Charles Brown (CB3) provides a clear, investor-focused explanation of how tariffs work and their impact on markets and portfolios. According to CB3, tariffs are government-imposed taxes on imported goods, which are intended to make foreign products more expensive and thereby encourage consumers to buy domestic alternatives. However, CB3 emphasizes that the real-world effects are more complex. When tariffs are introduced-such as those recently enacted by the Trump administration-they can trigger sharp volatility in the stock market, as seen in early 2025. You will understand this better after listening!

The week ending May 10, 2025, was marked by cautious trading, tariff headlines, and central bank watchfulness. Investors weighed fresh trade developments and awaited additional key economic data. The major U.S. equity indices ended the week slightly lower, except for the Russell 2000, which broke recent winning streaks and reflected a market searching for direction amid persistent policy and geopolitical uncertainty. What is ahead for our -- and your -- portfolios? Will the tariff negotiations in Europe give some underpinning to the markets? Listen as CB3 Financial Portfolio Manager leads you through last week's highlights and assesses the opportunities in the week ahead.

In this APR/MAY Monthly update, Charles Brown (aka CB3) recaps the sharp volatility triggered by sweeping US tariffs, with the S&P 500 and Dow posting their third straight monthly declines, despite a late-month recovery, as the Nasdaq eked out a small gain. We break down the key drivers: trade policy uncertainty, a surprise GDP contraction, and S&P 500 sector swings. Then CB3 previews the challenges ahead for May, including persistent inflation, cautious Fed policy, and ongoing global trade tensions. All these are likely to keep markets on edge. Tune in for insights on navigating heightened volatility and what to watch as investors brace for another unpredictable month.