GeorgeMichael Passas, Financial Advisor, CRES

08/24/2026

Check out LPL Financial Research's Weekly Commentary on the market: "Stock Market Tug of War: Earnings vs. Rates".https://static.fmgsuite.com/media/documents/a0060be1-be17-40a1-9322-c5c9a4871952.pdf

08/17/2026

Check out LPL Financial Research's Weekly Commentary on the market: "Shifting Leadership in Global Growth".https://static.fmgsuite.com/media/documents/0eb52475-457a-47fd-bf0d-64077cdb9fde.pdf

08/12/2026

Check out LPL Financial Research's Weekly Commentary on the market: "Municipal Bond Outlook: Why Carry Is the Strategy". https://static.fmgsuite.com/media/documents/07ba72b6-30a3-47ed-807c-ab3702eca839.pdf

12/08/2025

Markets ended November on a five-day winning streak, softening earlier losses driven by concerns over tech valuations, consumer sentiment, and rate uncertainty. While the Nasdaq slipped 1.51 percent, the S&P 500 held steady and the Dow inched up 0.32 percent. All eyes now turn to the Fed's final meeting of the year on December 9–10.

The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index rose 0.13 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite declined 1.51 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial Average edged up 0.32 percent.1

11/07/2025

October marked the sixth straight month of gains for U.S. markets, with the Nasdaq gaining 4.70% and the S&P 500 climbing 2.27%, powered by strong Q3 corporate earnings that overcame government shutdown concerns and trade tensions. The Fed delivered a quarter-point rate cut on October 29, though Chair Powell signaled a December adjustment wasn't a "foregone conclusion." As families prepare for Thanksgiving, last year's feast for 10 averaged \$58.08, with the turkey alone representing 43% of the total cost at \$25.67.

Stocks advanced for the sixth consecutive month in October as major averages pushed through a government shutdown and trade jitters. Robust Q3 corporate results drove momentum over a month that is notorious for market declines.

10/07/2025

U.S. markets surged in Q3, with the S&P 500 up nearly 8% and the Nasdaq leading with double-digit gains. Strong corporate results, resilient consumer spending, and a long-anticipated Fed rate cut all fueled momentum. Globally, the MSCI EAFE Index rose over 4%, with China, Korea, and Japan posting standout performances. European markets were mostly positive, though Germany lagged.

Stocks powered ahead in the third quarter as solid economic data, strong corporate results, and a positive shift in Fed policy drove market momentum.

09/05/2025

August ended strongly for U.S. markets, with the S&P 500 closing above 6,500 for the first time. A mix of slowing job growth and cooling inflation put the Fed’s next move in the spotlight as investors look ahead to the September meeting. And with football season kicking off, fans and advertisers are spending big to be part of the action.

The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index advanced 1.91 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite rose 1.58 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial Average led, picking up 3.20 percent.1

08/08/2025

July delivered big wins for U.S. markets as trade agreements and stellar Q2 earnings pushed the Nasdaq above 21,000 for the first time. While the Fed held rates steady, consumer spending powered the economy to 3% growth. Back-to-school season is here - families are expected to spend nearly \$39 billion getting kids ready for the new academic year.

Stocks rode the wave of trade developments and Q2 corporate results to advance last month, pushing market averages to multiple record highs.

07/08/2025

U.S. markets soared in Q2, driven by new trade policies. Globally, the MSCI EAFE Index continued its winning streak, with Korea and Japan excelling. European markets had mixed outcomes, with Germany and Spain leading. Economic signals were mixed: GDP contracted, job growth slowed, but durable goods orders surged while inflation trended lower.

Markets rose in the second quarter as investors witnessed the new U.S. trade policy's impacts unfold, while tensions continued in the Middle East.

06/05/2025

Strong earnings and renewed trade momentum helped push stocks higher in May, with the S&P 500 flipping back into positive territory for the year. Even a Fed pause and a credit downgrade couldn't stall the rally. The latest Market Insights explores the trends behind the gains and what could influence the second half of 2025.

Stocks notched solid gains in May as investors cheered progress on trade deals and upbeat first-quarter corporate reports.