Inflation’s Importance to Financial Markets Cannot Be Overstated

Inflation’s effects on the economy, monetary policy, and the financial markets are wide-ranging. Higher inflation can constrain economic growth, tighten financial conditions, drive interest rates higher and even restrain stock valuations — higher inflation dampens the present value of future earnings and, historically, correlates with lower stock valuations. Will the recent encouraging reports on inflation […]

Weekly Bottom Line

The U.S. and China reached a tentative ‘framework’ of a trade deal on Wednesday. The U.S. administration also signaled an openness to extend the 90-day pause on reciprocal tariffs for some countries. WTI prices jumped by more than 6% or $4.5 per-barrel to $72.5 on Friday, following Israeli airstrikes on Iran. Inflationary pressures remained subdued […]

Navigating Recent Market Volatility – What You Need to Know

The financial markets have had a rough week following the recent announcement of a new Trump tariff package. Wes Johnson of ACT Advisors, a fee-only fiduciary wealth management firm with offices in Mount Pleasant, SC, and Asheville, NC, breaks down what’s happening, what it means for your portfolio.

Navigating Market Volatility: Why This Stock Market Drop Is Normal

The stock market has hit a rough patch recently, causing some investors to feel uneasy. But before you panic, it’s important to put this downturn into perspective. Wes Johnson of ACT Advisors, a fee-only fiduciary wealth management firm with offices in Mount Pleasant, SC, and Asheville, NC, explains why this market pullback is not only expected—but completely normal.