Latest Data on Inflation and Labor Markets Paving the Way for Fed Rate Cuts
Following the weak jobs report that left many on Wall Street questioning the prospects of a “soft landing,” we’ve seen a bit of unrest in markets over the last few weeks. Remember, a soft landing includes cooling inflation back to the Fed’s 2% target while maintaining a healthy labor market. With a slight crack showing […]
Two Ways to Combat Household Inflation
Inflation is not a one-size-fits-all all phenomenon Inflation is the increase in prices over time Increasing prices means decreasing purchasing power How we choose to spend our money dictates how we experience inflation Inflation has been top of mind for every participant in our economy for three years straight: households, businesses, and policymakers. Inflation […]
The Latest on Inflation/Rates and Where We Go from Here
Without question, over the past year, the most common topic we have discussed with clients is inflation and rates. Whether you are in retirement, peak accumulation years, or just starting out, inflation has impacted everyone… from raised costs at the grocery store, to travel, to even attending a sporting event. Fortunately, there are increasing signs […]
Fed Rates, Inflation, Yields
What a difference a couple of years makes. Even the casual fan has likely heard the talk about interest rates and felt inflation during these past twenty-four months. Two years ago, in February 2021, the Federal Funds target rate was 0 – 0.25%. It remained there until just over a year ago in March 2022. […]
Markets Finally Believe Fed is Serious about Inflation
The Fed raised rates 0.75% last week, the biggest single move since 1994 Market participants imply that rates will move from 1.75% to 3.56% by year-end Perception of a hawkish Fed may help avoid a wage-price spiral & severe recession Last week the Federal Reserve raised rates by 0.75% or 75 basis points (bps). […]
Fighting Inflation – Why This Time Feels Different and Could Actually Be Successful
Key Takeaways There were 11.4 million job openings in April equaling 1.92 job openings per unemployed person, a huge benefit to a Fed attempting to bring down inflation without cratering the job market. The Fed’s ideal labor market resolution is that companies fill current openings while maintaining their current workforce. Friday’s jobs report showed a […]
Counteract Inflation with Your Financial Assets
Key Takeaways Inflation in October 2021 was 6.2%, the highest in nearly 30-years. From 1914 to 2021, average inflation in the U.S. has been around 3.2% and the average return of the market (i.e., S&P 500) has been around 10-11%. While not without risks, investing in equities is a tested long-term hedge against inflation. […]
Interest Rates & Inflation
Over the past decade, the Federal Reserve has been pushing for modestly higher interest rates and inflation. To anyone following the markets or economic news, this statement is nothing new to hear. However, with higher inflation starting to build momentum, an economy that is beginning to stand on its own, and the potential of a US government […]
Inflation Concerns: Are Higher Prices Here to Stay?
Higher prices are here – I learned this last month when booking a rental car for our summer vacation, a 6-day rental for which I had typically budgeted $400-$500 was now going to cost over $1,000. Although an unpleasant surprise, the reasoning is quite simple, the travel demand has skyrocketed, in conjunction with a major […]
Testing the Challenges of a Long Retirement
We often joke that our job was created because of increasing life expectancies and pensions seldom being offered. Obviously, finance and investing have become more complicated, and there are an ever-increasing number of investment vehicles and planning strategies we help our clients choose between. We also know there is great value placed in our ability […]
The Most Impactful Tax Changes from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act
As we flip our calendars to August, many of us find ourselves savoring the final stretch of summer by balancing travel, barbecues, and last-minute adventures with family and friends. At our house, we are tackling the remaining items on our summer bucket list and doing our best to squeeze them into an already full calendar. […]
WATCH: Mid-Year Market Update from Ballast
2025 has delivered no shortage of market drama—from sweeping tariffs and geopolitical tensions to AI volatility and record-breaking rebounds. In this mid-year update, the Ballast team breaks down the year’s first-half market moves, examines economic headwinds and tailwinds, and looks ahead to what may shape investor portfolios in the second half. Hear from: • Brian […]
