All-in on AI, again – While the risk-on rally during the second quarter in US markets was great for momentum stocks, the quarter was the second worst for the low-volatility factor, the fifth worst for the quality factor, and the fifteenth worst for the value factor since 1965. (Source: Compustat. Calculation: Hartford Equity Modeling Platform, as of 6/30/25)

Could we please just pick a “flation” and stick with it? – US inflation rose to 2.7% in June—up from 2.4% in May and slightly above expectations—as US tariffs begin to push up consumer prices. The acceleration is fueling fears of stagflation (a slowing economy with rising prices) and rattling bond markets, with the 30-year Treasury yield surging past 5% for only the tenth time in 15 years, signaling investor unease over long-term economic stability. (Source: The New York Times and Barron's)

One ugly utility bill – Under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, electricity rates could rise significantly in several states due to reduced clean energy incentives. Without federal support, renewables become more expensive to build, and utilities may turn to costlier fossil fuel plants instead. Energy Innovation estimates that, by 2035, rates may increase anywhere from 60%-350% in Oklahoma, 48% in Kentucky, 39% in Missouri, and 30% in Kansas. (Source: NPR)

Mind the GDP – Britain's economy contracted unexpectedly for the second consecutive month in May, compounding worries for Finance Minister Rachel Reeves as the nation navigates growing global turbulence. UK GDP shrank by 0.1% in May following a 0.3% drop in April. (Source: Reuters)

Get ‘em while you can – Imports through the Port of Los Angeles rebounded in June, with cargo volumes up 8% year-over-year (the best on record) and up 32% from May, as businesses rushed to beat new tariffs. The port expects a second surge in July, ahead of the August 1 deadline for new trade deals. (Source: CNN)

Big retirement dreams, little retirement accounts – American workers expect to need an average $1.28 million set aside to retire comfortably. However, only 30% of workers say they anticipate having $1 million or more by the time they retire. About 48% expect to have less than $500,000, and 26% expect to have less than $250,000. (Source: CNBC and Schroders)

Faster and fresher – The TSA will allow travelers at some US airports to go through pre-flight security without removing their shoes, ending a nearly two-decade-long rule. The new policy is being implemented in phases, with Baltimore/Washington, Fort Lauderdale, Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky, Portland, Philadelphia, and Piedmont Triad international airports adopting it first. (Source: CBS News)

Orange is no longer the new black – The US prison population is expected to decline roughly 60% within the next decade thanks to a significant drop in the number of young people committing crimes, leading to fewer arrests and incarcerations. After peaking at more than 1.6 million Americans in 2009, the number of incarcerated persons was just over 1.2 million at the end of 2023 and is on track to fall to about 600,000 by the end of 2025. (Source: The Atlantic)

A grate, big whey-ste – A collision with a tractor-trailer in central Pennsylvania left a 200-yard debris field of shredded mozzarella cheese on the road in early July. No one was hurt, but the interstate was closed to traffic for several hours while crews cleaned up the several hundred packages of cheese that had split open during impact. (Source: WGAL News)

These fans don't want to get left on base – Tickets to the 2025 MLB All-Star Game surged this year, with the average resale price hitting a staggering $1,183—the highest since 2013. Fueled by fan excitement and a packed week of events in Atlanta, prices rose as much as 4,000% in some sections compared to regular season games. (Source: Axios)