The Economic Ripple Effect of Tariffs

Each week, the Stokes Family Office staff puts together a list of our favorite news and updates on all things wealth management. From financial planning, portfolio construction, tax and estate planning, retirement plan services to anything we found interesting.  Enjoy this week’s curated list for your weekend reading!

ECONOMY NEWS

Probability of VTRR 90%

• VTRR = Voluntary Trade Reset Recession

• Torsten Sløk says it’s not too late to modify the course, but warns that the current trajectory of trade policy could lead to a recession driven not by external shocks but by internal policy decisions.

The Dollar Endures: Strength, Stability, and Global Trust

• First Trust Economics: In an era of inflation, massive debt, large deficits, and threats of tariffs, there are persistent rumors circulating that the dollar is at risk of losing its reserve currency status.

• FTE gives insight and charts showing why they think these fears are vastly overblown.

Three Things From Cullen Roche

• Roche gives an update on China tariffs and Jerome Powell keeping his job.

Related:

• SFO Quarterly Review: Q1 2025

• Emotional Investing, Biases, & Long Term Views

MARKETS NEWS

Bear Markets are a Necessary Evil

• Larry Swedroe: “With the sharp drop in US equities investors have experienced, and the questions I have been getting about the drop, I thought I would update a piece I wrote back in 2008 explaining why bear markets are a necessary evil.”

The Things That Make You Money

• Ben Carlson emphasizes that while buying and selling stocks are relatively straightforward, the real challenge—and reward—lies in holding investments through market volatility.

Who Are You Listening To?

• Michael Batnick: “No one can predict the market’s future, regardless of their credentials or past accuracy. Investors should focus on controlling their reactions and limiting exposure to fear-inducing commentary.”

Related:

• Recession Fears, Retirement Savings, & Inflation Drops
• Stagflation, Geopolitical Risks, & International Investing
• The Price of Admission, Gold, & Housing

Stokes Family Office is 100% Family Owned, and has been continually operating in the New Orleans Area for over 35 years.  As a family office, we are focused on family wealth, financial planning, and tax planning. We are your local experts for Gulf South wealth management. Want to hear more from our team? Check out the Lagniappe Podcast.