Core Viewpoint - The recent announcement of significant tariffs on various imported goods, including upholstered furniture, pharmaceuticals, and kitchen cabinets, has created uncertainty for companies like Naturepedic, which relies on imports for its products. The tariffs are part of a broader strategy by the Trump administration to reshape U.S. trade policy and protect domestic industries [1][2][4]. Group 1: Impact on Companies - Naturepedic is contemplating whether to proceed with the launch of its upscale upholstered headboard in light of a 30% tariff on imported upholstered furniture, which could affect pricing strategies and overall profitability [1]. - The tariffs on kitchen cabinets, bathroom vanities, and upholstered furniture are expected to impact major exporters like China and Vietnam, potentially increasing costs for U.S. consumers and affecting the housing market [11][12]. - The tariffs on pharmaceuticals, while initially causing stock prices of some drug companies to rise, are likely to lead to higher prices for consumers, particularly those without comprehensive health care plans [9][10]. Group 2: Economic Context - The U.S. Treasury has seen a significant increase in customs duties, collecting $172 billion since the start of fiscal year 2025, which is a 126% increase from the previous year, although tariffs still represent less than 4% of federal revenue [5]. - The price of living room, kitchen, and dining room furniture has already risen nearly 10% over the past year, indicating that the new tariffs may exacerbate existing inflationary pressures in the furniture market [12]. - The rapid implementation of these tariffs is causing disruptions in retail supply chains, making it difficult for companies to plan and adapt to the changing economic landscape [13].

Core Viewpoint - US President Donald Trump's recent executive actions and trade policies have caused significant volatility in global markets, particularly through the introduction of new tariffs and the divestiture of TikTok in the US [1] Group 1: Trade Policies - New tariffs have been imposed on pharmaceuticals, furniture, and heavy trucks, impacting various sectors and potentially leading to increased costs for consumers and businesses [1] - The trade moves are part of a broader strategy that may affect international trade relations and supply chains [1] Group 2: Market Reactions - Global markets experienced a sharp decline in response to the announcement of these trade measures, indicating investor concerns over the potential economic impact [1] - The volatility in markets reflects uncertainty surrounding the future of trade policies and their implications for different industries [1]

This story was originally published on CFO Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily CFO Dive newsletter. Dive Brief: CFOs expect tariffs to have a major impact on price growth at their organizations this year as well as in 2026, according to a quarterly survey of finance chiefs by Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business and the Federal Reserve Banks of Richmond and Atlanta. On average, price growth would be about 30% lower in 2025 and roughly 25% lower in 2026 without the ...

Core Insights - Alger Weatherbie Specialized Growth Fund's second-quarter 2025 investor letter highlights the impact of trade policy uncertainty and subsequent market recovery, with the S&P 500 achieving a 10.94% gain by the end of Q2 [1] - Sterling Infrastructure, Inc. (NASDAQ:STRL) is a key holding in the fund, showing significant stock performance with a one-month return of 28.50% and a 52-week gain of 154.79% [2] - The company operates in three main business areas: Transportation Solutions, E-Infrastructure Solutions, and Building Solutions, with the E-Infrastructure segment experiencing rapid growth [3] Company Performance - Sterling Infrastructure, Inc. closed at $371.84 per share on September 23, 2025, with a market capitalization of $11.311 billion [2] - The company reported stronger-than-expected operating results, particularly in the E-Infrastructure and Transportation segments, while Building Solutions slightly underperformed [3] - Management has increased revenue guidance for the full year, citing growth in the backlog of future projects within the E-Infrastructure Solutions segment [3]

Core Insights - Dexelance reported a net loss of 7.8 million euros in the first half of 2025, a decline from a net profit of 1 million euros in the same period of 2024 [1] - Sales increased by 2.5 percent to 154.8 million euros for the six-month period ending June 30 [1] - The company's earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) decreased to 10.4 million euros from 18.5 million euros in 2024 [3] Sales Performance - Growth was primarily driven by the luxury contract segment, which saw a year-on-year increase of 14.7 percent [2] - The luxury contract business, including Cenacchi International and Modar, has been a significant sales catalyst for several quarters [2] Financial Position - The net bank position of the company was reported at 17.1 million euros during the same period [1] - The decline in profitability was attributed to increased overhead costs due to investments in senior management, marketing, and digital expansion [3] Market Challenges - The ongoing macroeconomic situation and U.S. trade policies are viewed as major hurdles for the industry, particularly affecting residential brand sales in North America [5] - Despite challenges, the luxury contract business in North America remains strong due to limited competition [5] Tariff Impact - The company does not expect tariffs to significantly impact earnings, as costs will be absorbed by consumers and dealers, offset by the performance of its contract business globally [6] - A "custom tariffs" declaration was introduced on invoices to ensure transparency regarding the monetary impact of duties [6]

Core Viewpoint - Goldman Sachs CEO David Solomon believes there is no immediate need for the Federal Reserve to cut interest rates rapidly, contrasting with the Trump administration's calls for looser monetary policy [1][6]. Group 1: Interest Rate Policy - Solomon stated that the current policy rate does not seem extraordinarily restrictive given the current risk appetite in the market, indicating a high level of investor enthusiasm [2]. - Federal Reserve policymakers are expected to lower rates by a quarter point in their upcoming meeting, with further reductions anticipated through the end of the year [4]. - Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent suggested that the Fed should lower its benchmark rate by at least 1.5 percentage points, while Cleveland Fed President Beth Hammack does not see a case for rate cuts this month due to inflation remaining above the 2% target [5]. Group 2: Market Sentiment and Trade Policy - Solomon noted that while the market environment appears mostly constructive, trade policy has been a significant headwind to growth, contributing to uncertainty that has slowed investment [7]. - There are concerns that if the Fed proceeds with the anticipated rate cut, it could lead to a "Sell the News" event as investors may pull back [4].

First off, the president seems to think that this grouping uh this group getting together is, you know, kind of conspiring against America, obviously based on his post. What do you think this means that these countries who are largely making up those the bricks uh are getting together right now and being pretty clear they're not really worried about the Trump administration and Beijing and and the tensions there. >> Well, hey, you know, all you're missing in that photo ops is is Iran.But of course I think w ...

Core Points - The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) is reviewing its monetary policy strategy, tools, and communication practices, with significant progress noted towards revising the consensus statement on longer-run goals and monetary policy strategy [3] - Financial market developments indicate stable policy rate expectations, with equity prices increasing and credit spreads narrowing, reflecting a resilient U.S. economy [4][8] - Inflation remains elevated, with consumer price inflation estimated at 2.5% and core inflation at 2.7% as of June [15] - The labor market shows solid conditions, with an unemployment rate of 4.1% and average hourly earnings rising by 3.7% year-over-year [16] - Economic growth is projected to remain low, with real GDP growth expected to be modest through 2027, influenced by various factors including tariffs and financial conditions [35][44] Financial Market Developments - The expected path of the policy rate and longer-term Treasury yields remained largely unchanged, with equity prices increasing and credit spreads narrowing [4][6] - The S&P 500 index valuations are above long-run averages, driven by optimism in technology firms benefiting from AI adoption [8] - The dollar index has depreciated slightly, indicating relative stability in foreign holdings of U.S. assets [9] Economic Situation - Real GDP expanded at a slow pace in the first half of the year, with consumer spending growth slowing and residential investment declining [14][44] - Net exports contributed positively to GDP growth in the second quarter, with a significant decline in imports following earlier front-loading [18] - Foreign economic activity showed signs of slowing, particularly in Canada, while China's GDP continued to grow moderately [19] Labor Market Insights - The labor market remains tight, with low unemployment and solid job gains, although some indicators suggest a potential softening in labor demand [42] - The participation rate has slightly decreased, and the employment-to-population ratio remains unchanged [16] Inflation and Monetary Policy Outlook - Inflation is projected to rise in the near term, with tariff effects becoming more apparent, although longer-term expectations remain anchored [38][41] - The FOMC decided to maintain the federal funds rate target range at 4¼ to 4½ percent, with a commitment to support maximum employment and return inflation to the 2% objective [60][55] - Participants noted the importance of monitoring incoming data to inform future monetary policy adjustments, particularly in light of elevated risks to both inflation and employment [51][56]

Company Overview - Trinity Asset Management was founded by Brian Gilmartin in May 1995, focusing on providing attention and service to individual investors and institutions overlooked by larger firms [1] - Brian Gilmartin has extensive experience in the investment industry, starting as a fixed-income/credit analyst and later managing equity and balanced accounts for clients [1] Professional Background - Brian Gilmartin has a BSBA in Finance from Xavier University and an MBA in Finance from Loyola University, with the CFA designation awarded in 1994 [1] - He has contributed to various financial publications, including TheStreet.com and Wall Street AllStars, and has been quoted in notable outlets like the Wall Street Journal [1]

The Port of Los Angeles seeing the best month for cargo volume in its history in July, reports executive Director Jane Soroka saying trade is front loading cargo ahead of tariffs caused a spike. Jane joins us now for more. Jane, welcome to the program, sir.There was a quote from you in the last few weeks that we were talking about around this table. It's been a rollercoaster ride all year long and the ride's not over yet. Jane, just take a moment just to describe what the last few months, in fact, what this ...