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Group 1: Federal Reserve Actions and Economic Outlook - The FOMC voted 11-1 to cut the federal funds target range by -25 basis points to 4.00%-4.25% and indicated downside risks to employment have increased while inflation remains elevated [3] - The Fed's dot plot projects the fed funds target at 3.625% by the end of 2025, signaling another -50 basis points of rate cuts this year, with a target range of 3.375% for the end of 2026 [3] - The FOMC raised its 2025 US GDP estimate to +1.6% from +1.4% and maintained its core PCE inflation estimate at +3.1%, which is above the Fed's target of 2% [4] Group 2: Labor Market and Inflation Insights - Fed Chair Powell noted that revised job numbers indicate the labor market is no longer solid, and the Fed's interest rate cuts aim to achieve a more neutral position to support the labor market [5] - Powell also mentioned that higher goods prices are contributing to inflation and are expected to continue rising into next year [5] Group 3: Currency Market Reactions - The dollar index rose by +0.22% after recovering from a 3.5-year low, initially retreating after the FOMC's rate cut announcement but rebounding on hawkish comments from Fed Chair Powell [1] - Concerns over Fed independence may undermine the dollar, as potential political actions could lead foreign investors to divest from dollar assets [6] Group 4: Housing Market Data - In August, US housing starts fell -8.5% month-over-month to 1.307 million, below expectations of 1.365 million [2] - Building permits also unexpectedly declined by -3.7% month-over-month to a 5.25-year low of 1.312 million, contrary to expectations of an increase to 1.370 million [2]

Group 1: Economic Environment - The May 2025 Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) inflation report indicates core PCE inflation rose approximately 0.22% month over month and 2.68% year over year, reinforcing expectations for the Fed's hawkish stance [1][11] - Treasury yields have increased, with the benchmark 10-year yield climbing from roughly 3.35% to about 3.45%, reflecting market reactions to persistent inflation data [2][11] Group 2: Financial Sector Performance - Financial institutions, including banks and insurance companies, are expected to see increased profitability due to higher lending rates and improved net interest margins in a high-rate environment [4][5] - The S&P 500 Financials Select Sector SPDR (XLF) has risen 9.1% year to date as of June 30, indicating strong performance in the financial sector [5] Group 3: Investment Opportunities - Stocks such as Nelnet, Inc. (NNI), Pagaya Technologies Ltd. (PGY), and United Fire Group, Inc. (UFCS) are highlighted as viable investment options due to their strong earnings momentum and favorable growth rates [3][11] - Nelnet (NNI) has an expected earnings growth rate of 59% for the current year, with a Zacks Rank 1 and a VGM Score of B [8] - Pagaya Technologies (PGY) shows an expected earnings growth rate of 195.2% for the current year, also holding a Zacks Rank 1 and a VGM Score of B [9] - United Fire Group (UFCS) has an expected earnings growth rate of 8% for the next year, with a Zacks Rank 2 and a VGM Score of B [10]