INVESTMENT INSIGHTS
Market Thoughts October 10, 2025
Stocks fell last week amid concerns about trade with China, following an unsteady rally to record highs over the first half of the week. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index fell 2.43 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index declined 2.53 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slid 2.73 percent. The MSCI EAFE Index, which tracks developed overseas stock markets, slipped 1.64 percent. Despite a rough week, the major market indices are positive year-to-date.
Stocks Set Highs Before Friday’s Drop
Stocks began the week mostly positive. However, Monday 10/6/2025 marked Day 6 of the government shutdown, and two of the three major averages powered through any bearish sentiment. The S&P 500 and the Nasdaq each advanced to record closes on fresh enthusiasm for mergers & acquisitions activity after the announcement of two deals. By contrast, the Dow fell slightly.
Stocks pushed higher midweek as investors looked past the Fed meeting minutes from September, which revealed somewhat divided opinions on interest rates. The S&P and Nasdaq both closed at record highs. On Friday, sentiment turned negative a little over an hour into the trading session after the White House announced a tariff increase on imported goods from China. The decline, led by chip manufacturers, erased the week's gains. It was the largest single-day decline for stocks since April.
China In Focus
Meanwhile, focus turned to new export controls that China imposed on so-called rare earth metals—key ingredients for AI-powered microchips and vital resources for the defense industry. Investor concern centered mostly around AI chip companies, which have exposure to China both as customers and in terms of manufacturing. The White House threatened to cancel its upcoming meeting with the Chinese president over the dispute. China controls approximately 70 percent of the global supply of rare earth metals, meaning a policy change can impact markets. Separately, the government shutdown entered its second week. Shutdowns typically don’t heavily impact markets, but the uncertainty continues to hang over trading.
This Week Beginning 10/13/25: Key Economic Data
- Monday: Philadelphia Fed President Anna Paulson speaks.
- Tuesday: Small Business (NFIB) Optimism Index. Fed governors Michelle Bowman and Christopher Waller, and Boston Fed President Susan Collins speak.
- Wednesday: Atlanta Fed President Raphael Bostic, and Fed governors Stephen Miran and Christopher Waller speak. Fed Beige Book.
- Thursday: Retail Sales. Producer Price Index (PPI). Weekly Jobless Claims. Business Inventories. Home Builder Confidence Index. Richmond Fed President Tom Barkin, and Fed governors Michelle Bowman, Stephen Miran, and Christopher Waller speak.
- Friday: Housing Starts. Building Permits. Import Prices. Industrial Production. Capacity Utilization.
This Week Starting 10/13/25: Companies Reporting Earnings
- Tuesday: JPMorgan Chase & Co. (JPM), Johnson & Johnson (JNJ), Wells Fargo & Company (WFC), The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (GS), BlackRock (BLK), Citigroup Inc. (C)
- Wednesday: Bank of America Corporation (BAC), Morgan Stanley (MS), Abbott Laboratories (ABT), The Progressive Corporation (PGR), Prologis, Inc. (PLD), The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. (PNC)
- Thursday: The Charles Schwab Corporation (SCHW), Intuitive Surgical, Inc. (ISRG), Interactive Brokers Group, Inc. (IBKR), Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc. (MMC)
- Friday: American Express Company (AXP)
Source: YCharts.com, October 11, 2025. Weekly performance is measured from Monday, October 6 to Friday, October 10. TR = total return for the index, which includes any dividends as well as any other cash distributions during the period. Treasury note yield is expressed in basis points. Investors Business Daily - Econoday economic calendar; October 10, 2025. The Econoday economic calendar lists upcoming U.S. economic data releases (including key economic indicators), Federal Reserve policy meetings, and speaking engagements of Federal Reserve officials. The content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information. The forecasts or forward-looking statements are based on assumptions and may not materialize. The forecasts also are subject to revision.
Zacks, October 10, 2025. 1. WSJ.com, October 10, 2025, Investing.com, October 10, 2025, CNBC.com, October 6, 2025, CNBC.com, October 8, 2025, CNBC.com, October 9, 2025, WSJ.com, October 10, 2025, and WSJ.com, October 9, 2025. Companies mentioned are for informational purposes only. It should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of the securities. Investing involves risks, and investment decisions should be based on your own goals, time horizon, and tolerance for risk. The return and principal value of investments will fluctuate as market conditions change. When sold, investments may be worth more or less than their original cost. Companies may reschedule when they report earnings without notice. None of these firms nor their Information providers can guarantee the accuracy, completeness, timeliness, or correct sequencing of any of the information on their websites, including, but not limited to information originated by them, licensed by them from information providers, or gathered by them from publicly available sources. There may be delays, omissions, or inaccuracies in the information. Past returns are no indication of future results.
FBI REPORTS Seniors lost $4.8 billion to scammers in 2024
ABC News reported in March 2025 that the FBI receives an average of 836,000 reports of cyber fraud per year. On average, people lost at least $20,000. There was a 33% increase in fraud from 2023 to 2024.
- Never open emails you don't recognize and even if you do and it asks for information or money verify it before responding. Search on your own for the correct phone number to call.
- Never download software when instructed to do so by a stranger over the phone or via email.
- Avoid scanning QR Codes on a package or from an unknown source.
- Be careful with online chats and relationships. You don't really know who is on the other end. Never give someone access to your bank account or agree to send money somewhere when requested by a stranger.
- Avoid public charging stations that may download data from your device. Buy a portable charger to protect yourself.
Today's lifestyle gives us access to all kinds of people from all over the world. We can not trust requests from strangers. You must verify the request independently. Don't be embarrassed to ask a loved one if your experience sounds odd or how to verify the request.
Source: https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/seniors-lost-48-billion-scammers-2024-fbi/story
SOCIAL SECURITY and medicare
We have been recording a series of videos for you about Social Security and Medicare. For those new to these topics and just beginning to explore your options it may take a few times to hear this information for you to really understand what is best for you.
We strongly encourage you to take the time to understand these programs and how they will impact your retirement. Please do not select an option just because someone else chose it!
Listen to the discussions about these government programs with local expert Lee Ammer, President of OG Benefits. There's a bonus recording that covers long-term care options, because Medicare doesn't cover it all!
THE RECORDINGS
- Social Security & Medicare: Scratching the Surface
- Breaking Down Basic Medicare and Supplements
- Coming soon... Reviewing the Option of Medicare Advantage
- Long-Term Care: What are you going to do?
Schedule a review of your accounts by visiting this link: https://calendly.com/meetwithcoxglobal. We are available by phone, zoom, and in person.
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Securities and Advisory Services are offered through Geneos Wealth Management, Inc. FINRA, SIPC. Investment advisory services also offered through Cox Global Associates, Inc., A Registered Investment Advisor.
The content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information. The information in this material is not intended as tax or legal advice. It may not be used for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation. Articles may be developed and produced by FMG Suite to provide information on a topic that may be of interest. FMG Suite is not affiliated with the named broker-dealer, state- or SEC-registered investment advisory firm. The opinions expressed and material provided are for general information, and should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security.
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