Last week, I had the pleasure of presenting at a Commonwealth conference. I love spending time and sharing ideas with our advisors. They are the best in the business.
Unpacking My Suitcase: The Fed, Policy, and International Markets
News
The Market Has Corrected: What’s Ahead?
As of the end of trading on Thursday, March 13, the S&P 500 closed down 10 percent from its all-time high, marking an official correction. It was the first correction since October 2023—17 months ago. From an investment horizon perspective, that isn’t that long. While there wasn’t an official correction in 2024, there was an 8 percent drawdown. Still, those two years ended with the S&P 500 up 24 percent and 23 percent, respectively.
The Market Observatory: What Will the Fed Do Next? [Audio]
![The Market Observatory: What Will the Fed Do Next? [Audio]](https://blog.commonwealth.com/hubfs/Market-Observatory_Ep-005_HORIZONTAL_THUMBNAIL.png)
In our Market Observatory audio series, Sam Millette and I break down the latest market and economic signals that we believe will shape the month ahead. From tariffs to big tech, we share our perspective on what’s happening now and what it could mean for investors going forward.
All Eyes on the Consumer: Is the Economic Engine Sputtering?
As the consumer goes, so goes the U.S. economy. Consumers make up roughly 70 percent of U.S. GDP. Our collective spending has powered the economy since the COVID-19 pandemic and proven wrong the 2022 and 2023 recession predictions by economists and investors. I like to call it the most telegraphed recession that never happened.
Market Thoughts for March 2025 [Video]
![Market Thoughts for March 2025 [Video]](https://blog.commonwealth.com/hubfs/Market-Thoughts-Mar-2024_V01_20250303.00_00_05_10.Still036.jpg)
February was a tough month for U.S. markets. The S&P 500, Dow Jones, and Nasdaq all fell, with the Nasdaq getting hit the hardest. Despite the disappointing month, fundamentals showed signs of positive momentum, boosted by a strong jobs report and fourth-quarter earnings growth. Markets, however, still face real risks—including policy uncertainty, debt ceiling concerns, and the planned rollout of tariffs.
Policy Uncertainty Begins to Weigh on Investors
Brad here. As many of you know, I have been working on a much wider range of things here at Commonwealth, and as such, I have stepped back from a lot of the public-facing work I was doing. And that was fine as long as everything was going well. But when things become uncertain, we need someone to be able to explain what is happening—and why.
Olivia has joined Riverstone Wealth Partners providing knowledge gained from her 15 plus years in management. Olivia has provided services within the financial industry, mortgage industry, and in the non-profit sector. Olivia thrives on providing stellar customer service, accomplishing all goals set before her, and doing the right thing. Olivia’s degree in Business Management allowed her to take on roles that ultimately led her to Riverstone Wealth Partners. Olivia is currently pursuing another degree with an emphasizes in Human Resources, which she has learned over time… is her passion!
Director of Operations
Ashley has been working in the customer service field since she started her first job at age 16. For the past ten years she worked in an office setting handling accounts payable and receivable as well as some receptionist work. She is very excited to learn more about the investment field.
Alec joined Riverstone after starting out his post college career on the operations side of an international logistics company working as an account executive. Graduating with a BA in Economics from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, he quickly developed a strong interest in the financial world. A lifetime resident of the Chicagoland area, Alec is an avid fan of his hometown sports teams. He is also an enthusiast of outdoor activities like fishing, camping, and hiking whenever possible.
Carol has a wide variety of experiences and has worked mainly with not-for-profit organizations. She spent 20 years in fundraising and 15 years teaching in the Illinois school system while she raised her younger children. Carol lives in Sugar Grove with her husband, Ron, and their Golden Retriever, Charley. She has four children and two grandchildren. When she’s not working, Carol enjoys spending time with friends and family, running, fishing, bible study, and watching her grandchildren play sports.
Wealth Advisor
Wealth Advisor / Registered Principal
Wealth Advisor
Wealth Advisor / Registered Principal
Wealth Advisor
Wealth Advisor Assistant
Registered Relationship Assistant