Moe’s Market Memo – December 12, 2025
Weekly data-driven insights on the markets and economy
Mohammad Abouchleih, MBA, CIMA®
Investment Analyst
Fed’s rate reduction
On Wednesday, the Federal Reserve approved its third rate cut of 2025, lowering the benchmark rate by a quarter point to 3.5%-3.75%. The 9-3 vote underscored sharp divisions among policymakers and signaled limited room for further reductions. The Fed also announced plans to resume Treasury purchases as inflation remains above target.1
Student loan shakeup
On Tuesday, the Trump administration announced a settlement with Missouri that could end the Biden‑era SAVE plan and force millions of student loan borrowers back into repayment. If approved, the agreement would shift current participants out of SAVE and into other repayment plans. Advocates warn the move strips borrowers of the most affordable plan, affecting 7.6 million people nationwide.2
Studio showdown
On Monday, Paramount Skydance launched a hostile $30-per-share bid for Warner Bros. Discovery, valued at $108.4 billion. The move follows Netflix’s $72 billion deal for WBD’s studio and streaming assets, while Paramount insists keeping the company whole best serves shareholders. Backed by major financing, CEO David Ellison says the offer provides more cash and faster approval, positioning Paramount as a stronger rival to Netflix and Amazon.3
Inflation inches up
Core inflation, measured by the Federal Reserve’s preferred personal consumption expenditures index, rose 0.2% in September and 2.8% year-over-year, slightly below expectations, the Commerce Department reported last Friday. The delayed data, held up by the government shutdown, showed personal income up 0.4% and spending up 0.3%.4
Billionaire wealth hits highs
Last Thursday, UBS’s 2025 Billionaire Ambitions Report revealed U.S. billionaires’ wealth surged 18% year-on-year to $6.9 trillion. America now hosts 924 billionaires—nearly a third of the global total—driven by innovation, tech sector gains, and a surge in self-made entrepreneurs. Globally, billionaire wealth hit a record $15.8 trillion, while the U.S. also leads in the coming $2.8 trillion generational wealth transfer.5
Layoffs leap
Layoff announcements in the U.S. have surged to 1.17 million in 2025—the highest since the COVID-19 pandemic—according to Challenger, Gray & Christmas, which released its report last Thursday. November cuts totaled 71,321, driven largely by restructuring, AI-related reductions, and tariffs, though down from October’s 153,000. Despite mounting concerns, weekly jobless claims fell to their lowest level in more than three years.6
[1] Cox, Jeff. “Divided Fed approves third rate cut this year, sees slower pace ahead.” CNBC, 10 December 2025, https://www.cnbc.com/2025/12/10/fed-interest-rate-decision-december-2025-.html. Accessed 10 December 2025.
[2] Nova, Annie. “Trump administration moves to remove millions of student loan borrowers from payment pause.” CNBC, 9 December 2025, https://www.cnbc.com/2025/12/09/save-student-loan-payment-pause.html. Accessed 9 December 2025.
[3] Faber, David, and Sherman, Alex. “Paramount Skydance launches hostile bid for WBD ‘to finish what we started,’ CEO Ellison tells CNBC.” CNBC, 8 December 2025, https://www.cnbc.com/2025/12/08/paramount-skydance-hostile-bid-wbd-netflix.html. Accessed 9 December 2025.
[4] Cox, Jeff. “Core inflation rate watched by Fed hit 2.8%, delayed September data shows, lower than expected.” CNBC, 5 December 2025, https://www.cnbc.com/2025/12/05/pce-inflation-report-september-2025.html. Accessed 9 December 2025.
[5] Lichtenberg, Nick. “The U.S. has over 900 billionaires and their wealth soared by 18% to $6.9 trillion this year, UBS says.” Fortune, 8 December 2025, https://fortune.com/2025/12/08/how-many-billionaires-does-america-world-have-ubs/. Accessed 9 December 2025.
[6] Cox, Jeff. “Layoff announcements top 1.1 million this year, the most since 2020 pandemic, Challenger says.” CNBC, 4 December 2025, https://www.cnbc.com/2025/12/04/layoff-announcements-this-year-top-1point1-million-the-most-since-2020-when-pandemic-hit-challenger-says.html. Accessed 9 December 2025.
This material is for general information and educational purposes only. Information is based on data gathered from what we believe are reliable sources. It is not guaranteed as to accuracy, does not purport to be complete and is not intended to be used as a primary basis for investment decisions.
Find answers to your questions about Hightower Signature Wealth
Hightower Signature Wealth is a fiduciary wealth management practice that provides investment management, financial planning, estate strategies, insurance, and banking solutions. We work with families, business owners, professionals, women, and retirees across more than 40 offices nationwide. Our advisors take the time to understand your financial priorities, develop a plan around your goals, and adjust that plan as your life and circumstances evolve.
Hightower Signature Wealth provides a broad range of wealth management services designed to address different aspects of your financial life. Our capabilities include investment management, financial planning, retirement planning, estate strategies, insurance and risk management, banking solutions, and charitable giving strategies. By considering these areas together, our advisors can develop a coordinated approach based on your goals, priorities, financial circumstances, and plans for the future.
Hightower Signature Wealth advisors work with a broad range of clients, including women, families, business owners, professionals, retirees, and high-net-worth individuals navigating major life or financial transitions. Rather than applying a generic playbook, each advisor tailors the plan to a client’s specific goals and current stage of life – from early-career decisions to multigenerational wealth transfer.
Yes. Hightower Signature Wealth advisors serve as fiduciaries, which means they are committed to acting in their clients’ interests when providing investment advice. We offer fee-based advisory services, with fees depending on the services provided and the specifics of your relationship. Your advisor will discuss the applicable fee structure with you so you can understand how you are charged and what services are included.
Hightower Signature Wealth has more than 40 offices nationwide, allowing our advisors to serve individuals, families, and organizations across the country. Depending on your location and preferences, you may be able to work with an advisor locally or connect with a team in another market. Visit our Locations page to explore our office locations, learn more about the teams in each market, and find an office near you.
Getting started with Hightower Signature Wealth is simple. Complete our online contact form with some basic information about yourself and what you are looking for, and we’ll connect you with an advisor who can discuss your needs and financial priorities. That initial conversation is an opportunity to learn more about our approach, ask questions, and determine whether working with a Hightower Signature Wealth advisor may be a good fit.
Your first conversation is an opportunity for us to learn more about you, your financial circumstances, and what you hope to accomplish. An advisor may ask about your goals, current investments, family considerations, business interests, and other priorities that could influence your financial plan. You’ll also have an opportunity to ask questions, learn about our approach, and discuss what working together could look like.
