We’re caught in a strange economic limbo with the U.S. employment market. Large-scale layoffs and a climb in the unemployment rate that signals a recession has not materialized; but the robust hiring that signals a healthy economy has vanished. The result is a labor market completely stuck in neutral, and the official numbers we’ve relied on for decades are looking shakier than ever.
Stalemate
Over the course of the third quarter, the focus among investors, economists and the Fed itself shifted from tariff policy to jobs. We’ve arrived at a dynamic in the labor market that can best be described as a “stalemate.” Both hiring and firing rates sit at low levels. Businesses, uncertain about the future, are holding onto the employees they have, while simultaneously hesitating to bring on new staff. Top of mind is whether the frozen labor market will thaw through a resumption of hiring or whether we are in the early stages of an eventual rise in the rate of unemployment.
Frankel on KOIN Wallet Wednesday
Josh Frankel, CFP®, was on KOIN AM Extra's Wallet Wednesday to share some tips on how to best teach kids about money.
Eyes on the Tetons
Each year, central bankers, finance ministers and academics gather in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, for an economic policy symposium (or boondoggle, whichever you prefer).
Ferguson Wellman remaining in downtown Portland, moving headquarters to Fox Tower in 2026
To recognize this milestone anniversary, Ferguson Wellman is launching a new initiative to promote more financial education and literacy.
Lago on KOIN Wallet Wednesday
Mary Lago, CFP®, CTFAM was on KOIN AM Extra's Wallet Wednesday to discuss disaster preparedness and preparing your finances.
Retail Therapy
The mood among American consumers, by many accounts, is grim. This sense of uncertainty and anxiety has been pervasive in 2025.
Actions Over Words
With the S&P 500 tumbling 18% in April from its February high, and subsequently rallying back to an all-time high, the second quarter was a wild rollercoaster for investors.
Pahlow on Koin
Our colleague Samantha Pahlow, CFTA, talked to AM Extra's Emily Burris and Travis Teich about the importance of 529 accounts on the eve of 529 Day.
Pahlow on Koin
Spring is in the air and it's also a good time to do a yearly review of your financial goals, and freshen up your financial acumen. Our colleague Samantha Pahlow, CFTA, talked to AM Extra's Emily Burris and Travis Teich about the importance of financial literacy too.
Jason Norris on KPTV
It can be stressful to watch your investments go up and down as markets fluctuate in response to economic policy changes. KPTV's Spencer Schacht sat down with our colleague Jason Norris, CFA recently to discuss investors' concerns - and how to stay the course.
Outlook and Insights Second Quarter 2025
Turn Down the Volume
After a quick start that saw the S&P 500 jump 5% in the first three weeks of the year, markets abruptly reversed course and gave it all back and then some, with the blue-chip index posting a 4.3% loss for the quarter.
Ferguson Wellman Celebrates 50 Years with a Push for Financial Literacy
To recognize this milestone anniversary, Ferguson Wellman is launching a new initiative to promote more financial education and literacy.
Lago on CNBC Closing Bell
Mary Lago, CFP, CTFA®, Ferguson Wellman’s chief wealth strategist, joins CNBC’s Closing Bell to discuss our firm's "high-net-worth playbook."
Ferguson Wellman Provides Their Top Five Investment Themes for 2025
After months of debate, President Biden chose to take the bipartisan route nominating Jerome Powell to serve a second four-year term as Federal Reserve Chairman.
Pahlow on KOIN Wallet Wednesday
Samantha Pahlow, CTFA, AWMA, was on KOIN AM Extra's Wallet Wednesday to discuss how to have a better relationship with your money in 2025.
Houle on KOIN Wallet Wednesday
Daibes Higgins on KOIN Wallet Wednesday
Krystal Daibes Higgins, CFA, was on KOIN AM Extra's Wallet Wednesday to discuss the unemployment rate, high cost of living and the possibility of another rate hike.