EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
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- The third quarter of 2025 saw strong gains across all major equity categories, fueled by resilient corporate earnings, optimism surrounding Artificial Intelligence, trade deals and a Federal Reserve interest rate cut.
- The Federal Reserve cut interest rates by a quarter of a percentage point saying the economy was slowing and that risks to employment were increasing.
- Despite persistent concerns over inflation and economic contraction, the U.S. economy has several points of resilience that offer a silver lining. Consumer spending is healthy, and trade negotiations are advancing.
- The top 10 companies in the S&P 500 account for over 40% of the index’ market capitalization and a sizable portion of overall earnings and investments.
- The estimated earnings growth rate for the S&P 500 for the third quarter of 2025 is 8.0%. If expectations are met, it will be the ninth consecutive quarter of earnings growth for the index.
- The economic performance of non-U.S. countries has shown mixed results.
- Despite lower earnings growth and earnings quality, foreign stocks have had strong performance this year, helped by low relative valuation and a weakening US dollar.
- The key to navigating periods of potential turmoil lies in adopting a broad, long-term perspective. Maintain a sound financial plan tied to your specific goals and stick to it.