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Showing posts from October, 2025

Market and Politics Report- End-October 2025

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  Market and Politics Report- End-October 2025  The end of October is upon us. Let's discuss some of the hottest topics in the recent news On Friday, October 24, the Bureau of Labor Statistics released its September inflation data, which the government shutdown had delayed. The inflation rate hit 3.0% in September, lower than expected, and rose 0.3% month over month. Core inflation also hit 3.0% in September, increasing 0.2% month-to-month. To mention, even during the government shutdown, the BLS released this data to give the Social Security Administration a benchmark for cost-of-living adjustments in benefit checks. Though the inflation report beat expectations, economists remain wary of the tariffs' implications, and now the government shutdown could affect the economy in the future. The 2025 election season is upon us. Some of the prominent elections include the New Jersey Governor's race, with Jack Ciatterelli(R) squaring up with Rep. Mikie Sherrill(D), the Virginia go...

Market and Politics Report- End-September 2025

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  Market and Politics Report- End-September 2025  What a busy end to September. From a government shutdown to shifting of the Fed's policy, there is a lot to debrief in this Market and Politics Report. On September 17, 2025, Fed Chair Powell announced that the Fed would lower interest rates by a quarter of a percentage point, bringing the interest rate down to 4.00%-4.25%. This was highly anticipated, as for months, many Republicans and fiscal conservatives have been urging Powell to lower rates, thereby increasing consumer spending and investment and spurring economic growth. Additionally, Republicans, led by President Trump, have called for Powell's ouster at the end of his term as Fed chair in 2026, likely prompting Powell to act. The Fed and Powell have been hesitant to do so, due to concerns about potential inflationary downsides. However, in response to increasing public outcry, as well as a shaky labor market and slowing inflation, the Fed acted accordingly. On Septembe...