Retail investors are generally defined as non-institutional market participants who trade their own personal accounts rather than making trades as part of a larger financial institution. Retail investor influence over capital markets has increased as their collective trading makes up an increasing percentage of total volume.

The number of people opening investment accounts and doing their own trading ballooned during the pandemic. This was driven by a combination of factors, including technology and competition driving barriers to entry lower, government stimulus, and an increased collective focus on equity markets and associated

In classic Washington style, Congress pushed the limits of drama and delay, passing a sweeping reconciliation bill just hours before President Donald Trump’s self-imposed July 4, 2025 deadline. After intense negotiations, squabbles within the Republican Party, and nearly an all-night House session, the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA)” squeaked through with a 218–214 vote on July 3, following the Senate’s narrow 51–50 passage, with Vice President JD Vance casting the tiebreaker. Trump signed the legislation into law during a celebratory White House ceremony on July 4, marking a major victory for his seco

Recently, the LPL Research team published the 2025 Midyear Outlook: Pragmatic Optimism, Measured Expectations. A check-in on where the markets have been and where they seem to be headed, the report is a great guide to help steer personal portfolios. If you haven’t read it yet in its entirety, take a minute to tap into some of the key takeaways.

Economy

In the second half of the year, the delayed effects of trade policy will begin to take a more noticeable toll on the economy, resulting in slower growth, weakening labor demand, and a modest uptick in inflation. These emerging challenges will create a more complex landsc

As we enter the second half of 2025, investors face a complex and evolving landscape shaped by shifting trade policies, inflationary pressures, and geopolitical uncertainty.

A Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde Bond Market

Within the fixed income markets, a tug-of-war has unfolded between two opposing forces, with budget deficits and increased debt loads weighing on Treasury prices, but potential economic weakness could drive yields lower (prices higher). Moreover, the Federal Reserve (Fed) is in a tough spot with inflationary pressures expected to remain above the Fed’s 2% target, so the central bank may need to be on hold until