The Vault Blog

2025: YEAR-IN-REVIEW Global equity markets exhibited another year of strong returns, but volatility returned to the forefront as global trade partnerships were redefined. The S&P 500 index, a collection of the …

Rate Cut Regime Paused The Federal Reserve decided to leave interest rates unchanged as an improvement in the U.S. economy was considered in its decision. Federal Reserve officials noted limited job gains and a …

U.S. Stocks Unchanged in December The S&P 500 index, a benchmark for the largest U.S. stocks, was essentially flat for the month, rising only 0.06% with returns being led by value stocks. In December 2025, the …

Consumers Lose Momentum A deluge of economic data delayed from the government shutdown were reported in November. One of the most important economic indicators, retail sales, was released last month and it provides …

NAVIGATING UNCERTAINTY Markets have come accustomed to the “Wall of Worry”, whether it is a change in global trade dynamics, a government shutdown, softening economic activity or the path of interest rates. Through …

Government Shutdown Affects Economic Data Releases The lack of usual economic data releases has left investors guessing on the health of the U.S. economy. Economic data has been mixed, with private labor market …

Welcome to the Nicolet Wealth Management Investment Podcast. In this episode Adam Longlais and Erik Zurek discuss:  Market & Economic Update  Returns Continue to Broaden into Small-cap  Government …

Rate Cut Regime Resumed The Federal Reserve cut its target policy rate by 0.25%, while also confirming two more 0.25% cuts by the end of the year via its dot plot that graphs voting members’ expectations of the rate …

Welcome to the Nicolet Wealth Management Investment Podcast. In this episode Adam Longlais and Erik Zurek discuss:  Market and Economic Overview What has been happening in the IPO Market Jobs & consumer …