September 2025 Market Update: Stocks, Bonds, and Preparing for Insurance Gaps​

Portfolio Rotations: Adjusting for Market Conditions

ACT Advisors continuously monitors both stock and bond allocations, using disciplined strategies that shift positions in response to evolving conditions. In August, the following portfolio adjustments were implemented:

• Bond Rotation: Positions shifted from floating rate loans into Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities (TIPS). TIPS, backed by the U.S. government, provide inflation-adjusted returns, making them a prudent defensive move given today’s mixed economic signals.

• Stock Rotation: Equity allocations remained positioned in the technology-heavy QQQ exchange-traded fund, reflecting ongoing strength in the tech sector.

These changes illustrate how tactical rotations can provide added resilience, especially as markets move into historically more volatile months.

September’s Reputation: A Historically Challenging Month

September has long been viewed with caution by investors. Historically, it has been one of the weaker-performing months for equities. That said, history is not destiny.

Doug emphasized that ACT Advisors does not rely on seasonal patterns alone:

• Real-time data drives decision-making, not past trends.

• If markets experience a pullback in September, it would not be unusual.

• Any weakness may also set the stage for a year-end rally, commonly known as the “Santa Claus rally.”

This balanced outlook provides reassurance: short-term volatility is part of market cycles, but disciplined strategies are designed to capture long-term growth while mitigating risks.

Beyond Markets: The Importance of Insurance Integration

While investment performance captures headlines, ACT Advisors also encourages clients to focus on comprehensive financial planning—including insurance. September marks the one-year anniversary of Hurricane Helene, a storm that had significant financial consequences for many households.

In reviewing client portfolios and policies, ACT Advisors identified a recurring concern: misalignment between homeowners, auto, and umbrella insurance coverage. When policies don’t work together, gaps in protection can leave families exposed.

To address this, ACT Advisors is hosting a special insurance webinar on September 24th at 11 a.m. ET. The session will feature a team of insurance professionals who will:

• Explain how different policies overlap—or fail to overlap.

• Provide strategies to ensure coverage works as a unified shield.

• Answer client questions about optimizing protection.

If you did not receive the webinar email invitation, ACT Advisors encourages you to reach out directly by phone or email to ensure you’re included.

Preparing for the Remainder of 2025

As we step into the final stretch of the year, investors should keep the following in mind:

1. Stay disciplined through volatility. Markets may dip in September, but such moves are often temporary and followed by strong year-end performance.

2. Review your insurance coverage. Financial well-being extends beyond investments. Aligning insurance policies can safeguard against unexpected shocks.

3. Engage with proactive planning. Opportunities such as the September 24th webinar highlight the value of regular check-ins and education.

By combining market vigilance with holistic financial planning, ACT Advisors seeks to provide peace of mind in both prosperous and uncertain times.