Inflation expectations eased last week, further decreasing the probability of an interest rate hike by the Federal Reserve this month. Investors, however, are still expecting a hike at the December meeting. Rising rates have put pressure on small cap stocks, whose YTD returns (+14.1%) have fallen below the S&P 500 (+15.1%), despite leading the index earlier this year. Emerging markets continue to outperform, with YTD returns of +22.7%.

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These materials have been designed for general informational and educational purposes only and do not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any security. Such offers can only be made where lawful under applicable law. These materials have been prepared and derived on the basis of publicly available information, internally developed data and other third party sources believed to be reliable. Zhang Financial LLC has not sought to independently verify information obtained from public and third party sources. No representation, warranty or undertaking, stated or implied, is given as to the accuracy or completeness of the information contained herein. Zhang Financial LLC expressly disclaims any liability for the accuracy and completeness of this information. All opinions and views constitute judgments as of the date of writing without regard to the date on which the reader may receive or access the information, and are subject to change at any time without notice and with no obligation to update. To the extent that these materials contain statements about the future, such statements are forward looking and subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. This information is intended solely for the information of those to whom it is distributed by Zhang Financial LLC. No part of these materials may be reproduced or retransmitted in any manner without the prior written permission of Zhang Financial LLC. Zhang Financial LLC does not intend to provide investment advice through these materials and does not represent that any market position, economic forecast, securities or services are suitable for any investor. Investors are advised not to rely on these materials in the process of making a fully informed investment decision and they do not render business, tax or legal advice. Each client or prospective client should consult his/her own attorney, business advisor and tax advisor as to legal, business, tax and related matters concerning the information contained herein. The information, opinions and views contained herein have not been tailored to the investment objectives of any one individual, are current only as of the date noted and may be subject to change at any time without prior notice. Past performance does not guarantee future results. All investing involves risk of loss including the possible loss of principal.

Economic data released last week was mixed: Q2 GDP was revised up and PCE inflation came in better than expected, while personal income was below expectations and the 10-year US Treasury yields hit their highest level since July 2007. Markets sank overall, with the S&P 500 falling 0.25% and international markets (both developed and emerging) decreasing over 1%. However, this mixed data has pushed expectations for another interest rate hike from October to December.

Disclosures:
These materials have been designed for general informational and educational purposes only and do not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any security. Such offers can only be made where lawful under applicable law. These materials have been prepared and derived on the basis of publicly available information, internally developed data and other third party sources believed to be reliable. Zhang Financial LLC has not sought to independently verify information obtained from public and third party sources. No representation, warranty or undertaking, stated or implied, is given as to the accuracy or completeness of the information contained herein. Zhang Financial LLC expressly disclaims any liability for the accuracy and completeness of this information. All opinions and views constitute judgments as of the date of writing without regard to the date on which the reader may receive or access the information, and are subject to change at any time without notice and with no obligation to update. To the extent that these materials contain statements about the future, such statements are forward looking and subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. This information is intended solely for the information of those to whom it is distributed by Zhang Financial LLC. No part of these materials may be reproduced or retransmitted in any manner without the prior written permission of Zhang Financial LLC. Zhang Financial LLC does not intend to provide investment advice through these materials and does not represent that any market position, economic forecast, securities or services are suitable for any investor. Investors are advised not to rely on these materials in the process of making a fully informed investment decision and they do not render business, tax or legal advice. Each client or prospective client should consult his/her own attorney, business advisor and tax advisor as to legal, business, tax and related matters concerning the information contained herein. The information, opinions and views contained herein have not been tailored to the investment objectives of any one individual, are current only as of the date noted and may be subject to change at any time without prior notice. Past performance does not guarantee future results. All investing involves risk of loss including the possible loss of principal.

Despite geopolitical volatility, the US has seen steady GDP growth year-to-date, rising 2.1% in Q1 and 1.5% in Q2. Corporate earnings have grown healthily, and S&P valuations hold close to their 10-year averages. Elsewhere, Treasury yields have risen, largely due to US National Debt and a "crowding out" from AI hyperscalers issuing bonds for data center buildouts.

Disclosures:
These materials have been designed for general informational and educational purposes only and do not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any security. Such offers can only be made where lawful under applicable law. These materials have been prepared and derived on the basis of publicly available information, internally developed data and other third party sources believed to be reliable. Zhang Financial LLC has not sought to independently verify information obtained from public and third party sources. No representation, warranty or undertaking, stated or implied, is given as to the accuracy or completeness of the information contained herein. Zhang Financial LLC expressly disclaims any liability for the accuracy and completeness of this information. All opinions and views constitute judgments as of the date of writing without regard to the date on which the reader may receive or access the information, and are subject to change at any time without notice and with no obligation to update. To the extent that these materials contain statements about the future, such statements are forward looking and subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. This information is intended solely for the information of those to whom it is distributed by Zhang Financial LLC. No part of these materials may be reproduced or retransmitted in any manner without the prior written permission of Zhang Financial LLC. Zhang Financial LLC does not intend to provide investment advice through these materials and does not represent that any market position, economic forecast, securities or services are suitable for any investor. Investors are advised not to rely on these materials in the process of making a fully informed investment decision and they do not render business, tax or legal advice. Each client or prospective client should consult his/her own attorney, business advisor and tax advisor as to legal, business, tax and related matters concerning the information contained herein. The information, opinions and views contained herein have not been tailored to the investment objectives of any one individual, are current only as of the date noted and may be subject to change at any time without prior notice. Past performance does not guarantee future results. All investing involves risk of loss including the possible loss of principal.