Your Money

In Q2 2025, U.S. stocks posted strong gains, despite April's drop on tariff-related news. The S&P 500 rose over 10%, while the tech-heavy Nasdaq-100 surged almost 18% fueled by continued enthusiasm around artificial intelligence and solid earnings from major tech firms. The rally broadened beyond megacaps, with cyclical sectors like financials, energy, and materials also gaining ground. The Dow rose about 5% and small-cap stocks showed signs of recovery, contributing to a healthier overall market tone.

Encouraged by a weakening dollar, international stocks surged higher amid mixed economic data and geopolitical uncertainty. In the fixed income market, bonds rose as resilient labor market data and inflation pressures led investors to scale back expectations for Federal Reserve rate cuts.

• Broad Market (S&P 500):  +10.9% 2Q  |  +15.1% last 12 months
• Small Companies (Russell 2000):  +8.5% 2Q  |  +7.7% last 12 months
• International Stocks (EAFE):  +12.1% 2Q  |  +18.3% last 12 months
• Emerging Markets (MSCI EM):  +12.2% 2Q  |  +16.0% last 12 months
• Bonds (Barclays Agg): +1.2% 2Q  |  +6.1% last 12 months

Personal video statements will begin going out this week.

S&P 500 rises to another record to wrap up second-quarter comeback
by Sean Conlon and Pia Singh

Your Life

Distractions often get a bad rap, but they can be surprisingly helpful in the right situations. This Psychology Today article explores how healthy distractions—like going for a walk, listening to music, or chatting with a friend—can reduce stress, ease emotional pain, and help reset your focus. Sometimes, stepping away from a tough problem or intense feeling is exactly what the brain needs to regroup.

When Distraction Is a Good Thing
by Nir Eyal

Complexity Simplified

Trivia