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Trick or Treat?
Markets ended October near record highs as the Fed cut rates but warned against assuming more, while a U.S.-China trade truce, strong earnings, and…
Nov 2
•
Stephen Kates, CFP®
October 2025
Don't mess with the bull, you'll get the horns
The S&P 500’s bull run turns three, helped by below-forecast inflation, expected Fed rate cuts, and strong earnings. This rally still has room to run…
Oct 27
•
Stephen Kates, CFP®
2
The cockroaches come home to roost
The S&P 500’s six-month rally hit turbulence as trade tensions, a government shutdown, and bank worries spiked volatility, even as strong GDP and…
Oct 19
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Stephen Kates, CFP®
Everyone wishes for silver and gold
A portfolio massacre just in time for Columbus Day. Stocks slid after President Trump threatened new China tariffs, even as gold and silver hit record…
Oct 12
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Stephen Kates, CFP®
SHUT IT DOWN
Markets shrugged off a U.S. government shutdown as strong GDP, resilient spending, and an AI-driven investment boom kept the rally alive. Markets just…
Oct 5
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Stephen Kates, CFP®
September 2025
A September to Remember
Stocks are zooming, government shutdown is looming, labor market is dooming, and Gen Xers are fuming.
Sep 29
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Stephen Kates, CFP®
"The time has come..."
The Fed cut rates for the first time in 2025, sparking record highs in stocks, even as labor market weakness, inflation, and valuations keep investors…
Sep 21
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Stephen Kates, CFP®
"Cut me, Mick!"
Can the US economy go the distance? Markets hit record highs on hopes of Fed rate cuts despite growing signs of economic slowdown and still rising…
Sep 14
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Stephen Kates, CFP®
BLS me, Father, for I have sinned
Weak job data pushed unemployment to 4.3%, fueling bets on Fed rate cuts in September, and sent bond yields lower as investors braced for volatility…
Sep 7
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Stephen Kates, CFP®
1
August 2025
The doves come home to roost
Powell’s Jackson Hole speech lifted markets as rate-cut bets rose. The S&P 500 rallied and bond yields fell even as inflation lingers, the labor market…
Aug 23
•
Stephen Kates, CFP®
Producer prices produce pricey produce
Stocks hit new highs as cooling jobs and rising inflation stymie the Fed. Small-caps and value led gains, while Powell’s upcoming Jackson Hole speech…
Aug 16
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Stephen Kates, CFP®
Interest rate me on scale of 4.25% - 4.50%
Economic data confirms a sharp slowdown in hiring, spending, and construction, boosting odds of Fed rate cuts as affordability worsens and recession…
Aug 1
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Stephen Kates, CFP®
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