Scottie is back!

After a sub-par start to the 2025 PGA season, Scottie Scheffler has returned to the dominance we became accustomed to in 2024. Even his sub-par start would be deemed “good” by most tour players as he cracked a few top-10s over the last several events. He was also in the hunt at the Masters in April.

He finally got across the line, winning the CJ Cup in early May. This was a Signature Event, so he beat a field of top 50 golfers. He then set his sights on the PGA Championship which was held last week at Quail Hollow in North Carolina. At the PGA, he returned to the form we saw in 2024, where he ran away from the field. Even after a mediocre start on Thursday and Friday, he blitzed the field over the weekend and cruised to a stress-free 5-shot win.

Rory may have been the favorite coming into the PGA Championship after his historic Masters win, however, with a T-47 finish at Quail Hollow, he did not leave the favorite. With 2 Majors left, the US Open and Open Championship, Scottie has fully reasserted himself as the man to beat!

For those of you still reading…on to the markets!

As we move through 2025, we want to take a moment to update you on significant developments affecting the market this year, particularly regarding trade tariffs, market performance, and the importance of diversification in your investment strategy.

Overview of the Trump Trade/Tariff Timeline in 2025

The trade environment continues to evolve in 2025. Throughout the early part of this year, we have witnessed ongoing discussions around tariffs on goods imported from China and other nations, as the Trump administration attempts to balance protecting domestic industries with the need to combat inflation.

In January, a review of existing tariffs was announced, and by March, the administration proposed adjustments aimed at reducing costs for consumers while still addressing essential domestic priorities. These developments have generated mixed reactions in the markets, as investors weigh the potential impacts on both inflation and economic growth.

Market Sell-off and Recovery

The uncertainty surrounding trade policies contributed to an initial market sell-off in the first quarter of 2025. Investors reacted cautiously to the evolving trade landscape, leading to increased volatility, particularly in sectors heavily exposed to international trade.

However, as the year progressed, a combination of positive economic indicators, such as robust job growth and an uptick in consumer confidence, began to restore investor sentiment. By the second quarter, markets started to recover, demonstrating their resilience in the face of external challenges.

The Importance of Diversification

This year has highlighted the critical importance of diversification within investment portfolios. While U.S. markets faced headwinds due to trade uncertainties, other asset classes—such as value stocks, international equities, and bonds—have fared better.

Investors who diversified their holdings beyond U.S. equities have been better positioned to mitigate risks and seize opportunities in more stable or growing markets. Value stocks have outperformed as investors gravitated towards companies with strong fundamentals. Additionally, international markets have benefitted from different economic trajectories, providing a counterbalance to U.S. market volatility. Bonds have also played a key role, offering stability and income during uncertain times.

Conclusion

In summary, the trade tariff landscape continues to shape market dynamics in 2025. Although we faced initial selloffs due to uncertainties, the subsequent recovery showcases the market's adaptability. Moreover, the importance of diversification has proven vital in navigating this year's challenges.

We remain dedicated to closely monitoring these developments and adjusting your investment strategies accordingly. If you have any questions or would like to discuss your portfolio or financial plan considering these insights, please feel free to reach out.

Thank you for your continued trust in our services.

Regards,
Eric Sams

DISCLOSURES

The information linked in this newsletter is for general information purposes only and is not a recommendation or endorsement of the content or views expressed within them.  Any opinions stated are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of E&E Financial Services, and Axxcess.   We make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the content. Any reliance you place on such information is at your own risk.

E & E Financial Services is a dba of Axxess Wealth Management LLC, a registered investment advisor. CA Insurance # 0G97294

NO OFFER OR SOLICITATION: The contents of this electronic mail message: (i) do not constitute an offer of securities or a solicitation of an offer to buy securities, and (ii) may not be relied upon in making an investment decision related to any investment offering through Axxcess.  Neither Axxcess warrant the accuracy or completeness of the information contained herein. Opinions are our current opinions and are subject to change without notice. Prices, quotes, rates are subject to change without notice. Generally, investments are NOT INSURED, NOT BANK GUARANTEED and MAY LOSE VALUE. All e-mail sent to and from this address will be received or otherwise recorded by Axxcess  is subject to archival,  monitoring or review by, and/or disclosure to, someone other than the recipient. This e-mail and attachments are confidential and may be protected by legal privilege. If you are not the intended recipient, be aware that any disclosure, copying, distribution or use of this e- mail or any attachment is prohibited. If you have received this e-mail  in error, please notify us immediately by returning it to the sender and delete this copy from your system. Please note that this e-mail has been created with the knowledge that Internet e-mail is not a 100% secure communications medium.  We advise that you understand and observe this lack of security when sending and/or receiving e-mail communications.  

Axxcess Wealth Management requests that you do not transmit orders and instructions regarding your accounts by e-mail.

E&E Financial Services often communicates with its clients and prospective clients through electronic mail (“email”) and other electronic means. Your privacy and security are very important to us. E&E Financial Services makes every effort to ensure that email communications do not contain sensitive information. We remind our clients and others not to send E&E Financial Services private information over email. If you have sensitive data to deliver, we can provide secure means for such delivery.

PLEASE NOTE: E&E Financial Services does not accept trading or money movement instructions via email.

As a registered investment advisor, E&E Financial Services emails may be subject to inspection by the Chief Compliance Officer (“CCO”) of E&E Financial Services or the securities regulators.

If you have received an email from E&E Financial Services in error, we ask that you contact the sender and destroy the email and its contents.

If you have any questions regarding our email policies, please Contact Us.