Michael Scutari, Financial Advisor

06/02/2026

The U.S. House has approved a bipartisan housing affordability bill aimed at addressing the role of large institutional buyers in the single-family housing market.

The bill passed by a 396-13 vote and would prevent institutional investors that already own more than 350 single-family homes from buying additional existing homes.

However, the measure would still allow those investors to build more housing units, a key distinction that helped gain support from rental, construction, and housing industry groups.

Supporters say the bill could help improve access to single-family homes, while critics argue that some provisions may not go far enough to address build-to-rent activity.

The measure still needs Senate approval before it can move forward, meaning additional changes or debate may follow.

For housing markets, the discussion highlights the ongoing tension between affordability, supply, rentals, and homeownership.


Source:

The U.S. House approved an updated housing affordability bill after removing industry-opposed requirements on selling build-to-rent homes.

05/28/2026

After early‑week profit-taking, compounded by rate‑driven volatility, the S&P 500 reversed course and continued its upward grind, closing higher for an 8th consecutive week. While the S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100 had already surpassed their mid‑April pre–U.S.–Iran war highs, the Dow Jones Industrial Average reached a new all‑time high on Friday, further supporting bullish sentiment. Although the 10-year yield touched an intra-week high of 4.69% on inflation concerns, progress in U.S.–Iran peace talks, as noted by the U.S. administration, helped ease some investor concerns. Read more in our weekly recap here:

After early‑week profit-taking, compounded by rate‑driven volatility, the S&P 500 reversed course and continued its upward grind, closing higher for an 8th…

05/25/2026

With deepest gratitude, we honor our fallen heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.

05/22/2026

Wholesale prices rose sharply in April, adding another signal that inflation pressures remain elevated.

The Producer Price Index increased 1.4% for the month and was up 6% from a year earlier, marking the largest annual increase since late 2022.

Energy costs were a major contributor, with final demand energy rising 7.8%. Gasoline prices also played a key role, increasing 15.6% during the month.

Price pressures were not limited to energy. The services index rose 1.2%, with trade services contributing a significant portion of that increase.

Because wholesale prices can influence what businesses ultimately charge consumers, this data offers another view of how costs may move through the broader economy over time.

For households and businesses, inflation trends remain an important factor to watch across everyday expenses, borrowing costs, and economic decision-making.


Source:

The producer price index was expected to increase 0.5% in April, according to the Dow Jones consensus.

05/20/2026

Markets are at record highs, but it’s not all smooth sailing. Inflation and global headlines may stir up some bumps, and rate cuts may be harder to come by. That said, solid growth, strong earnings, and plenty of cash on the sidelines mean pullbacks (think 5–10%) could be opportunities, not reasons to panic. Staying flexible and opportunistic still matters. Read more in our latest commentary here:

Markets are at record highs—but it’s not all smooth sailing. Inflation and global headlines may stir up some bumps, and rate cuts may be harder to come by.…

05/15/2026

U.S. debt held by the public recently rose above the country’s gross domestic product, marking a notable fiscal milestone.

Debt held by the public stood at approximately $31.27 trillion at the end of April, slightly above the U.S. GDP of about $31.22 trillion over the prior 12-month period.

This measure represents debt owed to parties outside the federal government, including individuals, businesses, state and local governments, and foreign investors.

Several factors have contributed to the increase over time, including tax policy changes, higher federal spending, rising interest costs, and the needs of an aging population.

One key concern is the cost of servicing that debt. Federal interest payments have grown significantly, potentially affecting the government's flexibility for other priorities.

At the same time, demand for U.S. debt remains strong, and some economists note that the country’s broader economic strength helps provide context for the numbers.

Overall, the debt-to-GDP milestone is an important signal to watch — not necessarily a short-term crisis, but a reminder of how federal borrowing, interest costs, and economic growth are closely connected.


Source:

Federal debt held by the public now surpasses the total value of the nation's economic output. Here's why experts say that's a concern.

05/05/2026

U.S. stocks strongly rallied in April, with investors shaking off geopolitical headwinds, rising inflation concerns, and intense oil volatility, thanks to exceptionally strong corporate earnings and robust economic growth. In a major turnaround from its March 30 near-correction low at 6,343 and down as much as 9.1%, the S&P 500 rebounded over 10%, marking its best monthly performance since November 2020 and first close above 7,200. Read more in our April recap here:

U.S. stocks strongly rallied in April, with investors shaking off geopolitical headwinds, rising inflation concerns, and intense oil volatility, thanks to…

05/01/2026

A family loses a loved one unexpectedly. No will. No trust. No directive.

In the middle of grieving, they're also left navigating legal decisions, unanswered questions, and a process that can take months, sometimes longer. It's a situation no family should have to face. And in most cases, it's avoidable.

Join me May 19th at 7pm for our Estate Planning Strategies webinar with estate planning attorney John Kidwell of The Law Offices of Kidwell and Kent.

The best time to have a plan is before you need one. Register Here: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_cKMr-_pgTKueFXM-BSGk5Q

04/29/2026

Recent global developments are beginning to show up in key areas of the U.S. economy, with energy costs leading the impact.

Fuel prices have risen, with the national average reaching around $4.10 per gallon, increasing costs for households and businesses. Broader inflation data has also reflected some upward pressure, particularly in energy-related categories.

Despite these shifts, overall economic growth is still expected to continue, though at a slower pace. Some forecasts suggest growth may ease slightly while remaining positive.

Consumer activity has shown mixed signals. Spending has remained relatively steady, even as sentiment surveys reflect lower confidence.

Looking ahead, factors like energy prices, inflation trends, and central bank decisions may continue to influence the economic outlook.

Source:

The Iran war is starting to show up in the U.S. economy in ways both obvious and not so much.

04/22/2026

Estate planning tends to feel like something you'll get to eventually. For many families, eventually never comes.

Join me on May 19th at 7pm for our ‘Estate Planning Strategies’ webinar with estate planning attorney John Kidwell of The Law Offices of Kidwell and Kent.

John will walk you through the essentials. From wills and trusts to healthcare directives, lifetime gifting strategies, and tax basics. Whether you've never thought about it before or just haven't gotten around to updating your plan, this is a great opportunity to get clarity.

The best time to have a plan is before you need one. Register Here: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_cKMr-_pgTKueFXM-BSGk5Q