Please find the next blog in our monthly series that provides timely market data as well as perspectives on the current state of the economy and the global financial markets. Global Economy: July was filled with plenty of generally positive economic news, but there were some notable challenges.  For example, Facebook lost $119 billion in market value, the largest single day loss in history, after a disappointing quarterly call.  Trade turmoil continued, with no clear resolution on the horizon despite a successful meeting between the US and the European Union (EU). The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) met at the…

Please find the next blog in our monthly series that provides timely market data as well as perspectives on the current state of the economy and the global financial markets. Global Economy: June was an active month with a number of geopolitical and trade policy headlines, but no definitive outcomes. The summit between North Korea and the US was a step toward increasing communication and cooperation between the countries, but measurable action is not assured. The issue of global trade continues to weigh on markets, as leaders of China and the US escalate tariff rhetoric. Even traditional American allies, including…

Please find the next blog in our monthly series that provides timely market data as well as perspectives on the current state of the economy and the global financial markets. Global Economy: The month of May brought the withdrawal of the US from the Iran Nuclear agreement, the end of the exemption on steel and aluminum tariffs for key US allies, and no noticeable progress on a revision to the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). After a series of on-again / off-again communications, the leaders of the US and North Korea now appear set to meet in Singapore on…

Please find the next blog in our monthly series that provides timely market data as well as perspectives on the current state of the economy and the global financial markets. Global Economy: Uncertainty over trade continues, with no clear direction.  There has been an extension of the exemption on aluminum and steel tariffs for “friends” until June 1st, and the future of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) is still up in the air.  Talks continue with China, but there has been no measurable progress.  On a positive note, North Korea has shown a willingness to embrace peace, with…

Please find the next blog in our monthly series that provides timely market data as well as perspectives on the current state of the economy and the global financial markets. Global Economy: Uncertainty over trade and instability in the Trump White House were the themes of the month, causing most equity markets to move lower.  Initially focused on steel and aluminum, tariffs were then directed at Chinese imports specifically, leading to retaliatory moves by the Chinese.  President Trump’s top economic advisor resigned in March amid speculation that he was strongly against tariffs and breaking up the North American Free Trade…