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.

It's impossible to predict how long the current shutdown might last, but it may be helpful to know more about why it happened and what you can expect if it continues.

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.

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

Section 109 of the SECURE Act 2.0 introduces significant enhancements. 

What does investing actually mean and why is it necessary? What should you do to get started?