Harney Wealth Management Group

09/03/2026

The House passed a spending bill that will fund the government through December 11. In doing so, it finished most of the legislative business through the November midterms. In this Potomac Perspective, Brian Gardner, Stifel's Chief Washington Policy Strategist, takes a look at the few matters that might be considered by Congress in September as well as some items that are expected to be considered during the lame duck session.

Read more here: https://livesocial.seismic.com/a2daU-

09/02/2026

America's debt situation has been getting plenty of attention lately, and this isn't the first debt drama in history. Nearly 500 years ago, Henry VIII faced a budget problem ... His strategy? Quietly reduce the amount of gold and silver in England's coins while keeping their face value the same. People eventually caught on, and the episode became one of history's earliest examples of currency debasement.

For more information on this and to read the full piece, click here: https://livesocial.seismic.com/ag1EcT

08/31/2026

Strong earnings across most sectors lifted equities this week, with technology leading the charge – though elevated inflation and long-term yields keep the Federal Reserve's next moves in focus.

Read more here: https://livesocial.seismic.com/4O7eW https://livesocial.seismic.com/aJRvgh

08/31/2026

Facing potentially higher Social Security cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) in 2027, many older adults may consider claiming benefits sooner. However, delaying benefits typically results in a larger monthly payout, with increases of about 8% for each year deferred until age 70.

Experts suggest evaluating individual circumstances, but waiting may enhance long-term financial security, especially as COLAs can significantly impact total benefits received over time. Understanding the timing and implications of claiming Social Security is vital for effective retirement planning.

CNBC

08/31/2026

At the recent Fed symposium, Chairman Kevin Warsh underscored the ongoing challenge of inflation. Although recent readings showed some improvement, he highlighted that underlying trends still require attention. His call for a "quieter Fed" suggests a shift in approach, moving away from reliance on forward guidance, emphasizing a disciplined response to economic conditions.

Warsh's remarks emphasize the balance between inflation control and economic growth. Stakeholders may find it worth considering how this evolving communication strategy might influence market behavior and monetary policy discussions. Understanding these shifts can be key to navigating future economic landscapes.

CNBC

08/31/2026

In this week's Economic Insight, Stifel's Chief Economist, Lindsey Piegza, Ph.D, discusses massive volatility in the global energy market hurting American consumers as gasoline prices spiked to a four-year high of $4.56 a gallon in May. Since then, prices have cooled somewhat, down 10%, but they are still 45% higher than at the start of the year.

Read the full report here: https://livesocial.seismic.com/aZnvAF

08/26/2026

The U.S. government crossed $40 trillion in debt last week. That number has doubled in less than a decade, and it showed up about two years earlier than forecasters penciled in.

For more information on this and to read the full piece, click here: https://livesocial.seismic.com/aP-aZF

08/24/2026

The dog days of August may be providing a glimpse of what investors should expect following the midterm elections. The resulting gridlock is likely to mean that Congress will be limited in what it can pass. Instead, it is expected that the regulatory agencies and the Federal Reserve are to be the venues where the policy action takes place.

Read more in Potomac Perspective from Brian Gardner: https://livesocial.seismic.com/aFXuP0

08/19/2026

July's headline jobs numbers looked … fine. Unemployment fell to 4.1%, even though the economy unexpectedly lost 23,000 jobs.

For more information on this and to read the full piece, click here: https://livesocial.seismic.com/a2Zs8Y

08/17/2026

In this week's Economic Insight, Stifel's Chief Economist, Lindsey Piegza, Ph.D, offers an updated view on the economy, policy, and what to expect looking out further into 2026.

Watch the full report here: https://livesocial.seismic.com/aDL3uu