By Tim Russell, President & Wealth Manager at Life Financial Group
Originally shared on the Life in the Markets podcast — 06/2/2025
Subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.
Over the past two weeks, the market hasn’t done a whole lot. We’re up a couple of percent, and while it hasn’t been a bad couple of weeks, overall the markets continue to have a steady move higher. That’s been helpful and encouraging.
Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill”
One of the major developments was that the Trump tax bill passed the House. It’s now in the Senate, where they’re working on their version of it. We look forward to providing an update in the next few days or weeks, where we’ll do a deeper dive into the components of that tax cut so you’re more up to date on the things that may affect you.
Court Decision on Tariffs
We also saw a major court decision last week that pushed back against Trump’s tariffs. The court said, “No, President Trump, you’re not allowed to do everything the way you think you’re trying to do it.” At this point, that pushback hasn’t really had any major long-term effects because they’re in appeal and going back and forth. If Trump and his administration lose on these appeals, there are still some other methods he can use to push through some of his tariff policy initiatives. We’ll have to wait and see. For now, I think this has given us a bit of a pause and some breathing room.
As I’m reading the markets, it really looks like more resolution for trade deals is already baked into the price. We’re seeing prices rise, indicating that most market participants believe we’re going to get through the tariffs, get better deals, and get back to business as usual. So, nothing to worry about at this point.
Inflation Numbers & Possibility of a Recession
The other major issue we’re watching is what’s happening with inflation. As we mentioned in our last video, the recent news about inflation is not that problematic. The inflation gauges and numbers we track are trending in line, maybe even a little lower than what we’ve seen in the past few weeks. That’s good news for you and me.
Lastly, I want to mention that the indication of a recession is likely less probable than it was just a few weeks ago, especially considering the tariff reactions.
What’s the Takeaway?
Here’s the big takeaway: Pause and look at the markets and the news. They often tell you a story that makes everything sound dark, dour, and awful. But when you let time progress, things usually turn out to be less dark and scary than they originally seemed.
This is just another example—don’t believe everything you think and feel after watching the news. The news and all its positions are trying to scare us and motivate us to buy products and services based on fear. That’s something you’re never going to hear from us. Yes, there are things we should be concerned about and aware of, but we should never make decisions based on fear-based motivations.
Looking Ahead
This week, we’re starting off a new month, a new trading month, and heading into the last month of the quarter. We’re through most of the earnings season, so I don’t expect a lot of earnings releases—though there will be some—but probably not many big surprises or market-moving events. We’ll continue to see what the market provides in terms of overall returns.
This is also a very interesting time in the life of the Life Financial Group. Our founder, Roy Russell—my father—has been working here for forty-seven years. Last week was his last official day in the office as an advisor. So, we’re transitioning into a new phase of the Life Group without Roy here, but we’re very much carrying on his legacy and the mission and purpose he founded in 1978. I’m so honored to be able to work with a team of professionals to carry that vision forward for you, your friends, and your family.
Before we wrap, I want to remind you about the retirement party we’re hosting for Roy on June 11. If you’re available, please sign up and let us know you’re coming. Or just call us—let us know you want to come, and we’ll share the details. It’s going to be a really great time celebrating all the good things God has done—and is still doing—through Roy.
Verse of the Day
Today’s verse comes from Luke 12:15:
“Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of possessions.”
It’s really easy for us to find our significance, our worth, and our identity in our possessions. We can become possessed by our possessions. But we do need to be on guard against that. Why? Because we so subtly, so easily, so effortlessly slide into finding our worth and value in our stuff. So today, be on guard. Look to Christ and trust Him with all your assets.
Thank you for joining us on today’s Life in the Markets. Be sure to grab a copy of The Good Steward: Biblical Principles of Wealth Management, take a look, and share it with others—we’d greatly appreciate it.
Thank you so much. Take care, and until next week, God bless.
The topics discussed in this blog are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific investment advice or recommendations. Investing and investment strategies involve risk, including the potential loss of principal. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. Securities and advisory services are offered through Genios Wealth Management, member FINRA and SIPC.
