THE WELL-TH NOTES

By WealthTrust Advisors on August 15, 2025

Weekly data-driven insights on the markets and economy

Second week of August 2025

Debt dilemma

The U.S. national debt has surpassed $37 trillion, according to a Treasury Department report issued on Tuesday—marking a milestone reached years ahead of pre-pandemic projections. Fueled by pandemic-era spending and recent legislation expected to add $4.1 trillion more, the debt is now growing by $1 trillion every five months. Analysts warn that this rapid pace could drive up interest rates and increase financial pressure on taxpayers.[i]

Working mothers wane

The pandemic-era surge in employment among working mothers has sharply reversed in 2025, with over 212,000 women leaving the workforce since January. A Bureau of Labor Statistics report released on Tuesday shows labor force participation among mothers with young children dropped nearly three percentage points. Analysts warn that rising childcare costs and the loss of workplace flexibility could have lasting effects on women’s earnings and career growth.[ii]

Inflation inches up

The consumer price index rose 2.7% annually in July, slightly below expectations, with core inflation climbing 3.1%, according to a report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics released on Tuesday. Tariffs showed modest impact across most categories, and traders increased bets on a potential Federal Reserve rate cut in September. Shelter costs drove monthly gains, while food prices were flat and energy declined.[iii]

Gold gets a pass

President Trump announced on Monday that gold will not be subject to tariffs, reversing a U.S. Customs ruling that would have imposed duties on Swiss-imported gold bars. The decision follows concerns raised by the Swiss Precious Metals Association about potential disruptions to the international flow of physical gold. The original ruling would have applied to gold bars from any country, not just Switzerland.[iv]

Ford fuels the future

On Monday, Ford announced a $2 billion investment in its Louisville assembly plant to launch a new line of affordable electric vehicles, starting with a midsize pickup in 2027. The initiative is part of Ford’s “Universal EV Program” and complements a $3 billion battery park in Michigan, securing nearly 4,000 jobs. With a $30,000 starting price and U.S.-assembled batteries, Ford aims to disrupt the EV market and challenge global competition with American-made innovation.[v]

Paramount’s power play

Paramount announced on Monday that it has acquired exclusive U.S. streaming rights to UFC from TKO Group in a $7.7 billion, seven-year deal starting in 2026. All 43 annual UFC events will be available on Paramount+ with no additional pay-per-view fees. The agreement marks a major shift from ESPN’s previous model and positions Paramount as a key player in live sports streaming.[vi]

[i] Hussein, Fatima. “US national debt reaches a record $37 trillion, the Treasury Department reports.” AP, 12 August 2025, https://apnews.com/article/treasury-debt-spending-trump-obbb-6f807c4aae78dcc96f29ff07a3c926f4.Accessed August 12, 2025.

[ii] Lutz, Ashley. “The new American workplace crisis: Return-to-office mandates lead to a working mom exodus.” Fortune, 11 August 2025. https://fortune.com/2025/08/11/working-moms-leave-american-workforce-return-to-office/.Accessed August 11, 2025.

[iii] Cox, Jeff. “Consumer prices rise 2.7% annually in July, less than expected amid tariff worries.” CNBC, 12 August 2025, https://www.cnbc.com/2025/08/12/cpi-inflation-report-july-2025.html. Accessed August 12, 2025.

[iv] Kimball, Spencer. “Trump says gold will not be tariffed.” CNBC, 11 August 2025, https://www.cnbc.com/2025/08/11/trump-gold-tariffs-futures.html. Accessed August 11, 2025.

[v] McCadden, Ali and Salinas, Sara. “Ford announces $2 billion investment in Louisville assembly plant aimed at cheap EVs.” CNBC, 11 August 2025, https://www.cnbc.com/2025/08/11/ford-louisville-assembly-plant-ev-investment.html. Accessed August 11, 2025.

[vi] Sherman, Alex. “Paramount buys UFC rights in $7.7 billion, 7-year deal in first major move post-Skydance merger.” CNBC, 11 August 2025, https://www.cnbc.com/2025/08/11/paramount-buys-ufc-rights-skydance-merger.html.Accessed August 11, 2025.