Why markets often hold up during shutdowns Who feels the immediate financial impact How entitlement payments like Social Security…
The Fed cut rates last week, but policymakers remain divided on what comes next. In this Market Update, we break down: Why the dot plot shows uncertainty for 2025 The risks of moving too slow—or too fast—on cuts What this means for inflation, jobs, and the market outlook Stay informed…
Markets rallied sharply at the end of last week following comments from Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell at the Jackson Hole Economic Symposium. Powell’s remarks suggested the Fed may be preparing to cut interest rates in September, which sent equities higher. The S&P 500 gained about 1.5% on Friday, and…
This week’s Federal Reserve meeting could bring the first rate cut in nearly a year. But with inflation progress stalling and markets already up more than 30% since April, the path ahead remains uncertain. In this Market Update, we cover: - Why labor market weakness is driving Fed action -…
One of the big questions for markets right now is: who’s really paying for the tariffs? The U.S. government is collecting tariff revenues at a pace of roughly $300 billion per year, but whether those costs fall on importers, exporters, or consumers is still evolving. Recent data suggests producers are…
September rate cut odds are at 90%—but this week’s CPI report could change everything. The S&P 500 is up 28% since April, yet seasonal headwinds and investor fatigue may be ahead. Watch EP Wealth’s Weekly Market Update for the full analysis. Disclosures: EP Wealth Advisors, LLC (“EP Wealth”) is a…
The Market Update with EP Wealth Advisors Managing Director of Investments, Adam Phillips, CFA®, CAIA, CFP® Last week was a busy one for markets, with headlines dominated by earnings from several tech giants and major tariff announcements. But two events, in particular—the Federal Reserve’s policy meeting and the latest jobs…