By Tim Russell, President & Wealth Manager at Life Financial Group
Originally shared on the Life in the Markets podcast — 08/11/2025
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Good morning, and welcome to Life in the Markets. My name is Tim Russell, and today is Monday, August 11, 2025.
Last week was largely positive for the markets, even as investors worked through several lingering concerns. One of those concerns stems from the recent jobs report, which left some wondering if our economy might be slowing down and whether unemployment could rise. Despite these worries, the S&P 500 and other major indexes had their best week in roughly six weeks.
Weekly Market Recap
- S&P 500: +1.6%
- Russell 2000: +2.7%
- NASDAQ: +3.7%
Tech stocks led the way, while sectors such as energy, industrials, health care, and real estate struggled, posting negative returns for the week.
Interestingly, small and medium-sized companies (represented by the Russell 2000) outperformed their large-cap peers in the S&P 500. As earnings season winds down, most of the reports coming in are from smaller companies. While these results are less impactful on the overall market, they still provide important insights.
A New Headline: Alternative Assets in Your 401(k)?
One of the more notable headlines last week came on Thursday, when Donald Trump announced he was instructing the Department of Labor to review the rules governing investment options within 401(k) plans.
Specifically, the DOL will consider whether private equity, private credit, and cryptocurrency could be allowed in 401(k) accounts.
To be clear, this is not a green light for all alternative investments. Rather, it’s an inquiry into whether these asset classes can fit within the 401(k) framework while still meeting fiduciary responsibilities.
What Could This Mean for Investors?
If such investments are eventually approved, should you jump in?
I would argue: probably not. Here’s why:
- These investments are often highly expensive, highly risky, and highly complex.
- They don’t necessarily outperform traditional investments like mutual funds, ETFs, stocks, and bonds.
- The hype around these investments often overshadows the reality—most investors will do better sticking with tried-and-true methods.
If approved, we could see bad actors push subpar products into 401(k) platforms, preying on those seeking a “moonshot” for retirement. I don’t want to see everyday retirement savers risking their future on something that might never pay off.
The Tortoise and the Hare
Slow and steady often wins the race. You don’t need to be exotic or flashy—just:
- Invest consistently.
- Live on less than you earn.
- Stick with proven strategies.
While there are no guarantees in the market, boring investments have a way of working over time.
Verse of the Week
“It is more blessed to give than to receive.” – Acts 20:35
We spend much of our lives thinking about how to build, save, and invest. There’s nothing wrong with that—but we should never lose sight of why we do it.
We’re not simply saving for the sake of accumulation. We should be actively looking for ways to put God’s wealth back into circulation—to bless those in need, support Kingdom work, and further His mission in the world.
Invest with eternity in mind, and you’ll discover that the joy of giving far outweighs the joy of receiving.
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Disclaimer: The topics discussed here are for informational purposes only and do not constitute specific investment advice. Investing involves risks, including potential loss of principal. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Securities and advisory services offered through Geneos Wealth Management, member FINRA/SIPC.
