Audio Commentary by Tim Seymour

Cooler Heads Will Prevail

COMMENTARY Volatility and uncertainty arrived in full force in March driven by uncertainty surrounding U.S. trade policies, particularly tariff announcements. Concerns over potential trade wars and their economic fallout led to a sharp sell-off in equities with fears of slower growth and rising inflation dampening investor sentiment. Volatility (VIX) nearly hit 30 and the S&P 500 entered a correction – the first one since 2022 – as economic data, including softening consumer sentiment and revised lower GDP growth forecasts, added to recession worries. Despite some positive economic indicators, like strong job growth, markets remained on edge, with global trade tensions and policy uncertainty overshadowing fundamentals. As the month closed-out, equities rallied off the lows, cautiously optimistic about the road ahead but clearly still on edge.

Audio Commentary by Tim Seymour, IDVO Portfolio Manager

Audio Commentary by Tim Seymour

Chicago, March 28, 2025—Amplify ETFs announces March income distributions for its income ETFs.

Chicago, March 28, 2025—Amplify ETFs announces March income distributions for its income ETFs.

Listen to a 30-minute conversation with the portfolio manager of BLOK.

Big Firms Are Getting Louder

COMMENTARY The equity markets began February on a positive note, buoyed by early optimism about the changing administration, but the mood shifted as inflation fears resurfaced and uncertainty over potential tariffs escalated. Concerns about rising consumer prices, driven by proposed trade policies, rattled investors, leading to a significant sell-off in the back half of the month. This uncertainty was mirrored by a sharp spike in the CBOE Volatility Index (VIX) which crossed above 20 near month-end, its highest level since mid-December. Investor attention will likely remain fixed on tariff announcements and the shifting geopolitical landscape in the weeks ahead.