The second quarter of 2025 showcased both the resilience of financial markets and their sensitivity to policy uncertainty. From the White House's tariff announcements in April to escalating tensions between Israel and Iran in June, investors faced many challenges. Yet, the stock market went on to stage one of the fastest rebounds in history and finished the quarter at new all-time highs.
The recent decline of the U.S. dollar against major global currencies has reached three-year lows, sparking discussions about America's financial standing worldwide. This currency movement, occurring during a period of trade and economic uncertainty, has reignited debates about the dollar's future role in international markets. Understanding currency dynamics and their implications for investment portfolios remains crucial for long-term financial planning. Examining the drivers behind these currency shifts can help investors better position their portfolios for various economic scenarios.
What's the data telling us? I’m going to compare hard and soft economic data to understand the current state of the economy. There is a growing disconnect in economic data, as ‘hard’ data has been solid, while ‘soft’ data has been weaker.
Market sentiment has turned cautious as both the S&P 500 and Nasdaq indices show negative performance year-to-date. While trade tensions dominate headlines, other factors including declining consumer sentiment, elevated inflation readings, public sector job reductions, and various economic indicators have contributed to market anxiety. With recession concerns resurfacing and President Trump acknowledging their possibility, investors seek guidance on maintaining perspective during these uncertain times.
President Trump’s inauguration marks a significant political shift amid market and economic uncertainty. The stock market had rallied as much as 5.3% with dividends in the month following the November election, before giving up about half of those gains at the start of the year. As President Trump begins his second term, both Wall Street and Main Street are wondering what the next four years may bring.
Check out our "Questions for the year ahead" video