The year 2025 was extraordinary for the economy and the markets. Each of the major stock market indexes listed here posted solid year-end gains.

Following the reopening of the federal government, the primary focus in December will center on the state of the economy and the policy of the Federal Reserve relative to interest rates.

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act included three new tax provisions pertaining to charitable deductions that will take effect for tax year 2026.

The third quarter of 2025 may best be characterized by continued strength in the equity market, moderating but resilient economic activity, and a shift in the Federal Reserve policy toward interest rate cuts.

U.S. stocks enjoyed a notable month in August with major indexes reaching new record highs. Wall Street's performance was largely driven by strong corporate earnings (particularly in technology), an improving trade outlook, and continued economic resilience.

Payroll taxes from today's workers, along with income taxes on Social Security benefits, go into interest-bearing trust funds. During times when payroll taxes and other income exceeded benefit payments, these funds built up reserve assets. But now the reserves are being depleted as they are used to supplement payroll taxes and other income to meet scheduled benefit payments.

One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) on July 4, 2025. The legislation includes multiple tax provisions that will guide individuals, business owners, and investors in planning their finances for many years to come.

Throughout the second quarter of 2025, global trade tensions caused by reciprocal tariffs and increasing unrest in the Middle East impacted the markets on a daily basis.

H.R. 1, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, narrowly passed the House of Representatives on May 22, 2025. The legislation is now being deliberated in the Senate, after the Senate Committee on Finance released its own version of proposed tax provisions on June 16, 2025.

At the age of 94, Warren Buffett recently announced his retirement as CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, the massive holding company he has controlled since 1965.

May proved to be one of the best months for stocks in quite some time.

There is an adage that the market doesn't like surprises, and part of the market reaction was due to the unusual approach.

President Trump's rapid, on-and-off implementation of tariffs and the escalating trade war it sparked unsettled the financial markets.

This graphic compares S&P 500 sector returns in 2024, along with each sector's weight in the index.

According to data from the International Monetary Fund, the U.S. received almost one-third of all global foreign investment from 2021-2023.

The Markets (as of market close October 31, 2024)

Effective August 17, 2024, NAR will implement new policies related to how real estate brokers are compensated to handle transactions.

Section 109 of the SECURE Act 2.0 introduces significant enhancements. 

Stocks closed mostly higher in July. Growth of the U.S. economy continued at a modest pace, despite the Fed's restrictive monetary policy.

Wall Street got off to a slow start to 2Q of 2024. Stocks lagged for much of April, rebounded in May, and were choppy in June.