Data Vacuum
Following the longest recorded government shutdown in U.S. history, markets have ebbed and flowed near all-time highs for the S&P 500. While a historically strong earnings season provided some comfort, recent weeks of increased volatility have created some concerns around AI valuations and the overall economic environment. These concerns are driven by what investors haven’t […]
The benefits of JNBA’s Investment Committee
When it comes to managing finances, one thing that frequently gets overlooked is how many different and competing emotions can factor into the process. Money often represents a lot more to people than just currency and means of exchange. It can feel like freedom, security, a means of generosity, and a way to help provide […]
Market Indicators in Q4 2025 and Beyond
During the 2025 federal government shutdown, economic data reports were not available. These reports, including U.S. Employment Report, Jobless Claims and U.S. Home Sales, are a major resource for the Federal Reserve in determining the need to adjust interest rates. Now that the government is up and running again, and the last Fed meeting for […]
What Rate Cuts Mean
At the end of October, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell announced a 25-basis point (bp) cut to interest rates, following a 25bp cut in September. This was the second cut of 2025, with another meeting scheduled in December. According to Powell, further cuts in December are “far from” a foregone conclusion. The Federal Open Market […]
Balancing Act
Nine months into the year and the story remains similar to the end of the second quarter (Q2). After a disruptive start to the year, the broader stock and bond environment has climbed steadily but surely, shaking off typical September weakness. The S&P 500 is up ~14% YTD and at all-time highs, creeping towards an […]
Analyzing the Fed’s Recent Interest Rate Cut
On September 17, the Federal Reserve announced a 25-basis point (bp) interest rate cut, in-line with market expectations while describing the decision as a “risk management cut.” This move comes amidst calming inflation trends and slowly but steadily rising unemployment rates. With the Fed aiming to provide a less constrictive environment as part of its […]
When to Invest
When working with our clients, one of the most common questions we face in portfolio management is: when is the right time to invest? Whether onboarding a new client or incorporating new deposits or cash, our investment team takes several factors into account when deploying funds into an investment strategy. Beyond the unique client circumstances […]
Pulse Check
After a tumultuous first half of the year, markets steadied in July with the S&P 500 hovering near all-time highs while foreign equities continue to maintain strong YTD gains. Volatility also eased, with the S&P notching 25 straight sessions without a >1% move through the end of July. Uncertainty around tariff policy has decreased for […]
Video Discussion: Staying Focused in 2025’s Dynamic Market
The first half of 2025 has included significant market volatility, especially around early April. Now, as Q2 comes to an end and markets have evened out some, the JNBA Financial Advisors Investment Committee analyzes the historic ups and downs in a video discussion recorded on July 14, 2025. The conversation between JNBA Chairman and CEO […]
2025: A Look at the First Six Months
At the halfway point in the year, looking at the returns across the broader stock and bond landscape tells a solid, albeit deceptive performance story. The S&P 500 is up ~6% YTD and at all-time highs, well in line with average yearly performance, while small- and mid-cap U.S. equities have slightly lagged. International equities have […]
