Tariff-related market volatility in 2025 highlighted the stabilizing role of fixed income, as broad bond indexes delivered 4% to 7.25% returns in the first half of the year, largely from higher coupon income. The April tariff announcement initially triggered a sharp sell-off in risk assets, but bonds held steady, underscoring their resilience compared to equities. 

While the most extreme tariff scenarios have been avoided, a projected U.S. weighted average tariff rate of around 12% is still expected to influence inflation, growth, and interest rate paths. Higher yields now provide a stronger income cushion than in prior years, reducing the downside impact of rising rates and enhancing potential returns if rates fall. 

Active fixed income ETFs can be especially well-suited for this environment, as managers can tactically adjust duration, credit quality, and global exposure to navigate tariff-driven market shifts. Investors are finding opportunities in high-quality bonds and global fixed income as hedges against policy-driven uncertainty.

Finsum: Tariffs remain a key macroeconomic variable shaping strategy, even in a more moderate form than initially proposed.

Global equity ETFs are gaining attention as investors seek cost-effective exposure to international stocks, even as 2025’s first half brought mixed results amid resilient earnings, easing inflation, and rising geopolitical risks. 

European-domiciled global large-cap blend ETFs pulled in €30 billion between January and May, reflecting a surge in popularity over the past year. Morningstar analysts screened 152 funds in this category, identifying 16 passively managed ETFs with Silver Medalist Ratings based on their high long-term performance potential. 

Among the largest are the iShares Core MSCI World UCITS ETF (EUNL), Vanguard FTSE All-World UCITS ETF (VWRL), and Xtrackers MSCI World UCITS ETF (XDWL), all of which delivered solid one-year returns despite modest year-to-date declines. These ETFs track broad global benchmarks and, in some cases, outperformed them slightly over the past year. 

Finsum: For investors looking to diversify beyond U.S. markets, these highly rated global funds offer a straightforward, low-cost entry point.

Raymond James Financial, long a leader in recruiting advisors from rival firms, is experiencing its strongest hiring momentum since the 2008–2009 financial crisis. With the stock market rebounding after tariff-related uncertainty earlier this year, the firm is benefiting from a robust recruiting pipeline and high advisor commitments. 

CEO Paul Shoukry noted that current activity levels rival the post-crisis surge, but with larger, more established teams now seeking the firm as a stable home. In the June quarter, Raymond James reported $11.7 billion in net new domestic assets, translating to a 3.4% annualized growth rate, with activity accelerating into the high single digits last month. 

Industry disruption, including LPL Financial’s acquisition of Commonwealth Financial Network, has created new recruiting opportunities that Raymond James is actively pursuing. 

Finsum: Advisors are looking to technical features firms can offer, so be sure to examine the whole package when picking a firm.