IFS Insights – March
Market Outlook and Global Events
Frequently Asked Questions
Update from the IFS Team
Dear Friends,
As we move into the final months of the year, we want to thank you for your continued trust and partnership through life’s ups and downs. We appreciate our relationship with you!
In this edition of our newsletter, you’ll find a comprehensive financial summary for the third quarter of this year, highlighting key market trends and returns. With the rise of digital threats, protecting your personal and financial information is more important than ever. The linked article on cyber security offers practical updates and strategies on how you can safeguard your assets and stay alert in today’s evolving online environment.
We also understand the impact that government decisions can have on your finances. That’s why we’ve included an article about the government shutdown, helping you think through what the recent developments could mean for your planning and investments.
As always, our team is here to support you. If you have any questions or would like to discuss your financial plan, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
We wish you a safe, secure, and successful season ahead!
Warm regards,
The IFS Team
Included in this edition:
- Global Market Commentary
- How To Recognize and Avoid Phishing Scams
- What the U.S. Government Shutdown Could Mean for Investors
- What’s Happening – Local Things to Do
Markets Post Solid Gains in Third Quarter
U.S. equity markets delivered robust returns in the third quarter of 2025, as moderating inflation data and the Federal Reserve’s first rate cut of the year reinvigorated investor confidence. The quarter marked a decisive shift in monetary policy, with Chair Jerome Powell characterizing the September rate reduction as a “risk management cut” aimed at supporting labor market conditions while inflation gradually approached the Fed’s 2% target.
Click below to read more.
How To Recognize and Avoid Phishing Scams
Scammers use email or text messages to trick you into giving them your personal and financial information. But there are several ways to protect yourself.
Click below to read more.
What the U.S. Government Shutdown Could Mean for Investors
U.S. government shutdowns can get ugly but tend to be brief. In a year full of uncertainty over tariffs and trade, financial markets took another curveball on Wednesday as the U.S. government shut down amid an ongoing dispute between Republicans and Democrats over spending priorities.
There is no indication how long the impasse might last, but a long history of past government shutdowns suggests that, regardless of length, it will have little impact on the financial markets and the U.S. economy. Even during extended shutdowns of two weeks or longer, stocks and bonds have generally weathered the storm with only small ripple effects, followed by a strong rebound.
Click below to read more.
What's Happening
- Bella Organic Farm’s Pumpkin Patch and Corn Maze on Sauvie Island including free hay rides.
- Sept 27- Oct 31
- Washington County Open Studios Art Tour: A free annual event where you can visit and explore the studios and galleries of over 50 local artists
- Oct 18 and 19, 10am-5pm
- Lake Oswego Farmers’ Market
- Every Saturday through Oct 25 from 8:30am-1:30pm at Millennium Plaza Park
- Explore the 60-mile Aufderheide Scenic Byway to enjoy some of Oregon’s best fall foliage
- About an hour east of Eugene
Recent Newsletters
Fourth Quarter 2025
Global Market Commentary
It’s time to have “The Talk.”
What’s Happening – Local Things to Do
Third Quarter 2025
Global Market Commentary
How To Recognize and Avoid Phishing Scams
What the U.S. Government Shutdown Could Mean for Investors
What’s Happening – Local Things to Do
Second Quarter 2025
Market review
Five Key Impacts of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act
Sabbaticals and why to take one
What’s happening