Volatile Markets, Volatile Lives

Even Americans who don’t own a single stock are feeling the tremors of recent market volatility. In 2025, U.S. financial markets have been whipsawed by President Donald Trump’s policies and rhetoric – from abrupt tariff announcements to pressure on the Federal Reserve – creating uncertainty that reaches far beyond Wall Street. Why does a plunging Dow or a policy tweet matter if you’re a retiree on a fixed income, a small business owner in Ohio, or a worker earning hourly wages? The answer: a volatile stock market often signals deeper economic cross-currents that hit consumer prices, job security, retirement savings, and overall economic confidence. In short, when the market catches cold, everyone risks getting sick. This report examines how Trump’s combative economic stance in 2025 – from threats to Feder ...