Hi All — Brian here. Welcome to March, where did February go? The shortest month felt like it was especially short this year so here we are, already staring down the final stretch of the first quarter. In this edition I want to zoom in on retirement.

Retirement planning is more than just saving—it’s about making informed decisions that set you up for long-term success. In this issue, we’re sharing three key insights to help you navigate your financial future, whether you’re just starting to think about retirement or already in it.

Many Gen Xers are balancing work, family, and financial responsibilities, but retirement isn’t as far off as it seems. Now is the time to take control and build a strategy that works for you. Our latest guide breaks down the essential steps Gen Xers should take to secure their financial future.

Meanwhile, retirement success isn’t just about money—it’s also about mindset. Some retirees thrive while others struggle, and a few key behaviors can make all the difference. We explore what separates those who flourish from those who don’t.

If you’ve recently changed jobs, it’s also a perfect time to reassess your retirement savings. Too often, people overlook their retirement accounts during a transition, but making the right adjustments now can set you up for a smarter, more secure future. These insights and more are covered in this month’s issue to help you make the best financial decisions for the years ahead.

As always, we are here to support you, so please don’t hesitate to schedule a call or reply directly to this email if you’d like to discuss any of these topics in more detail.

FEBRUARY MARKET PERFORMANCE

FEBRUARY MARKET SUMMARY

• Last month, the S&P 500 closed at 5,954.50, declining 1.44% due to tariff uncertainties and softening consumer confidence. The Nasdaq Composite fell 3.96%, driven by a tech sector slump and the Dow Jones Industrial Average ended lower by 1.60%.

• U.S. consumer confidence experienced a significant drop in February, falling from 105.3 in January to 98.3. This decline, the largest in over four years, was attributed to persistent inflation and looming trade wars, leading to reduced consumer spending and negatively impacting the stock market.

• The Federal Reserve’s preferred inflation measure, the personal consumption expenditures price index, increased 0.3% in January and 2.5% on an annual basis. This data was released February 28th and was largely in line with estimates.

• Nvidia — one of the most recognizable stocks at the moment — reported quarterly earnings that beat Wall Street expectations. The company noted “amazing” demand for its new Blackwell chips, however the pace of data center revenue growth (which accounts for most of its revenue) slowed. There is some concern around slowing growth and shrinking margins.

• U.S. home prices continue to climb, though the rate of increase has tapered off slightly. According to the S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller U.S. National Home Price NSA Index, released on February 25, annual home-price growth rose to 3.9 percent in December 2024, a modest uptick from November’s 3.8 percent, marking the 19th consecutive all-time high when seasonally adjusted.

ONE BIG THING: TARIFFS

President Donald Trump made no shortage of headlines in the first full month of his second term, and at times, it felt like a different agenda item drove the markets each day. But ultimately, the persistent threat of tariffs on some of America’s biggest trade partners had the largest economic impact in February — and it was a net negative one.

The Trump administration did not levy 25% tariffs against Canada and Mexico last month. The President stayed his hand, postponing the levies for a month after the bordering countries conceded to crack down harder on drug smuggling. However, investors’ relief at the reprieve did not last long. Over the course of February, it became increasingly clear that, despite the delay, the tariffs were not a threat, but a promise.

That promise became reality earlier this month as the 25% tariffs officially went into effect. With other warning signs flashing—including stubborn inflation, slowing consumer spending, and souring sentiment—the prospect of pricier imports had already put downward pressure on the markets last month.

Now, concerns over increased costs and potential trade retaliation have only deepened. All three major indexes traded lower on the month, and investors will be watching closely to see how markets react to the new economic reality in the weeks ahead.

FEATURED POST

New Job, New Approach: Your Guide to a Smarter 2025 Retirement Strategy

The new year is a great time to revisit your retirement strategy — and that’s especially true for those starting a new job in 2025.

If the latter is true for you, this could be the perfect time to reevaluate your retirement savings strategy and ensure it is in alignment with your new role.

Click here to keep reading →

KEEP READING

CLOSING REMARKS

Our team at Griffin Asset Management is here to help you make the most of the opportunities and challenges ahead.

If you have any questions or would like to discuss your financial strategy, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

We’re always available to set up a call and provide the personalized advice you need. Thank you for your continued trust and partnership.