Posts Tagged ‘Wealth Management’
Aprio Wealth Management | Q3 2025 Mid-Quarter Update
The Pulse on the Economy and Capital Markets: August 2025
To Summarize: The markets seem priced for perfection, with investors anticipating multiple Federal Reserve (Fed) rate cuts even as inflation remains stubbornly above the Fed’s comfort zone. The economic landscape is divided: AI vs. everything else. While AI-focused companies are powering market and economic gains, most of the real economy shows signs of deceleration, and…
Read MoreThe Pulse on the Economy and Capital Markets: July 2025
To Summarize: Despite cooling momentum, stock markets remain resilient, reflecting a surprising upside in economic data. Consumer and business sentiment are holding up better than expected. Although hiring has slowed, real-time data signals that businesses are interested in hiring more employees again. Meanwhile, inflation is becoming sticky, particularly in goods, as tariff-driven price pressures start…
Read MoreThe Pulse on the Economy and Capital Markets: June 2025
To Summarize: Despite signs of a decelerating economy, the markets are holding up better than expected. However, a slowdown in hiring, flattening earnings expectations, and cautious consumers have even the most seasoned investors struggling to make sense of the mixed signals. Increased AI investment is the surprising upside to this story, with the most profitable…
Read MoreThe Pulse on the Economy and Capital Markets: May 2025
To Summarize: Stock market performance in May has been strong, recouping losses from the April pullback. While inflation is trending lower, it’s not enough to trigger cuts from the Federal Reserve. Consumers continue to spend on essentials and services but are more cautious as sentiments turn financially pessimistic. Small business hiring plans are weakening with…
Read MoreThe Pulse on the Economy and Capital Markets: April 2025
To Summarize: The “Liberation Day” tariffs announcement has pressured U.S. markets while international markets trend higher. Meanwhile, declining valuations and a slight shift down in earnings expectations are driving market performance. The increased average effective tariff rate of 22% and the drop in GDP are fueling recessions concerns around stagflation. The big takeaway – If…
Read MoreFinancial Planning for Restaurant and Franchise Owners
At a glance The full story: As a restaurant or franchise owner, you have spent the better part of your career building your business. In fact, your business may be intertwined with other important aspects and relationships in your life — even your family and friends. When so much of your identity and goals are…
Read MoreThe Pulse on the Economy and Capital Markets: March 2025
To Summarize: U.S. markets have taken a hit in March, with stocks and bonds underperforming, while international markets have held up better. Meanwhile, high-yield bond spreads are widening, signaling rising credit risk and caution. Higher-income consumer sentiment is weakening, which is leading to lower discretionary spending. And, trade policy uncertainty hit a 40-year high, leading…
Read MoreThe Pulse on the Economy and Capital Markets: February 2025
To Summarize: The markets are sending mixed signals as global stocks are outperforming and U.S. small caps struggle. The Federal Reserve’s interest rate cut expectations are fading as inflation remains persistent. While corporate margins are improving and supporting earnings growth, consumers are becoming more cautious with discretionary spending. We unpack this and more in the…
Read MoreThe Pulse on the Economy and Capital Markets: January 2025
To Summarize: The markets are off to a strong start in 2025 signaling optimism in the economy. Economic activity picks up as consumer spending and small business confidence continues to rise. Investments in AI are driving growth and reshaping industries. Weakness in China’s economy could increase export competition. We unpack this and more in the…
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