U.S. equity markets finished a relatively eventful week with slight gains as better-than-feared inflation data helped offset pressure from rising oil prices and weakness across several mega-cap growth names. The S&P 500 rose 0.4% to notch fresh record highs, while...
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Earnings Strength and Easing Geopolitical Tensions Send Markets to New Highs
U.S. equity markets rebounded sharply during the week as strong corporate earnings, renewed enthusiasm surrounding artificial intelligence, and easing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East boosted investor sentiment. As we enter the late stages of Q2 earnings...
Markets Navigate Volatile Week as Fed Keeps Rates Unchanged
Market Data as of Week Ending: 7/31/2026 unless noted otherwise U.S. equity markets ended higher during a volatile week characterized by sharp swings tied to the Federal Reserve's policy decision, ongoing U.S.-Iran geopolitical tensions, and heavy fluctuations in...
Where Did the Summer Go?
By Glen O'Connor End of Summer Reflections and Financial Readiness for Families As summer comes to a close and another school year begins, families are reminded how quickly time passes—and why it's important to prepare for the opportunities and expenses that lie...
AI Spending Concerns Overshadow Earnings Strength
U.S. equity markets declined during the week as renewed concerns over AI-related spending overshadowed continued strength in second-quarter earnings and resilient economic data. While corporate earnings have generally exceeded expectations, investor focus shifted...
Markets Retreat Despite Strong Fundamentals
U.S. equity markets declined during the week as a sharp selloff in semiconductor and AI-related stocks overshadowed encouraging inflation data, continued strength in energy prices and a solid start to second-quarter earnings season. Early results have been strong,...
Renewed Geopolitical Tensions Raise Concerns Over Inflation
U.S. equity markets turned in a mixed but ultimately resilient performance during a volatile week as renewed geopolitical tensions between the U.S. and Iran drove sharp swings in oil prices, Treasury yields and semiconductor stocks. The S&P 500 gained 1.26% while...
Softer Payrolls Fuel Equity Gains
U.S. large-cap stocks gained 1.8% during the holiday-shortened week. Sentiment was supported by a softer June employment report, reducing concerns that the Federal Reserve would need to raise rates in the near term. Growth generally led value, and larger companies...
A Comprehensive Guide to Common Financial Scams
In today’s digital landscape, financial scams are becoming more sophisticated and harder to detect. At American Trust Wealth, we’re dedicated to helping you protect your financial security and stay informed. 11 Types of Financial Scams Phishing AttacksPhishing is a...
30 Years A CFP: The Evolution of Financial Planning
By Patrick Meyer Reminisce with me for a moment. It was the middle of July 1996. I was holed up in Baltimore taking the 10-hour Certified Financial Planner exam. Hurricane Bertha was raging outside as it moved up the coast from North Carolina. At 4 p.m. on Saturday,...