What We're Watching in October

As we move into the final quarter of 2025, the market dynamics remain ripe for analysis filled with both contradiction and opportunity. With recent data revisions, interest rate forecasts, and inflation drivers offering important signals, not just about the economy, but about how to read the headlines. At Carnegie Investment Counsel, we believe staying grounded in facts and context is the key to staying ahead. 

What We're Watching in September

It may be back-to-school season, but markets never took a summer break. Equities are hovering near all-time highs, inflation progress is uneven but improving, and earnings have topped cautious expectations. The backdrop: a potentially pivotal policy moment after the Jackson Hole Economic Policy Symposium, where a September rate cut is now squarely on the table. A well-telegraphed, data-dependent cut would ease financing costs for households (mortgages, autos) and corporates (refinancing, capex, M&A); helpful tailwinds as consumers grapple with housing affordability and companies navigate tariffs and supply chains. 

What We're Watching in August

It is August, and that means we are in the middle of the “Dog Days of Summer.” However, the stock market is acting like anything but a dog. Stocks continue to rise while inflation data has held steady, and corporate earnings have generally exceeded expectations. Several factors are affecting the long-term outlook, such as uncertainties regarding future Federal Reserve policies, bond market conditions, and patterns in consumer spending. Here is what our investment team is keeping a keen eye on this month. 

What We're Watching in July

As we enter July and the second half of 2025, markets and the economy remain resilient against a backdrop that feels anything but calm. The U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities over the weekend of June 21–22 introduced a serious geopolitical variable, raising the specter of escalation and potential global conflict. And yet, despite the weight of these headlines, equity markets have moved higher.

What We're Watching in June

Summer is here, and while many take time to unwind and travel, the markets remain in constant motion. For those who closely follow financial news, the headlines often point in conflicting directions. At Carnegie, we cut through the noise by staying grounded in long-term fundamentals, thoughtful portfolio positioning, and informed decision-making. 

What We're Watching in April 2025

Tariffs: A Familiar Headwind with New Implications

Tariffs are once again making headlines — and history offers important perspectives. In 2018, during the first Trump administration, when tariffs were first introduced on a wide scale, markets reacted with caution but quickly digested the implementation once the total amount was clearly defined. Today, a similar narrative is unfolding, though this time the effects are more pronounced — not because tariffs have been enacted, but because of the uncertainty on the final outcome this past month.

As the April 15th tax filing deadline approaches, March is the ideal time to revisit your tax strategy, especially for families with trusts or more complex financial situations. By proactively addressing key tax areas, you can potentially reduce your tax liability and better position yourself for future financial success. Here are five essential tax strategies to consider this season:

The Heckerling Estate Planning Institute, sponsored by the University of Miami (Coral Gables) School of Law, was held in Orlando, FL, the week of January 12th. This was the 59th consecutive year of the conference, bringing together more than 4,100 attendees, consisting of wealth managers, probate attorneys, accountants, life insurance professionals, trust officers, charitable planned giving officers, financial planners and IRS Estate and Gift Tax Agents. Heckerling is the largest such gathering and has long been regarded as the Platinum Standard for practitioners representing clients throughout the U.S. and abroad. Each session is conducted by a distinguished probate practitioner or law school scholar. Discussed below are some of the current pressing topics of interest to clients served by Carnegie Investment Counsel.