Q2 2025
Key Takeaways: Solutions Over Speculation
Headlines screamed recession, tariffs, and tech turmoil in Q2. But those who stayed disciplined? They saw results.
Q2 reminded me of a springtime saying:
“In like a lion, out like a lamb.”
And for investors who kept their cool? That lamb came bearing returns.
In Like a Lion, Out Like a Lamb
April came in hot.
Inflation whispers. Tariff noise. War fears out of the Middle East. AI finally cooled, and headlines pounced on worst-case scenarios. Some warned of WWIII. Others predicted oil spikes and economic fallout.
It all made for a noisy, jittery month.
But what actually happened?
Markets adjusted. Adapted. And moved forward…like they’ve done time and time again. Short-term chaos grabbed attention. But long-term fundamentals quietly stayed intact for those who didn’t panic.
Then came May and June, and the shift was clear:
Trade deals progressed, just as we anticipated in our Q1 Commentary.
Core inflation stayed tame, despite the tariff chatter (as we broke down on our podcast).
Markets rebounded sharply: Global equities rallied +10% for the quarter, and bonds eked out gains as interest rate fears faded.
The lion had roared. The lamb returned.
And for those who stayed steady through the noise?
They saw the calm through the storm.
Problem-Finders vs. Solution-Builders
One of the most consistent mistakes I see from investors?
They chase problems.
Recession signals. Election anxiety. Global instability. Hot takes about [insert the “next collapse” here].
Why? Because fear sells. It gets the clicks.
But real progress doesn’t come from problem-chasing. It comes from solution-building.
I was reminded of this recently—one of the last things my grandfather Julius said to me still echoes in my mind:
“Jason, I’m proud of you. You don’t chase the crowd. You’ve always done it your way.”
Fitting words from a Sinatra fan. Fitting, too, because he’s the reason I’ve always trusted my own voice—and why this firm proudly carries his name.
That philosophy guided our approach this quarter:
Trade tensions? We looked deeper. And saw signs of progress with the UK, Japan, EU, and China.
Inflation? Still sticky in shelter, but broadly tame.
Labor? Solid. Unemployment held at 4.1% with balanced job growth.
The result? Markets rewarded those who tuned out the panic and stayed focused on fundamentals.
We recognize our overweight to small caps has been a short-term drag. That’s frustrating, especially in a market rewarding mega-cap momentum. But investing isn’t about chasing what’s hot. It’s about positioning for what’s next. With rate cuts on the horizon, we still see potential. That said, we’re actively reassessing this position, based on facts, not FOMO.
Wealth isn’t built on luck. It’s built on planning, strategy, and seeing the signal through the noise.
Friday Night Wisdom: What Did You Learn?
Every Friday night, my family goes around the table and answers three questions:
What was your favorite part of the week?
Least favorite?
What did you learn?
When it’s my turn, I never list a least favorite.
- A missed opportunity teaches.
- A tough conversation sharpens your thinking.
- A bad day prepares you to appreciate the good ones.
That mindset isn’t just for the dinner table. It’s foundational to how we invest.
This quarter?
The markets reminded us that fundamentals beat forecasts.
That resilience outperforms reaction.
That solution-seekers outperform doomscrollers.
Much like the lessons I try to pass down around our Friday night dinner table, Warren Buffett’s influence goes far beyond numbers on a screen.
With his formal step-down as CEO of Berkshire Hathaway this past quarter, an era officially ended, but his wisdom endures.
His principles weren’t just investment strategies—they were life strategies:
Patience > prediction
Substance > flash
Discipline > drama
Without Buffett, there might not be a Julius Wealth Advisors. It was The Warren Buffett Way—a book I picked up nearly 30 years ago—that helped shape my mindset, my values, and ultimately, the foundation of this firm.
Thank you, Warren: for the philosophy, the humility, and the playbook that continues to guide us forward.
What We’re Watching in Q3
As we look ahead, expect more headlines:
Political fireworks
Fed speculation
Global volatility
Our strategy? Keep it simple:
Global diversification, grounded in fundamentals
Selective exposure to small caps and overlooked opportunities
Focus on quality, profitability, and cash flows
We’re also monitoring the potential impact of a new tax & spending bill, especially the proposed SALT cap increases that could benefit clients in NY, NJ, and CA.
Truly Yours,
Jason Blumstein, CFA
CEO & Founder
Julius Wealth Advisors, LLC
Smart Strategy Wins the Long Game. Let’s Build Yours.
Markets will keep shifting. The noise won’t stop.
But a smart, disciplined strategy? That’s what builds lasting wealth.
Let’s make sure your financial game plan is built to rise above the headlines—and capitalize when others hesitate.
👉 Download the Wealth Building Playbook
Then let’s talk about how we tailor it to your goals.
Because building wealth is by Choice, Not Chance.
Disclosures:This piece contains general information that is not suitable for everyone and was prepared for informational purposes only. Nothing contained herein should be construed as a solicitation to buy or sell any security or as an offer to provide investment advice. The information contained herein has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but the accuracy of the information cannot be guaranteed. Past performance does not guarantee any future results. The information in this material is not intended as tax or legal advice. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation. For additional information about Julius Wealth Advisors, including its services and fees, contact us or visit adviserinfo.sec.gov.