In Episode 169 of The Investor Professor Podcast, Dr. Ryan Peckham and co-host Cameron take stock of the wild ride that was the first half of 2025. From a market nose-dive in April to a remarkable recovery and new all-time highs, the duo unpacks the key events that shaped investor sentiment, including political shakeups, tariff turbulence, anchoring bias, and the velocity of market swings. With the S&P 500 now up over 5% year-to-date, they examine how investor psychology and retail participation continue to drive volatility—and how disciplined strategies like dollar-cost averaging remain the antidote to reactive behavior.

The episode also touches on Amazon Prime Day, new IPO momentum (including Figma’s blockbuster numbers), the return of SPACs, and the looming impact of interest rates and political appointments on the back half of 2025. Beyond markets, Cameron shares personal updates—including his upcoming MBA journey—while Ryan reflects on goals, growth, and the importance of making the most of the year’s second half. Whether you're chasing gains or chasing purpose, this episode is a timely reminder: don’t mistake activity for achievement.

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