Global stock markets declined this week as investors braced for new U.S. tariffs that have heightened recession fears. The S&P 500 briefly fell into correction territory before rebounding, but it still posted its worst quarter since 2022. 

The uncertainty surrounding trade policy pushed the CBOE Volatility Index higher and drove investors toward safe-haven assets like gold, which reached a record high above $3,100 an ounce. 

Asian and European markets also struggled, with automakers hit particularly hard after Trump announced a 25% tariff on imported vehicles and parts. Meanwhile, CoreWeave's stock tumbled after its IPO, and Hong Kong’s CK Hutchison declined as a Chinese regulatory review delayed a major ports deal.

Finsum: Investors are flocking to bonds for any chance of relief, but this could be the time to buy on the bottom of the market if Trump pulls the rug on tariffs once again. 

Despite favorable regulatory developments and the announcement of a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve, crypto markets saw a sharp pullback in early March, with bitcoin, ether, and solana all declining. Some of the disappointment stemmed from the fact that the reserve would consist solely of assets seized through law enforcement rather than direct government purchases. 

Bitcoin’s latest quadrennial halving on April 20, 2024, historically a catalyst for massive rallies, has yielded a more tempered 30% gain so far, possibly due to more efficient market pricing. Ether and solana have closely tracked bitcoin’s movements, with correlations consistently high, reinforcing the idea that broader market sentiment is driving price action. 

Unlike previous post-halving periods, miners' transaction revenues have remained relatively stable, suggesting that extreme price volatility may be less likely this cycle. 

Finsum: Slowing  growth in transaction volumes hints at a maturing crypto market, with daily bitcoin transactions dipping in early 2025 even as futures trading remains active.

Halo Investing has secured $12 million in Series B funding to enhance transparency and competition in structured notes investing. Backed by investors like Allianz Life Ventures and William Blair Circle, the platform aims to make structured notes more accessible by eliminating traditional high minimum investment requirements. 

As the world’s first independent, multi-issuer technology platform for structured notes, Halo enables advisors to offer protective investing in an unbiased, data-driven manner. CEO Jason Barsema emphasized the company’s mission to provide equal investment opportunities for all, from everyday investors to corporate executives. 

The platform streamlines order management, enhances compliance, and optimizes back-office efficiency for issuers and wealth managers. 

Finsum: With this latest innovation, structured notes are a rapidly developing investment framework.

Global private credit is staging a recovery from a decade-low slump, driven by stronger-than-expected global GDP growth and a gradual shift toward looser monetary policy. 

Although deal activity remains below historical norms, transaction volumes grew 7% last year, with deal values rising 15% to $3.5 trillion, bringing the market closer to pre-pandemic levels. Despite lingering valuation gaps and geopolitical uncertainty, optimism is building for a stronger M&A rebound in 2025, which could further boost private credit’s rapid ascent as an alternative financing source. 

The asset class has cemented itself as a critical pillar of corporate lending, filling the gap left by traditional banks and offering borrowers more tailored, flexible funding solutions. Investors are increasingly drawn to private credit’s ability to deliver stable returns and diversify portfolios, fueling further expansion in the sector. 

Finsum: As dealmaking momentum builds, firms are poised to capitalize, leveraging their global network and deep industry expertise to connect capital with opportunity.

Spring doesn’t have to involve expensive travel—there are plenty of fun ways to enjoy time together at home. One idea is to “travel the world from home” by learning about different countries, cooking their traditional dishes, and watching related movies. 

A family pilgrimage to a nearby holy site can also be a meaningful experience, especially during this Jubilee Year, with many designated pilgrimage locations across the U.S. For a fun night in, kids can enjoy a "sleep-under," wearing pajamas, playing games, and watching a movie before heading home to sleep. 

Cozy reading time can be made extra special with a library trip followed by building a blanket fort to read new books inside. A family bake-off adds a competitive twist to baking, letting each child pick a recipe to make and everyone vote on the tastiest creation. 

Finsum: Whether through cultural exploration, faith-filled experiences, or simple at-home activities, spring break can be both memorable and affordable.

As the wealth landscape evolves, the number of high-net-worth individuals is on the rise. And that means financial advisors who can cater to their complex needs will be in high demand. Are you prepared to meet the challenge?

Our infographic provides key strategies to help you become the go-to advisor for these discerning clients, such as:

• Leveraging professional designations
• Offering diverse financial strategies
• Using technology as a service tool

Are you ready to seize this growth opportunity? Transform your approach to serving high-net-worth clients today.

Download the infographic here.

Commonwealth Financial Network®, Member FINRA/SIPC.

With inflation concerns lingering, advisors are closely monitoring the Federal Reserve’s next moves. The Fed held interest rates steady but raised its inflation forecast for the year, while also trimming its growth projection to 1.7%. 

Despite expectations for two rate cuts in 2024, economic uncertainty and potential trade disputes make forecasting difficult. Fixed income investors must remain adaptable, balancing inflation risks with the Fed’s evolving stance. 

Actively managed bond ETFs, such as the Eaton Vance Total Return Bond ETF (EVTR), offer flexibility in navigating rate shifts. By blending investment-grade debt with selective high-yield exposure, EVTR seeks to optimize returns while mitigating risk in an unpredictable market.

Finsum: Active fixed income tends to dominate in macro markets, and that is the current environment that is current environment exactly. 

Economic data from the first quarter indicates slowing growth alongside rising inflation, raising concerns about stagflation. February’s PCE price index, the Fed’s preferred inflation gauge, showed its highest reading in a year, while inflation-adjusted consumer spending barely increased. 

GDP is now projected to shrink by 0.5% annually, as rising imports ahead of new tariffs weigh on growth. The University of Michigan’s consumer sentiment survey reflects increasing pessimism, with inflation expectations rising and job market concerns deepening. 

Meanwhile, Fed officials acknowledge that upcoming tariffs will likely push inflation higher, constraining their ability to cut interest rates. 

Finsum: With economic uncertainty mounting, Americans are bracing for a difficult year ahead, but they need financial products that can be robust to these risks. 

With more retirees seeking financial security, index annuities have gained popularity in 2025 for their mix of protection and growth potential. Index Annuities shield savings from market downturns while allowing interest accumulation when markets rise, making them a safer alternative to traditional investments. 

They also offer guaranteed lifetime income, ensuring retirees don’t outlive their savings, a critical feature as life expectancy increases. Rising interest rates have further enhanced index annuities appeal, as new contracts now offer better returns compared to bonds. 

Additionally, their tax advantages, including tax-deferred growth and flexible withdrawals, help retirees manage their financial burden efficiently. 

Given these benefits, index annuities are becoming a key component of retirement planning in an uncertain economic climate.

Climate technologies are advancing from early innovation to the critical scaling phase, where private equity firms are stepping in to bridge funding gaps. Private equity investors play a vital role by providing capital and operational expertise to transform climate innovations into scalable, market-leading businesses. 

Firms like General Atlantic and Ardian are integrating sustainability into their investment strategies, using data-driven insights to enhance both commercial success and decarbonization efforts. 

Institutional investors increasingly demand quantifiable impact, prompting firms to assess companies not just on financial returns but also on emissions reduction potential. Key investment opportunities lie in grid infrastructure, e-mobility software, and carbon transparency solutions, as demand for sustainable energy and efficiency grows. 

FINSUM: This hands-on, impact-driven approach is reshaping climate finance, positioning private equity as a crucial driver of the energy transition.