The S&P 500, Dow Jones, and Nasdaq posted positive returns in October, with falling short-term interest rates and strong corporate earnings supporting markets. In fact, the average Q3 earnings growth rate for the S&P 500 stood at nearly 10.7 percent at the end of October, above analysts’ 7.9 percent estimate at the end of September.
The Fed Reduces Rates, But What’s on Tap for December?
“If you are driving in a fog, you slow down.” — Fed Chairman Jerome Powell, October 29, 2025
The Market Observatory: What’s a Central Banker to Do? [Audio]
How Will the Government Shutdown Impact Markets?
As of midnight Tuesday, the U.S. government shut down, as lawmakers couldn’t reach an agreement on a short-term bill to continue funding government expenditures. Currently, none of the 12 appropriations bills have been passed. This is the first shutdown since December 2018. There is certainly a human element to consider, as many government workers will be furloughed and others will continue to work without pay. Benefit payments and tax collections will continue.
Market Thoughts for October 2025 [Video]
September was another positive month for markets, as the S&P 500, Dow, and Nasdaq set new record highs. The international story was similar, with developed and emerging markets gaining for the month. Short-term interest rates also fell in September, as the Fed resumed cutting rates at its mid-month meeting. Markets anticipate one or two additional rate cuts by year-end.
What the Fed Decision Means for Markets
This week’s Fed meeting resulted in a much-anticipated interest rate reduction of 25 bps, to a range of 4 percent to 4.25 percent. This move followed a nine-month pause in its rate-cutting cycle, which began a year ago. Historically, equity markets have responded favorably to rate cuts after a pause of six months or more. But it’s been a while since we last saw this pattern. The Fed has not resumed a reduction cycle after a lag of that duration since July 2003. Markets have changed a lot since then.







Olivia has joined Riverstone Wealth Partners providing knowledge gained from her 15 plus years in management. Olivia has provided services within the financial industry, mortgage industry, and in the non-profit sector. Olivia thrives on providing stellar customer service, accomplishing all goals set before her, and doing the right thing. Olivia’s degree in Business Management allowed her to take on roles that ultimately led her to Riverstone Wealth Partners. Olivia is currently pursuing another degree with an emphasizes in Human Resources, which she has learned over time… is her passion!





Ashley has been working in the customer service field since she started her first job at age 16. For the past ten years she worked in an office setting handling accounts payable and receivable as well as some receptionist work. She is very excited to learn more about the investment field.
Alec joined Riverstone after starting out his post college career on the operations side of an international logistics company working as an account executive. Graduating with a BA in Economics from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, he quickly developed a strong interest in the financial world. A lifetime resident of the Chicagoland area, Alec is an avid fan of his hometown sports teams. He is also an enthusiast of outdoor activities like fishing, camping, and hiking whenever possible.
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