Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation - FDIC-Insured - Backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation - FDIC-Insured - Backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government
Halfway through 2025, and the markets are keeping our interest piqued. From sticky inflation to global surprises, learn more about what we’re watching for the second half of the year.
Also, can you name the oldest company in the original Dow Jones (1896)? Hint: you’re probably dying to use their product.
Equities (Total Return through June 30):
– S&P 500: +6.20%
– Nasdaq 100: +8.35%
– Dow Jones: +4.55%
– Russell 2000 (Small Caps): −1.79%
Fixed Income:
– Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Index: +4.02%
– 10-Year Treasury Yield: 4.23%
– 2-Year Treasury Yield: 3.73%
| Theme | Why It Matters |
| Interest rate policy | Will the Fed cut rates before year-end—or just hint again? |
| Inflation direction | Trending lower, but services prices are still sticky. |
| Earnings growth | Can it expand beyond the tech giants? |
| Geopolitics & global growth | These could surprise markets more than rate policy this year. |
Despite a bumpy start, diversified portfolios have gained ground. With bonds offering real income and equities showing selective strength, staying balanced and flexible remains the best course forward.
🐔 The stock market performs better when chickens are expensive
Researchers found that higher chicken prices (as a proxy for inflation expectations) have a statistically significant correlation with stronger market returns in certain cycles.
Wall Street may not care about your dinner, but your dinner might care about Wall Street.
⚰️ The oldest company in the original Dow Jones (1896) made coffin hardware
American Tobacco, U.S. Leather, and American Cotton Oil were Dow components… but National Lead, the maker of coffin fittings and lead paint, also had its time in the sun.
Turns out, not all blue chips age well.
If you’d like an expert at “The Best Bank in Town®” to review your portfolio1, discuss upcoming strategies1, or just chat about the good ol’ days, we’re always here to help. Just send an email or give us a call.
Jerry M. Johnson Director of Wealth Management1
(859) 233-8903 | jjohnson@bankofthebluegrass.com
Jeff Schriefer, Senior Wealth Advisor1
(859) 233-8929 | jschriefer@bankofthebluegrass.com
Elizabeth H. Prewitt, Wealth Management Advisor1
(859) 280-3853 | bprewitt@bankofthebluegrass.com
Caroline French, Private Banking Specialist2
(859) 303-7276 | carolinefrench@bankofthebluegrass.com
Kelly Montgomery, Senior Portfolio Manager1
(859) 280-3847 | kmontgomery@bankofthebluegrass.com
Disclosures:
Past performance is not indicative of future results. This communication is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Index performance is shown for illustrative purposes and is not representative of any specific investment.
1 Bank of the Bluegrass & Trust Co. | Wealth Management. Insurance products, services, investment products and securities are: NOT Deposits | NOT FDIC Insured | NOT Guaranteed by the Bank | MAY Lose Value | NOT Insured by any State or Federal Government Agency
2 Bank of the Bluegrass & Trust Co. | Private Banking. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender. Bank NMLS ID# 421548. Offer of credit is subject to credit approval.
