Beyond the Bell

Marriner S. Eccles Federal Reserve Board Building in Washington, D.C.

The Federal Reserve’s Dual Mandate: Maximum Employment and Price Stability 

The Federal Reserve plays a critical role in shaping the U.S. economy through its dual mandate: maximum employment and price stability. In this article, John Vanden Brul, Fixed Income Portfolio Manager, explains the Fed’s history, responsibilities, and the tools it uses to influence economic conditions. He also examines recent inflation and employment data, the Fed’s latest decisions, and what they could mean for markets going forward.

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Capital building with blue sky, birds to the left, and golden early morning sunlight illuminating the white building

Understanding the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” (OBBBA): Key Tax and Financial Policy Updates

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) is here—now what?
Signed into law in July 2025, the OBBBA introduces major changes across the U.S. tax code, from income tax rates and estate exemptions to EV credits, charitable giving rules, and new deductions for working Americans.

In this summary by Eric Udvari, CFP®, CPWA®, AAMS®, you’ll get a clear, practical overview of what’s changing, what’s still in flux, and what steps may be worth considering now.

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Ship of cargo containers with capital building shadow

Tariffs & Trade Deals: The Current Balance 

As new tariffs take effect and trade deadlines pass, we break down where U.S. trade agreements stand, how key partners like China and Mexico are responding, and what higher tariffs could mean for inflation and the markets.

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Canoe on still lake

Market Outlook Summer 2025

Unprecedented. The second quarter began with reciprocal tariff announcements that alarmed investors and sent stocks into free-fall. By April 9, the S&P 500 had declined 20% from its February high. Remarkably, just 89 days after the reciprocal tariff press conference, the stock market had climbed more than 28% from its intraday low on April 9 and closed the quarter at an all-time high. Based on market data dating back to 1900, it was the fastest recovery to a new record high following a decline of 20% or more from the prior peak (The Wall Street Journal).

In this mid-year investment update, we reflect on a highly eventful first half of 2025 and share our current outlook for the remainder of the year.

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2025 U.S. Housing Market Update: Affordability Crisis, Regional Trends & What Comes Next 

Following the July 4th weekend, we’ve moved past the peak homebuying season, which typically is thought to span from April through the end of June in the U.S. Over the holiday weekend, the housing market came up in conversation often, with one key theme emerging: affordability. Whether from personal experience or through family and friends, many agree—buying a home today feels increasingly out of reach.

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Street$marts: Ways to Lower Your Taxable Income as a W2 Employee 

Today we are going to explore some strategies tailored specifically to W-2 employees to minimize their tax burden while maximizing their financial health. Navigating the realm of taxation can often feel like a daunting task. However, there are several straightforward methods available to employees to actively lower their taxable income, thereby retaining more of their hard-earned dollars.

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Avoiding AI-Powered Fraud in 2025: What Investors Need to Know

The digital world has brought incredible convenience to our lives—from online banking to real-time investment tracking. But with these advancements come new and evolving cybersecurity threats, many of which specifically target retirees and high-net-worth individuals. Scammers are no longer just sending poorly written emails riddled with typos; they’re using cutting-edge technology, including artificial intelligence (AI), to create exceptionally convincing frauds.

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