“YES, it does”

Greetings, 

I apologize for not writing something about the markets this month. They’re doing great. I am writing this month’s Primetime Tampa Bay on September 11^th, as most of us know it as “911”. Twenty-four years ago, America was attacked. As then President George W. Bush said, “Freedom itself was attacked this morning by a faceless coward. And freedom will be defended.” Within weeks after the attack, America launched its military might against those responsible. The world heard all of us.

On September 12^th, and the immediate days after, Americans of all political persuasions and backgrounds rallied together to support our country. Patriotism was at an all-time high. You could hardly find an American flag, pin, or bumper sticker in stores. Outside of the US, however, in some regions of the world, some were cheering the attack - America deserved it.

Free speech and debate are the very keystones of our great nation. The founders of our country had vigorous and heated debates as they wrestled with the great questions of their time. Considering the other events this week, it seems that our freedom is once again under attack. The freedom to speak one’s mind in a public forum and encourage debate of ideas. It is fine to debate, and have disagreement, but we should do so with civility and never cheer violence or say they deserve it.

This time, solving the problem won’t be as easy. We can’t use our bombers and missiles to respond to this attack. They are us. They are American people. We must find a way to come together as a nation as we did 24 years ago. Our very country depends on it.

As the ceremonies were winding down on the 911 memorials, the Star-Spangled Banner was played. The last line struck me. “Oh, say does that star spangled banner yet wave…” Yes, it does. As long as we remain the Land of the free (to say what we believe), and the home of the brave (to say it publicly).

Don Williams

It’s time to review last month’s key events and look ahead to what’s coming in the market and economic landscape. Download the latest edition of the Month-in-Review, developed by the Prime Capital Financial Investment Team!

Quick Takes:

• Equities Rally. U.S. stock indices rose in August as investors were encouraged by strong earnings results from companies in Q2, continued investment in AI by large technology firms, and interest rate cuts in the last three months of the year. The S&P 500 rose 3.6% while the Nasdaq 100 rose 2.9%.
• Inflation and Interest Rates. The 10Y treasury yield fell in August to 4.2% as investors stepped-up bets that the Federal Reserve would cut rates through the end of the year. Fed Chair Powell hinted in his speech at Jackson Hole that the FOMC would be open to a rate cut in September.
• Russia-Ukraine & Oil Markets. Oil prices rose slightly in the back half of August as efforts to end the War in Ukraine fell short. Despite the Trump administrations efforts to end the war, Russian forces continued to carry out strikes on Kyiv, Ukraine’s capital, and other parts of the country.
• Nvidia Earnings. Nvidia reported earnings that generally exceeded expectations for Q2 despite the company’s data center revenue, which includes its sales of advanced chips, falling slightly short of analyst forecasts. Despite not selling to Chinese customers, Q2 revenue grew nearly 56% over the same period last year.

Wealthtender Study of $100K+ Households Seeking Financial Advice 

Brian Thorp | Wealthtender

If you’re thinking about hiring a financial advisor, you may want to know how others plan to approach the process. In late July 2025, Wealthtender surveyed 500 U.S. adults earning over $100,000 who plan to hire an advisor within the next five years to understand exactly how they intend to start their search, create a shortlist, and choose one advisor over another.

This report reveals how the advisor search is evolving, the online tools people trust most, and what clients think about advisors using AI. You’ll also find practical tips to guide your own search, so you can confidently find and hire the right advisor for your unique needs.

View The Full Article Here

Inflation Remained Stubbornly High in August as Fed Weighs Rate Cuts

By Eric Revell | FOXBusiness 

Inflation rose in August and remained well above the Federal Reserve's target rate as central bank policymakers weigh potential interest rate cuts at their meeting next week.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics on Thursday said that the consumer price index (CPI) – a broad measure of how much everyday goods like gasoline, groceries and rent cost – rose 0.4% in August compared with last month, while it rose to 2.9% on a year-over-year basis.

The monthly figure was hotter than the estimate of economists polled by LSEG, while the year-over-year figure was in line with expectations.

So-called core prices, which exclude volatile measurements of gasoline and food to better assess price growth trends, were up 0.3% from the prior month and 3.1% from a year ago. Both figures were in line with economists' expectations.

View The Full Article Here

 Don Williams

 CMFC®, CRPC®

Financial Advisor

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Tyler Olson

Managing Director, Florida Operations

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Ahmed Alasri

Office Administrator 

Sources:

Fox Business

WealthTender