S4E26 – Q2 2025 Review & Outlook

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Welcome back to Kitchen Table Finance with hosts Dave Shotwell and Nick Nonna! In this quarterly market update, Dave and Nick walk through the rollercoaster that was Q2 2025. From unexpected returns to ongoing uncertainty, this episode offers a grounded, no-nonsense take on what’s happening in the markets—and what it might mean for your financial plans.

Q2 Surprises: Despite a rocky start in April, markets closed the quarter on a strong note. A 60/40 portfolio returned an impressive 6.5% for the quarter.

Glass Half Full:

• Large-cap U.S. stocks bounced back, with big names driving growth

• Bonds held strong, even as the U.S. debt was downgraded

• Inflation declined to 2.4% by May, despite tariff pressures

• Labor and macroeconomic data remained solid

Glass Half Empty:

• Trade policy and tariffs continue to create uncertainty

• The U.S. credit downgrade in May raises long-term concerns

• Ongoing geopolitical conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine

• Unclear full impact of tariffs on prices and inflation

Special Insights:

• The S&P 500 hit 9 all-time highs in the first half of 2025

• A 9.5% single-day increase in April proves timing the market is nearly impossible

• Real-world example: Dave shares how a small business passed along a 10% tariff on a product from Italy—and what that means for consumers and small businesses alike

• Inflation uptick in June to 2.67% might signal future pressures

Key Takeaway

Even with market noise, surprises, and headlines, long-term planning remains the cornerstone of financial success. This episode reinforces why staying disciplined and focused on your plan is more important than reacting to short-term news.

Looking for guidance through the ups and downs of the market? It all starts with a Fit Meeting—a relaxed, no-pressure conversation to see if we’re the right financial partner for you.

Contact us at info@srbadvisors.com or visit srbadvisors.com

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