Recent News and Insights
Market Commentary: October 23, 2025
U.S. electricity prices have surged over the past year, outpacing inflation and highlighting structural challenges in the power sector. National costs are up 5% year-over-year on average, although this figure masks that some regions are feeling the pain more than others. Prices in New Jersey, for example, have risen 22% in the past year. The surge has led utility bills to become a primary topic in the state's ongoing Governor's race. According to the New York Times, "electricity is the new eggs".
Market Commentary: October 8, 2025
The S&P 500 hit an all-time high six days into a government shutdown. It seems nothing will slow this market down as long as three critical ingredients are in place: 1) easing monetary policy, 2) strong earnings growth, and 3) AI optimism. At least for now, weaker employment data, geo-politics, and weak consumer sentiment just doesn't matter.
Business Insider – Hank Smith, Director, Head of Investment Strategy was recently interviewed by [...]
The hype in Artificial Intelligence (AI), what many say, is a modern-day gold rush, is amassing trillions of dollars of investment. A recent UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) report projects the global AI market will grow from $189 billion in 2023 to $4.8 trillion by 2033; massive gains and insatiable demand is being seen in all corners of the industry.
The 27th Haverford Philadelphia PGA Classic was the subject of a one-hour special on [...]
During the final week of July, investors received a significant amount of news and data. Outlined below are four developments shaping market conditions in the near term, along with a reminder that, despite the news, it is almost always an opportune time to invest.
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The stock market continues to trade near all-time highs in conjunction with strength in the U.S. economy. Despite persistent concerns about inflation pressures and slowing growth (i.e. stagflation), the data continues to tell a more constructive story— one of cautious optimism and a consumer that remains engaged.
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As of Tuesday morning, July 15th, second quarter 2025 earnings reporting season is off to a solid start with several high-profile financial stocks announcing results that exceeded expectations. S&P 500 second quarter earnings are expected to grow 4.5% year-over-year, with earnings growth accelerating into the second half of 2025. Overall, investors expect corporate earnings to grow 9% in 2025, and 14% in 2026, on top of last year’s 11% earnings growth. This positive earnings forecast is one of many supporting factors propelling markets to all-time highs.
The markets closed out the second quarter on a high note, despite unprecedented levels of uncertainty and geopolitical risk. The market’s resilience can be attributed to five key areas where investors hold an optimistic outlook: strong economic data, pro-growth policies, moderate tariffs, continued earnings growth, and advancements in artificial intelligence.
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Wall Street Journal – Hank Smith, Director, Head of Investment Strategy, was recently interviewed by The [...]
