By Asset Allocator Journal Staff
According to Advisor Perspectives, the June 2025 Consumer Price Index (CPI) showed a 0.3% monthly increase and a 2.7% annual rise, marking the largest gain since January and reflecting early tariff-related inflation. Core inflation rose 0.2% for the month, aligning with expectations and suggesting moderate underlying price pressures. The Federal Reserve is expected to monitor these developments closely, potentially delaying interest rate cuts until more data is available.
WealthManagement.com reports that M&A consultancy Gladstone has launched a $500 RIA seller service, aiming to streamline the process for Registered Investment Advisor firms seeking buyers. The service targets RIAs with $500 million to $1 billion in assets under management, a segment identified as highly attractive for acquisition. This initiative reflects growing industry focus on efficient, scalable solutions for RIA transactions.
As reported in Business Matters, US President Donald Trump’s threat to impose 30% tariffs on European Union imports could render normal US-EU trade relations “almost impossible,” according to the bloc’s chief negotiator, Maros Sefcovic. The sweeping tariffs, set to take effect on 1 August, would have a devastating impact on supply chains and key industries across Europe and the US. The European Commission is drafting a €72 billion retaliatory package, which will be circulated to EU capitals for approval.
Center for Financial Planning’s Q2 2025 investment commentary highlights that diversification delivered strong results, as U.S. and international equities both posted robust gains despite market volatility. Balanced portfolios benefited from exposure to multiple asset classes, with fixed income providing stability amid equity swings. The report underscores the importance of maintaining a diversified approach to navigate uncertain markets and achieve long-term goals.
Advisor Perspectives notes that precious metals outperformed other commodities in the first half of 2025, with gold reaching record highs above $3,000 per ounce and platinum surging nearly 50%. Silver also posted multi-year highs, driven by both investment demand and industrial use, while palladium gained over 20% despite headwinds from the automotive sector’s shift to electric vehicles. Analysts attribute these gains to geopolitical uncertainty, inflation concerns, and strong demand from central banks and industry.
WealthManagement.com reveals that Merchant Investment Management has hired Candice Carlton, a former executive from FiComm Partners and United Capital, to a new RIA engagement role, aiming to enhance advisor support and growth initiatives. This strategic hire is part of Merchant’s broader effort to expand its network and provide value-added services to partner firms.
As reported by Business Matters Magazine, the UK government has reintroduced an electric vehicle (EV) grant, offering up to £3,750 off new electric cars priced at £37,000 or less. The scheme, backed by £650 million in funding, aims to boost EV adoption and support the transition away from petrol and diesel vehicles. Grants are available for eligible models meeting strict sustainability criteria, with the program running through at least 2028/29.
An Advisor Perspectives commentary explains that tokenization, while often touted as a solution for illiquid markets, faces significant hurdles including regulatory uncertainty, technological limitations, and fragmented liquidity pools. The lack of standardized platforms and interoperability among blockchains hampers the development of active secondary markets, leaving many tokenized assets illiquid. Overcoming these challenges will require coordinated efforts from regulators, technology providers, and market participants.
