Aaron Oskey, Financial Advisor

07/08/2025

📦 U.S. and China: A New Chapter in Trade?

After high-level talks in London, officials from the U.S. and China have agreed on a framework to implement the Geneva trade consensus. While it still awaits final approval from both presidents, here’s what’s on the table:
- A potential resolution to rare earth export restrictions
- A rollback of recent tech-related trade limits
- A renewed effort to de-escalate tensions and continue dialogue

Why does this matter? Trade agreements can influence global supply chains and market behavior, especially in the tech and manufacturing sectors. Watching how this unfolds may help provide broader context for market movements.

🌐 Trade relationships are complex, and this one’s no exception.

🌍
Source:

The U.S. and China have reached consensus on trade, representatives from both sides said after high-level talks in London.

07/01/2025

Treasury yields fell sharply last week after new data showed private sector job growth slowed to just 37,000 in May—the weakest showing in over two years, according to ADP. That’s well below April’s revised figure and less than half of what economists expected.

Here’s what’s driving the reaction:
▪️ Slower job growth often signals cooling economic momentum, which can lead investors to shift toward safer assets like Treasuries.
▪️ The 10-year yield dropped more than 9 basis points, while the 2-year fell by ▪️ Adding to the tension, new 50% tariffs on imported steel and aluminum took effect, raising questions about inflation and manufacturing costs.

Taken together, these developments are fueling uncertainty around growth, rates, and the road ahead — and markets are responding in real time.


Source:

Treasury yields dropped Wednesday after ADP said payroll growth was the weakest in more than two years, Trump urged a Fed rate cut and 50% steel tariffs began.

09/10/2024

How do you handle your estate if you have a blended family? Here are a few things you should consider. Read more.

This article will help your clients with blended families think and prepare their estate strategy.

08/06/2024

You can start Social Security benefits as soon as you reach 62. Know the rules before deciding.

Monthly Social Security payments differ substantially depending on when you start receiving benefits.

07/30/2024

When markets wobble, even experienced investors can get nervous. But history holds some encouraging lessons.

When markets shift, experienced investors stick to their strategy.

07/23/2024

As complex as the details of taxes can be, the income tax process is fairly straightforward.

A quick look at how federal income taxes work.

07/16/2024

The rapid rise of artificial intelligence (AI) during the past year has put a spotlight on the fast-paced decision making in the US tech industry. At the same time, it has cast some concerns that Europe–and other parts of the world–are lagging behind in AI innovation and adoption.

05/07/2024

While the Fed did not lower short-term rates at the end of its two-day meeting on May 1, it did announce that it was making another change to help “ease” financial conditions.

04/09/2024

🌟 Exciting Economic Update for 2024!✨

Economists define a Goldilocks economy as one that strikes the perfect balance—not too hot, not too cold. As we enter 2024, this delicate equilibrium seems within reach. The Federal Reserve's strategic moves in 2022 aimed to rein in inflation without plunging the U.S. into a recession, resulting in a promising economic landscape.

The 2024 economic scorecard currently reads Goldilocks 1, Recession 0. While consumer inflation is gradually slowing, it remains above the Fed's 2% target. The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) shows strength, with Q1 growth forecast at 2.1%. Notably, February saw a rise of 275,000 jobs, indicating robust hiring trends. These factors collectively hint at a recession-free horizon.

In March, the Standard & Poor’s 500 stock index saw positive growth. The stock market's forward-looking nature suggests a hopeful future, prompting questions about a prolonged Goldilocks era. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

Reflecting on the challenges of 2023, the outlook for the remainder of 2024 appears bright. Hopeful sentiments prevail, with a wish for a smooth sailing year ahead. Stay tuned for more updates!
#2024

03/05/2024

Half of execs believe their skills will be obsolete in two years. The chair of the SEC thinks AI will spark a financial crisis. What does such concern or uncertainty mean for your future and your financial strategy?

What do concerns or uncertainty about AI mean for your future and your financial strategy?

02/27/2024

As an investor, you’ll encounter times when volatility picks up and markets cycle lower. But if you’re approaching retirement, you may need to consider how a down-market could impact your next chapter.

This short video illustrates the importance of understanding sequence of returns risk.

02/20/2024

Why are they made again and again? This piece helps make sense of these errors in judgement.

Why are they made again and again? Making sense of these errors in judgement.