Investment Insights

The July jobs report showed payrolls expanded by just 73,000 last month, far below expectations, and June’s number was revised down to just 14,000 from 147,000 previously reported. Meanwhile, President Trump levied tariffs ranging from 10% to 41% at the August 1 deadline. Marta and Vanessa discuss implications for the economy, Federal Reserve policy and the markets.

The Federal Reserve chose not to reduce interest rates despite political pressure to do so. The tone of Fed Chairman Powell’s post meeting conference was broadly cautious, implying that a rate cut in September is not a ‌fait accompli.

U.S. profit margins have experienced a remarkable two decade expansion.  Can it continue?  Current trends cast doubt.

Marta and Vanessa discuss the market’s reaction to the new August 1st tariff deadline. Is it another negotiating tactic? Will it delay a Federal Reserve rate cut?

A strong employment report will likely prevent the Federal Reserve from lowering interest rates in July.

Marta Norton and Vanessa Welch discuss why the U.S. dollar has declined so much this year and breakdown the implications for U.S. investors.

Q2 proved a strong quarter, but we are leery of underlying trends. Read our Outlook for details and investment implications.

Chief Investment Strategist Marta Norton discusses key trends affecting the economy and financial markets.

Since February, the U.S. dollar has been on a steady decline. Empower strategists breakdown why this is happening and explain the implications for U.S. investors.

As expected, the Fed kept rates unchanged at its June meeting. However, it reinforced expectations for cuts later in the year. 

Marta & Vanessa discuss the consequences of the latest conflict between Israel and Iran.

In this month's edition, Marta examines One Big Beautiful Bill.