The first quarter of 2025 was marked by significant volatility, largely driven by escalating trade tensions under the new U.S. administration and fluctuating expectations for Federal Reserve policy. The original tariffs levied on Canada, Mexico, and China compounded these challenges, as investors grappled with evolving dynamics and fragile market sentiment.

In 2025, diversification will continue to be the key to a healthy portfolio. As we look ahead to 2025, navigating global market complexities requires a disciplined and proactive approach to portfolio management.

While stocks were unable to sustain their post-election highs, all major indices managed to close the quarter with modest gains. The Federal Reserve’s December decision to cut the Fed Funds rate by 25 bps—the second cut of the quarter—highlighted its ongoing commitment to supporting economic growth amid a challenging macroeconomic environment. 

The Federal Reserve’s decision to cut the Fed Funds rate by 50bps last month was one of the most significant financial developments in the third quarter, if not the entire year. This shift toward a more dovish monetary policy stance contributed to stabilizing financial markets, particularly equities, and led to a renewed focus on risky assets, like U.S. stocks.

BRPW CIO gives comments after August 5th, a very volatile day for the global financial markets.

After a very disappointing April, the U.S. stock market indices rebounded sharply in May and June thanks to cooling inflation, strong corporate earnings and renewed expectations of a Federal Reserve interest rate cut by the end of the year.

Senior Wealth Advisor Scott McClatchey, CFP® outlines what families should expect when we develop a financial plan at Ballast Rock Private Wealth. Every family is different, and your true financial plan should have several elements that Scott details in this article.

Learn why other advisors are not talking about private market investing.

Wealth Management Executive Scott McClatchey, CFP®, Joins Ballast Rock Private Wealth as Senior Wealth Advisor. Mr. McClatchey is a seasoned wealth advisor who has been repeatedly awarded for the excellence of his work and will be based in Ballast Rock Private Wealth’s San Diego office.

Learn why accredited investors should consider private assets for their portfolios.

Watch this video to learn why Ballast Rock Private Wealth was started.

Wealth Management Executive Jim Carroll Joins Ballast Rock Private Wealth as Senior Wealth Advisor and Portfolio Manager. Mr. Carroll, who will be based out of Ballast Rock’s Charleston office, will manage portfolios for high-net-worth families and individuals.