Seeking Firm Footing

In a week marked by turmoil, both markets and hearts were shaken. A disappointing 20-year Treasury bond auction sent yields soaring, rattling confidence and reviving fears about America’s mounting fiscal burden. The House’s passage of the administration’s tax bill added to the storm clouds, with some warning of even greater federal debt in the years ahead. By Friday, those clouds turned into a tempest, as the administration declared a 50% tariff on European imports and threatened Apple with new levies unless iPhone production returned to American soil.

Weekly Performance

Data Source: Factset®        Performance Period:      5/19/2025  to 5/23/2025

Yet, even in the midst of economic uncertainty, a quiet but powerful signal of renewal emerged. The latest S&P Global Flash PMI showed business activity rebounding in May, with both services and manufacturing surprising to the upside. It was a hopeful reminder that even in chaos, growth can bloom. Confidence among businesses also began to mend, rising from the depths as fears of escalating trade wars momentarily paused.

Still, the road ahead is not without crevasses. Inflation surged, driven largely by tariff pressures, while supply chain woes deepened and export orders slipped. The housing market echoed this duality of hope and hardship, with existing home sales sinking to their lowest April level since 2009, while new home sales surged offering a glimmer of resilience.

Cintas’ legacy of service and stewardship began in the 1920s with humble rags and a servant’s heart. Cintas’ origins are rooted in the vision of Doc and Amelia Farmer, who saw opportunity not just in discarded cloth, but in serving others with diligence and purpose. Their son, Richard Farmer, would later carry that torch with bold vision by transforming a modest cleaning business into a national leader in uniform rental and workplace solutions. As the company grew across North America, expanding into first aid, safety, and fire protection services, it never lost sight of the people behind its success: the employee-partners. Cintas cultivated a culture of support, growth, and opportunity and has been recognized for its commitment to developing the next generation of leaders. Through every season, Cintas has been recognized not just for what it does, but for how it does it. Its story is one of faith in vision, service through work, and blessing through perseverance.

Through all of the economic rumbling, God is unshaken. For those anchored in faith, these quakes are not a sign to despair but a call to trust the One who calms the earth and sea. Let this week be a reminder that while headlines shift and markets tremble:

“The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.” – Proverbs 18:10

And in Him, we are never without shelter.

Sources: Yahoo Finance, Reuters.com, and JP Morgan Market Insights

 Sources: Yahoo Finance, Reuters.com, and JP Morgan Market Insights. Securities offered through Osaic Wealth, Inc. member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory services offered through Faithward Advisors LLC. Osaic Wealth is separately owned and other entities and/or marketing names, products or services referenced here are independent of Osaic Wealth. Dream More, Plan More, Do More is a registered trademark of Faithward Advisors, LLC, Reg. U.S. Pat. & Tm. Off. Any opinions expressed in this forum are not the opinion or view of Faithward Advisors or American Portfolios Financial Services, Inc. (APFS). They have not been reviewed by either firm for completeness or accuracy. These opinions are subject to change at any time without notice. Any comments or postings are provided for informational purposes only and do not constitute an offer or a recommendation to buy or sell securities or other financial instruments. Readers should conduct their own review and exercise judgment prior to investing. Investments are not guaranteed, involve risk and may result in a loss of principal. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Investments are not suitable for all types of investors.