Stocks rose last week despite mixed signals on inflation as investors kept one eye on the Fed’s September meeting. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index advanced 0.94 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index added 0.81 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 1.74 percent. The MSCI EAFE Index, which tracks developed overseas stock markets, increased 2.16 percent.1,2 Third Gain in Four WeeksStocks posted modest losses to start the week as investors braced for July consumer inflation reports. The White House’s executive order on Monday extending the tariff deadline for China by 90 days failed to move markets in the other direction.3 Stocks then staged a two-day rally following the latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) report, which showed July inflation held steady over the prior month—beating expectations. The inflation news led some investors to move into small-cap stocks, with the Russell 2000 Index of small-cap stocks rising 5 percent over Tuesday and Wednesday.4 However, markets slipped Thursday as investors dug into the Producer Price Index (PPI) for July, which showed wholesale inflation hit a 3-year high last month; this was the third weekly gain in the past four weeks for each of the three major averages; the S&P and Nasdaq advanced four of the last five weeks.5,6,7 |
 |
A Mixed Inflation StoryInflation continues to give mixed signals, which can unsettle investors who anticipate the Fed adjusting rates at its September meeting. Last week’s CPI report showed that “headline” (retail) inflation held steady. Stocks rose in response, even though core inflation—excluding volatile food and energy prices—was hotter than economists expected. Two days later, the PPI report revealed that inflation began to creep into wholesale prices in July. Stocks fell in response as investors processed the conflicting reports.8,9 This Week: Key Economic Data Monday: Homebuilder Confidence Index. Tuesday: Housing Starts. Building Permits. Federal Reserve Official Michelle Bowman speaks. Wednesday: Minutes from Fed’s FOMC July Meeting. Federal Reserve Official Christopher Waller and Atlanta Fed President Raphael Bostic speak. Thursday: Weekly Jobless Claims. Services & Manufacturing PMI Composite. Existing Home Sales. Leading Economic Indicators. 30-Year TIPS (Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities) Auction. Fed Balance Sheet. Atlanta Fed President Raphael Bostic speaks. Friday: Fed Chair Jerome Powell speaks. Source: Investors Business Daily - Econoday economic calendar; August 15, 2025 This Week: Companies Reporting EarningsMonday: Palo Alto Networks, Inc. (PANW) Tuesday: The Home Depot, Inc. (HD) Wednesday: The TJX Companies, Inc. (TJX), Lowe’s Companies, Inc. (LOW), Analog Devices, Inc. (ADI) Thursday: Walmart Inc. (WMT), Intuit Inc. (INTU) Source: Zacks, August 15, 2025. Companies mentioned are for informational purposes only. It should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of the securities. Investing involves risks, and investment decisions should be based on your own goals, time horizon, and tolerance for risk. The return and principal value of investments will fluctuate as market conditions change. When sold, investments may be worth more or less than their original cost. Companies may reschedule when they report earnings without notice. |
As the summer slowly comes to an end, the fraudsters do not...... A few of many Top Scams to be aware of Targeting Americans in 2025 Whaling (Executive Phishing and Deep Social Engineering) Whaling is a specialized form of phishing where attacks are meticulously crafted using profiles assembled from data breaches, social media and open-source intelligence. Attackers may impersonate trusted advisors, private bankers, legal counsel or even family, deploying personalized emails, calls or messages with the goal of extracting sensitive information, authorizing fraudulent wire transfers or even tricking victims into investing in fake opportunities. The key red flags are:
Deepfake-Driven Impersonation and Family Emergency Scams AI-powered deepfake technology makes it possible to convincingly clone voices and faces. Individuals have experienced fraudsters using synthetic audio or video to impersonate executives, accountants or even family members. Notorious among these is the “virtual kidnapping,” where the victim hears what appears to be a loved one in distress, demanding an immediate ransom. Corporate leadership has also fallen victim to deepfakes. The key red flags are:
Investment, Crypto and High-Yield Fraud: Investment, crypto and high-yield fraud schemes are targeting by exploiting trust and the appearance of exclusivity. With the advent of AI, scammers can convincingly pose as reputable financial advisors, trusted associates, or representatives of investment “funds” with elaborate documentation and deepfake endorsements. These frauds typically promise access to “exclusive” investment opportunities, above-market returns or insider deals, often claiming little risk to encourage quick decisions. The key red flags are:
How Clients Can Protect Themselves:
If at any time you are questioning the validity of any sort of communication, feel free to reach out to us. We are here to talk through the situation with you. On another note, we are still expecting to see a 5-10% pullback however this will not last long. If you have any questions or would like to set up a review let us know. Have a great week! Sean, Erin, & Trish |
. |
 |
 |
Blue-Ringed Octopus |
Footnotes and Sources1. WSJ.com, August 15, 2025 2. Investing.com, August 15, 2025 3. CNBC.com, August 11, 2025 4. CNBC.com, August 13, 2025 5. MarketWatch.com, August 14, 2025 6. WSJ.com, August 15, 2025 7. WSJ.com, August 15, 2025 8. CNBC.com, August 12, 2025 9. MarketWatch.com, August 14, 2025 10. IRS.gov, July 22, 2024 11. Culinary Hill, March 19, 2025 |
Investing involves risks, and investment decisions should be based on your own goals, time horizon, and tolerance for risk. The return and principal value of investments will fluctuate as market conditions change. When sold, investments may be worth more or less than their original cost.
The forecasts or forward-looking statements are based on assumptions, may not materialize, and are subject to revision without notice.
The market indexes discussed are unmanaged, and generally, considered representative of their respective markets. Index performance is not indicative of the past performance of a particular investment. Indexes do not incur management fees, costs, and expenses. Individuals cannot directly invest in unmanaged indexes. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average is an unmanaged index that is generally considered representative of large-capitalization companies on the U.S. stock market. The Nasdaq Composite is an index of the common stocks and similar securities listed on the Nasdaq stock market and considered a broad indicator of the performance of stocks of technology and growth companies. The MSCI EAFE Index was created by Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) and serves as a benchmark of the performance of major international equity markets, as represented by 21 major MSCI indexes from Europe, Australia, and Southeast Asia. The S&P 500 Composite Index is an unmanaged group of securities that are considered to be representative of the stock market in general.
U.S. Treasury Notes are guaranteed by the federal government as to the timely payment of principal and interest. However, if you sell a Treasury Note prior to maturity, it may be worth more or less than the original price paid. Fixed income investments are subject to various risks including changes in interest rates, credit quality, inflation risk, market valuations, prepayments, corporate events, tax ramifications and other factors.
International investments carry additional risks, which include differences in financial reporting standards, currency exchange rates, political risks unique to a specific country, foreign taxes and regulations, and the potential for illiquid markets. These factors may result in greater share price volatility.
Please consult your financial professional for additional information.
This content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information. The information in this material is not intended as tax or legal advice. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation. This material was developed and produced by FMG Suite to provide information on a topic that may be of interest. FMG is not affiliated with the named representative, financial professional, Registered Investment Advisor, Broker-Dealer, nor state- or SEC-registered investment advisory firm. The opinions expressed and material provided are for general information, and they should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security.
Copyright 2025 FMG Suite.