Westmark Investment Services

12/02/2025

This Monthly Recap summarizes market performance, major events and news from November 2025. Read more here:

The S&P 500 carved out a small gain in November after a strong 3.74% month-ending weekly gain, its largest weekly advance in five months. The S&P turned positive for the month on the final trading day in November, gaining 0.54% on Friday’s abbreviated post-Thanksgiving “Black Friday” trading s...

12/01/2025

Plenty of key economic data is on deck this week, including Wednesday’s ADP employment report – the final snapshot of the labor market before the Fed’s next meeting. Chief Investment Officer Gene Goldman breaks down what to expect in this week’s edition of .

“Cetera Financial Group” refers to the network of independent retail firms encompassing, among others, Cetera Advisors LLC, Cetera Advisor Networks LLC, Cetera Investment Services LLC (marketed as Cetera Financial Institutions or Cetera Investors), and Cetera Financial Specialists LLC. All firms...

11/27/2025

11/24/2025

What’s behind recent market weakness? AI concerns, Fed uncertainty, and crypto declines have pressured a market priced for perfection—despite Friday’s bounce on hopes for a rate cut. On this week’s episode of , CIO Gene Goldman breaks down why volatility persists, key technical levels to watch, and why “buy the dip” remains a valid strategy.

“Cetera Financial Group” refers to the network of independent retail firms encompassing, among others, Cetera Advisors LLC, Cetera Advisor Networks LLC, Cetera Investment Services LLC (marketed as Cetera Financial Institutions or Cetera Investors), and Cetera Financial Specialists LLC. All firms...

11/24/2025

Rebalancing your portfolio before year-end can help manage risk and lock in gains. Don’t forget to review concentrated positions and private investments.

11/21/2025

Recent market weakness may feel unsettling, but it reflects a normal reset as AI concerns, shifting Fed expectations, and crypto volatility hit a market priced for perfection. A pullback toward the S&P 500’s 200-day average could approach correction territory—and history shows that’s often when opportunity knocks. Read the latest commentary from the Cetera Investment Management Team for what’s driving the pullback and why they see it as a buying opportunity:

In our latest commentary, we break down what’s behind recent market weakness and why it may signal opportunity—not risk. AI concerns, shifting Fed expectations, and crypto volatility have pressured a market priced for perfection. A pullback toward the S&P 500’s 200-day average could approach c...

11/20/2025

Read the latest issue of Financial Watch here:

Did you know that nearly 7 in 10 U.S. households are now living paycheck to paycheck? Rising prices and a cooling job market are big factors, but there’s another culprit that often flies under the radar: lifestyle creep. It’s something that can impact anyone, no matter their income. Read this mo...

11/18/2025

As the year wraps up, it’s a great time to pause and reflect on your retirement strategy, especially if you’re nearing your final working years. This transition from saving to spending is one of the biggest financial shifts you’ll make.

Talk to your advisor about maxing out your contributions, rebalancing your portfolio, reviewing your insurance and estate plans, and setting clear retirement goals now rather than later.

11/17/2025

Mixed equity moves and AI scrutiny fade behind one question: Will the Fed cut rates again? This Wednesday’s FOMC minutes could offer clues. With only a 45% chance of a December cut, investors are watching how the Fed weighs inflation risks against labor market weakness. On this week’s , CIO Gene Goldman breaks down what to expect from Friday’s inflation reading—and why it could strengthen the case for rate cuts.

“Cetera Financial Group” refers to the network of independent retail firms encompassing, among others, Cetera Advisors LLC, Cetera Advisor Networks LLC, Cetera Investment Services LLC (marketed as Cetera Financial Institutions or Cetera Investors), and Cetera Financial Specialists LLC. All firms...

11/14/2025

The government is back open—but uncertainty isn’t gone. Markets pulled back as investors face a data vacuum and unclear Fed policy. Volatility may stick around, but it can also create opportunity for long-term investors. Read now: https://cetera.com/market-insights/government-reopens-data-vacuum-persists?utm_source=nfaaol

11/13/2025

Before the year ends, take time to rebalance your portfolio, review your insurance, plan for education costs, and maximize tax efficiency. End the year by setting goals for next year. Small moves now can mean big gains later.

11/11/2025

Read the latest issue of Retire Wise here:

2025 is coming to a close, and as we head into the final stretch, it’s the perfect time to make sure your year-end planning is on track. From “super catch-up” contributions for those nearing retirement to new updates under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), there are some great opportunit...