Weekly Market Insights August 11 - 15, 2025

From the shifting tides of the S&P 500 to the salt flats of ancient Phoenicia, Jake McClure of The Personal Wealth Coach blends fresh market insights with a deep dive into the economic forces that have shaped civilizations. This week, you’ll get the latest on stocks, bonds, oil, and inflation—plus why a single spike in the Producer Price Index has the Federal Reserve thinking twice about rate cuts. But that’s just the opening act.

Jake takes you on an unexpectedly entertaining tour of the history of salt as currency, a weapon, and a driver of trade—from Roman legions demanding their rations, to fashionable goiters among the elite, to the Phoenicians building empires around salt production. Along the way, he draws sharp parallels to modern economics, showing how the same forces that moved salt across continents still drive markets today. Expect keen analysis, memorable stories, and a dry wit that somehow makes tariffs, taxes, and inflation feel as engaging as any epic saga.

This episode was recorded on August 15th, 2025.

If you would like to contact us, please send an email to us at Jeff@tpwc.com or Jake@tpwc.com. We are happy to address any of your questions about Economics and Finance.

If you are ready and would like to book an appointment either in office or over the phone, you can also send a message to us through the contact form on our website TPWC.com.

** The information provided in this episode is for educational purposes only and should not be considered investment advice. We are “The Personal Wealth Coach,” which is also the name of an SEC-registered investment advisory firm. However, being registered with the SEC does not authorize us to provide investment advice. Investment advice should be personalized, offered in a private setting, and be in the best interests of the individual as a fiduciary. If we make any fraudulent statements, you should report them to the SEC. The information presented in this educational episode has been obtained from sources that we deem to be reliable, but we make no warranty or guarantee as to the completeness or accuracy of said information.