Happy August! The Federal Reserve held interest rates steady at 3.5 to 3.75 percent for the federal funds overnight rate at their July 2026 meeting. Core inflation declined to 2.6 percent from 2.9 percent in June year-over-year while overall inflation declined to 3.5 percent from 4.2 percent in May. While the Federal Reserve re-committed to a 2 percent target, it appears the market is doing much of their work. Meanwhile, the current estimate for GDP growth in the 3rd quarter of 2026 is 6.2 percent according to the Federal Reserve of Atlanta’s GDPNow ™. This follows GDP growth of 2.1 percent and 1.5 percent for the 1st and 2nd quarters of 2026, respectively. I hope you have the opportunity to enjoy the last days of summer with family and friends!
All the Best, Jon Gauthier, President, GWM
If you are not connected to GWM on LinkedIn, request a link at: Linkedin.com/in/jon-gauthier-cfp/. You can also catch up on our latest activities at our Web site, www.gauthierwm.com.
Topics:
The Fed’s Inflation Measure
Test Your Knowledge of Estate Planning
The College Landscape in 2026
Helping Protect Your Child’s Identity in a Digital World