Stocks finished the first half of the year the same way they started — with solid gains. Strong rallies from big tech names, combined with somewhat softer economic and inflation data, helped propel the S&P 500 to its seventh monthly gain in the past eight months and set dozens of new record highs along the way. As we close the book on a strong first half for the stock market, we celebrate America’s 248th birthday.
Read MoreAfter a strong first quarter for stocks, some April showers rained down as the S&P 500 fell about 4% last month. Hopefully those showers will bring some flowers in May, despite the widely cited stock market adage, “Sell in May and go away.”
Read MoreThe first quarter is in the books, and it was an excellent one for stocks. The S&P 500 index rode a resilient U.S.economy, easing inflation, rising corporate profits, and anticipation of summertime rate cuts from the Federal Reserve (Fed) to solid gains in March, the fifth straight winning month, and the best first quarter since 2019.
Read MoreAs spring approaches, the weather is starting to warm up. For the stock market, the temperature has been rising for a while now. In fact, since December 2023, the S&P 500 has not experienced a pullback of even 2%.
Read MoreStocks defied the skeptics in a very unpredictable 2023. The Dow Jones finished at an all-time record high on December 28, and the S&P 500 came within a whisker of a fresh all-time high after the index rallied more than 20% for the year.
Read MoreSolid gains for both stocks and bonds gave investors a November to remember. As financial markets continue to defy skeptics, I’m reminded of a quote from Warren Buffett’s long-time partner and one of the greatest investors of our time, Charlie Munger, who passed away last week.
Read MoreThe penultimate month of the year is often a time to reflect and offer thanks. And while economic and geopolitical uncertainty can overshadow the positives, there are things to be thankful for.
Read MoreSeptember has certainly lived up to its reputation as being a weak seasonal period for stocks. The main culprits were rising interest rates and government shutdown fears.
Read MoreFinancial markets lived up to their reputation during the month of August, which has a record for being difficult. On the first day of August, markets had to contend with a downgrade of U.S.
Read MoreMaking economic forecasts and stock market predictions can be humbling. It’s especially tough when you expect stocks to go higher and get a big drop instead.
Read MoreThe investing outlook started with a theme of returning to normalcy and finding balance. And while that theme will carry us through year-end, the year has come with some challenges.
Read MoreEvery so often Washington likes to remind us how hard it can be to get things accomplished. The most recent example is the debt ceiling—the amount Congress can borrow to pay its bills.
Read MoreSpring is often thought of as an uplifting time, marked by growth and renewed hope as we emerge from the long months of winter and look ahead to the rest of year.
Read MoreFinancial markets have experienced quite a bit of change this year in just two short months.
Read MoreThe beginning of a calendar year is often the time when the previous year’s reflections transition to a new year’s hopes.
Read MoreThrough all the challenges, newfound opportunities, and every high and low we’ve experienced during the last couple of years, it’s no surprise why we might be striving for more balance.
Read MoreLPL Research discusses why there may be emerging reasons to believe that the next year may be more constructive than the last.
Read MoreStocks and bonds are both down significantly. Elevated food and gas prices continue to stretch budgets, and higher interest rates have increased borrowing costs.
Read MoreIn the last several weeks, we have continued to face elevated uncertainty in financial markets due to high inflation and rising interest rates…
Read MoreWhen it comes to stock market performance, August was “the best of times, and the worst of times.
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