As we entered 2025, the market was priced for perfection and undoubtedly another year of overcoming challenges and redefining limits against a backdrop of elevated U.S. equity market valuations, mega-cap dominance, and uncertainty surrounding the policy agenda of President Trump.
Despite headwinds of elevated interest rates, rising unemployment, turmoil in the Middle East, and the ongoing Russia/Ukraine war, the economy proved resilient. Corporate profits rose and the once anticipated recession never materialized.
The summer months presented the market with challenges as August’s disappointing economic data evoked fears of slowing growth and the greater potential for recession.
A Narrow Market Continues: Markets finished a strong first half driven largely by mega-cap technology companies and shifting expectations of Federal Reserve interest rate cuts.
Changing of the Guard: The equity market’s ferocious run at the end of 2023 continued into 2024 with the S&P 500, Dow Jones Average, and Nasdaq, all reaching new highs on a regular basis.
Quarterly Report: Q2 2025