News and Insights

The economic data released on Friday, August 29th was in line with expectations. Headline Personal Consumption Expenditure Price Index (PCE), the Fed’s preferred measure of inflation, increased 2.6% year-over-year while Core PCE, which excludes food and energy prices, increased 2.9%. Personal income was up 0.4% compared to the previous month while personal spending increased 0.5%.

Jason Salmon, CFP®, Wealth Planner jsalmon@haverfordquality.com Unpacking the One Big Beautiful Bill Act After months [...]

Hank Smith, Director and Head of Investment Strategy at Haverford Trust, kicks off Season 5 of the podcast and unveils this season’s theme “Navigating Change: Key Decisions Driving the Future of the Economy.”

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.

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.

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.

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.