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…
The Market Update with EP Wealth Advisors Managing Director of Investments, Adam Phillips, CFA®, CAIA, CFP® Mixed Inflation Signals and Fed Leadership in the Spotlight The June Consumer Price Index (CPI) report brought mixed news for markets. While overall inflation appeared moderate—marking the fifth consecutive month of softer-than-expected core readings—some…
Market Update: Riding the Rally, But Watch for Trade Risks Markets continue to hover near all-time highs, with the S&P 500 up roughly 26% since its April 8 low. That date marked the day before President Trump announced a 90-day pause on tariffs—a move that has since been extended through…
President Trump’s “one big, beautiful bill” was signed into law on July 4th, beating expectations and easing a major source of market uncertainty. Among its provisions, the bill extends and makes permanent the individual tax cuts from the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act—avoiding what would have been a $400…
As the first half of 2025 wraps up, the S&P 500 has reached a new all-time high—rebounding over 25% since April. But elevated valuations, looming tariff deadlines, and unresolved fiscal policy keep investors on edge. In this update: What drove the market’s sharp rebound Why caution is still warranted heading…
This week’s Market Update focuses on the financial ripple effects following the weekend’s strike on Iranian nuclear sites. While markets remain relatively calm for now, investors are watching oil prices closely—and keeping an eye on potential retaliation from Iran. In this episode: Why markets may be underpricing escalation risk The…
The Market Update Markets responded positively to May’s jobs report, which showed 140,000 new jobs and a steady 4.2% unemployment rate. But beneath the headline numbers, warning signs are starting to emerge. In this week’s Market Update: The labor force shrank by 625,000—raising concerns about discouraged workers Job gains were…
The Market Update A Strong May, Rising Tariffs, and What’s Next for the Economy In this week’s Market Update, Adam Phillips, EP Wealth’s Managing Director of Investments, breaks down May’s unexpected market strength, the economic impact of the new "Liberation Day" tariffs, and what to watch in the upcoming jobs…