March 10, 2025 – At least on Wall Street, the Trump honeymoon is over. While all the shock and awe of the daily pronouncements from Washington makes some nervous, investors focus on the data. Virtually every data point of the last few weeks points to a slowing economy while inflation expectations remain elevated. That’s a bad combination. Trump’s game plan of lower taxes, higher tariffs, and a smaller government may evolve but the impact of all the steps taken or proposed will take time. Traders aren’t patient. They shoot first and ask questions later. Reality is that the impact of tariffs will be felt quickly while steps to streamline the government take longer. Until a fuller picture develops, markets are likely to stay volatile.

The Trump honeymoon appears to be over, at least on Wall Street.  Over the past several weeks since inauguration, we have seen reports of mass firings, the closings of several agencies, and steps identified to reduce regulations. The honeymoon was built on a foundation of lower taxes, less regulation, and a small Federal government.  The …

March 10, 2025 – At least on Wall Street, the Trump honeymoon is over. While all the shock and awe of the daily pronouncements from Washington makes some nervous, investors focus on the data. Virtually every data point of the last few weeks points to a slowing economy while inflation expectations remain elevated. That’s a bad combination. Trump’s game plan of lower taxes, higher tariffs, and a smaller government may evolve but the impact of all the steps taken or proposed will take time. Traders aren’t patient. They shoot first and ask questions later. Reality is that the impact of tariffs will be felt quickly while steps to streamline the government take longer. Until a fuller picture develops, markets are likely to stay volatile.Read More

October 2021 Economic Update – “This time is different – or is it?”

In this video titled, “This time is different – or is it?”, Senior Portfolio Manager Chris Crooks addresses the current economic outlook by looking at the parallels between the current pandemic and its economic impact, versus the economic impact of the 1918 Spanish Flu pandemic. History doesn’t always repeat, but sometimes it rhymes.

October 2021 Economic Update – “This time is different – or is it?”Read More