By Asset Allocator Journal Staff
As noted in Advisor Perspectives, the European Union has agreed in principle to adopt a U.S.-style universal tariff proposal, but is actively negotiating to secure carve-outs for sensitive sectors such as semiconductors and clean energy. Uncertainty lingers as negotiations continue, and the potential impact on supply chains remains unclear.
According to the Financial Times, JPMorgan’s asset management division is preparing to launch a blockchain-based platform for trading carbon credits, aimed at institutional clients seeking more efficient access to ESG markets. The new system, developed with Apollo and Carbonplace, is designed to settle trades in near real-time and reduce market opacity.
WealthManagement.com reports that Savvy Wealth has secured $72 million in funding and added former LPL Financial CEO Mark Casady to its board of directors. The firm uses proprietary digital tools to streamline advisor-client relationships and plans to expand its advisor platform and recruitment efforts. Since its founding in 2021, Savvy has focused on acquiring and scaling RIAs through its technology-forward approach.
Per Advisor Perspectives, Goldman Sachs Asset Management’s options-based ETFs have more than doubled in assets in 2025, growing to nearly $2 billion. The firm attributes this expansion to investor demand for income strategies amid persistent volatility and muted bond yields. Its most popular product, the U.S. Equity Premium Income ETF, is positioned to generate consistent monthly distributions.
As reported in Business Matters, Santander is acquiring TSB in a major UK banking consolidation move. The all-cash transaction, valued at approximately £1.5 billion, will add 5 million customers to Santander’s base and expand its physical branch network. Santander stated that the deal supports its long-term growth strategy in the UK retail banking market.
According to the Financial Times, U.S. non-farm payrolls surged, pushing unemployment to fresh multi-decade lows and triggering speculation about potential inflationary pressure and implications for Federal Reserve policy. The data showed broad-based growth across services and manufacturing, setting the stage for debate over timing and scope of rate adjustments.
Business Matters reports that small businesses will soon be able to apply for funding from Royal Mail’s apprenticeship levy pot, as part of a government initiative aimed at increasing access to vocational training. These businesses must apply to receive the funding, which can be used to cover training and assessment costs. The fund launch is part of Royal Mail Means Business, a larger initiative supporting start-ups and small companies.
Per Advisor Perspectives, Invesco’s mid-year fixed-income outlook highlights that while yields have risen, many bond sectors offer compelling income potential. The report underscores the importance of credit selection and duration management in a volatile rate environment, and suggests strategic overweight positions in select corporate and securitized debt.
