The labor market is a key barometer for economic health and market direction. Recent data underscores its importance: October’s Challenger Report showed more than 153,000 planned job cuts, the highest for that month in over two decades, while Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act (WARN) notices surged to nearly 40,000 across 21 states. These aren’t just headlines—they help shape expectations for growth, inflation, and policy.

With official economic data still on hold, markets focused on signs of labor softening reflected in layoffs and survey results.

The tech sector shed over $1 trillion in market value last week as major players—including Nvidia, Microsoft, and Palantir—faced a sharp pullback. What triggered the sell-off? Mounting concerns about the sustainability of AI-related capital investment, combined with broader economic uncertainty, exposed vulnerabilities in this highly concentrated, bullish market.

Announced layoffs surged to a 20-year high, consumer sentiment hovered near record lows, tariff uncertainty rattled markets…and the government stayed shut.

The third-quarter earnings season is rolling along with solid momentum. So far, 78% of S&P 500 companies have reported, and the results are impressive...

Despite the rate cut, expectations for more cuts this year declined following Chair Powell’s remarks.

As of late October 2025, the U.S government remains in the second-longest shutdown in its history. This standstill has disrupted pay for workers, stopped government services, and has halted the release of key economic indicators that investors and policymakers rely on.

This week, U.S. bond and equity markets moved higher on Fed easing expectations, favorable inflation data, and double-digit earnings growth (so far).

In 2025, the U.S. economy has shown resilience despite challenges from government policies.

Despite the numerous headlines around potential stagflation and recession, the U.S. economy continues to show signs of strength and stability. While growth has cooled from its post-pandemic highs, the data points to a controlled normalization. Here’s what’s happening, and what it means for your portfolio...