Weekly Wrap Up: Aug 30 - Sep 5, 2025
Weekly Wrap Up: Aug 30 - Sep 5, 2025
Chart of the Week: U.S. Employment – August 2025
The latest employment report brings fresh signs of labor market cooling. August's gain of just 22,000 jobs fell well below the expected 75,000 and marks a sharp deceleration. The unemployment rate ticked up to 4.3%, touching its highest level in nearly four years. Revisions show June actually lost 13,000 jobs—the first drop since late 2020—offsetting earlier gains.
Source: Labor Department
Mark’s Insight: “Today’s labor report underscores a turning point. Sluggish job growth and increasing unemployment shift the balance in favor of the Federal Reserve easing more decisively. For investors, it’s a reminder that economic narratives can pivot quickly—patience and context are everything.”
Stock of the Week – Mr Cooper Group (COOP)
Mr. Cooper Group (COOP) was in the spotlight this week after shareholders approved a $9.4 billion all-stock merger with Rocket Companies (RKT). The deal will create one of the largest mortgage players in the country, servicing roughly one in six U.S. mortgages once it closes. That kind of scale brings both growth potential and meaningful cost savings, which is why the market took notice.
The news sent COOP to fresh record highs on heavy volume, adding to what’s already been a standout year. Earnings have been a little uneven, but the merger story has kept momentum strong.
Jackie’s Take: “COOP has been part of select portfolios, and this merger approval just reinforces why we liked the name to begin with. The stock is sitting right under the $210 level, and if we can see a clean breakout above there, the door opens toward $220–$230. It’s trading well above the 50- and 200-day moving averages, and with RSI in the high 60s, the setup still looks constructive without being overheated. With the fundamentals lining up and the chart in a strong position, I like the case for continued strength here.”
Quote of the Week
“You can’t predict. You can prepare.”
— Howard Marks
A timely reminder that successful investing is less about forecasting and more about preparation, discipline, and patience.
What We’re Listening To
This week, we’re taking a step away from books and highlighting a podcast episode that left a lasting impression. Earlier this week, the basketball world lost George Raveling, a legendary coach, mentor, and lifelong learner.
One of our favorite conversations with him comes from the Tim Ferriss Show, where George shared his wisdom on leadership, curiosity, and the relentless pursuit of growth.
“One of the most powerful gifts you can give yourself is to embrace lifelong learning. The moment you stop learning, you stop living.” – George Raveling
George’s legacy reminds us that great coaching and leadership go far beyond sports — they’re about empowering others, staying curious, and continually striving to improve. It’s a message that resonates not just in basketball, but in investing, business, and life.
WWM Insight: At WWM, we believe great leadership lessons extend far beyond the markets. George Raveling’s words on lifelong learning and curiosity resonate deeply with how we approach wealth management — staying open, adaptable, and always looking for ways to improve. Just as he coached athletes to grow on and off the court, we strive to help clients grow not only their wealth, but also their confidence and clarity in navigating life’s financial journey.
Disclaimer:
This commentary is provided for informational purposes only and should not be construed as investment advice or a recommendation to buy or sell any security. Past performance is not indicative of future results. All investments involve risk, including the possible loss of principal. The views expressed are those of Wolter Wealth Management and are subject to change without notice. Please consult with your financial professional before making any investment decisions.