The privatization of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, the dominant government-sponsored enterprises (GSEs) in the U.S. mortgage market, would transform housing finance, even with explicit government backing ensuring their stability. Privatizing them as fu

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 R

Hot Takes:

• Long-term unemployed as a percent of total unemployed is four percentage points higher than pre-pandemic, a potential harbinger of things to come.

• Trade tensions put pressure on manufacturers, driving up deliv

There has been no shortage of trade policy curveballs thrown at the market since the White House announced shockingly high reciprocal tariffs on April 2. Stocks declined sharply and interest rates spiked higher on the news, prompting President Trump

The classic 60/40 portfolio has weathered its fair share of storms (and criticisms) in recent times, and 2025 is shaping up to be a year defined by complexity, volatility, and recalibration for asset allocators. As we move through the second quarter,

Playbook Summary:

• Headline risk is especially acute during periods of uncertainty.

• Some countries, like Germany, are more vulnerable to trade wars than others.

• Broad-based tariffs create more economic inefficie

In today’s globalized economy, the structure of a country’s tax system plays a crucial role in determining its economic performance. International tax competitiveness, which refers to how favorable a country’s tax policies are compa

The recent downturn in equity markets has heightened fears of a looming recession among investors. Factors such as newly imposed tariffs by the new presidential administration, concerns about an economic slowdown, and persistent inflationary pressure

As highlighted in previous LPL Research blogs this week (“Invest in the Long Term” and “Equity Markets Grapple With Tariffs”), market volatility and pullbacks are not uncommon by any means. Unfortunately, what is also not unco

Key Takeaways

• Yesterday, Treasury yields declined as investors got nervous about growth, with the 10-year yield temporarily dipping below 4.30%. 

• Consumer confidence fell in February, creating the catalyst for a dec