Prosperity Partners Blog
A Murky Fed Message
“All hat and no cattle” is a traditional cowboy phrase—especially popular in Texas—describing someone who is basically a poser: plenty of talk, lots of sparkle, but little to back it up. It’s all talk and no action, and that’s the takeaway from Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh’s second Fed meeting and subsequent press conference.
Social Security and You
The trust fund that supports Social Security retirement benefits is projected to be depleted in the fourth quarter of 2032. At that point, ongoing revenue from Social Security payroll taxes is expected to cover approximately 78% of scheduled retirement benefits.
Chips in Flux
Since the most recent market low at the end of March, semiconductors (microchips, commonly called chip stocks) have been a very popular trade. In less than three months, the PHLX Semiconductor Index has more than doubled—see Figure 1.
Oil Has Given Back Gains, but Gasoline—Not So Much
Just before the start of the war, WTI crude oil traded at about $67 per barrel, according to MarketWatch. By last week, the price of oil had fallen to within about $1 of its pre-war price.
A Muddy Jobs Report
The recent pickup in job growth is welcome news for job seekers. But June’s jobs report left more questions than answers. Here’s why.
1776 to Today: Reflections on the Fourth of July
As the United States approaches the 250th anniversary of its founding—a milestone known as the Semiquincentennial—the Declaration of Independence remains as important as ever.
There’s a New Sheriff in Town
The Federal Reserve surprised no one by holding its key rate, the fed funds rate, at 3.50–3.75%.
The Latest on Inflation
The latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) provided investors with a modest sense of relief when it was released last Wednesday.
Hiring Ramps Up
Well, that was a pleasant surprise. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that nonfarm payrolls rose by 172,000 in May, more than double the 80,000 economists had expected, according to a Wall Street Journal survey.
An AI Boost to Jobs
What’s driving bond yields higher? Since the recent low, the 10-year Treasury yield has climbed nearly three-quarters of a percentage point. The 10-year is a key benchmark because many borrowing rates, including mortgage rates, closely track its movements.
Bond Yields on the Rise
What’s driving bond yields higher? Since the recent low, the 10-year Treasury yield has climbed nearly three-quarters of a percentage point. The 10-year is a key benchmark because many borrowing rates, including mortgage rates, closely track its movements.
A Profits Gusher
S&P 500 corporate profits are surging in the first quarter, helping to push both the S&P 500 Index and the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite to new highs this month.










