Closing Thoughts for the Week
October ended with a sugar rush for investors as equities hit record highs on strong Big Tech earnings and the Federal Reserve’s second consecutive rate cut. The S&P 500 gained 2.3% for the month—its sixth straight advance—while the Nasdaq extended its winning streak to
Closing Thoughts for the Week
The past week was a case study in optimism prevailing over adversity. Investors cheered a dovish Federal Reserve and softer inflation readings, sending equities to fresh highs despite a historic U.S. government shutdown. The Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed above 47,000 for the first time¹, and the S&
Closing Thoughts for the Week
Flight to Safety Amid Credit Jitters
Closing Thoughts for the Week
Markets finally received the wake-up call they had been ignoring. After a couple of weeks of relatively low volatility, a 25.68% spike in the VIX to 20.65 on Friday gave it to us –- its biggest one-day move in more than six months.¹ Stocks paid the price:
Closing Thoughts for the Week
The previous week was a very rare balancing act between optimism on continued Fed easing and uncertainty over the U.S. government shutdown. U.S. stocks finished the week higher, with the S&P 500 and Dow Jones Industrial Average each rising about 1.1 percent, while the Nasdaq
Closing Thoughts for the Week
The Fed’s widely expected rate cut last week had the chance to be a “sell the news” event, but it ended up being the opposite. U.S. stocks continued to push to new highs with tech and growth stocks still leading the way. While Powell indicated that further cuts
Closing Thoughts for the Week
The Big Winners
Closing Thoughts for the Week
Even though the S&P 500 was little changed on the week, we’re still seeing a fairly healthy risk-on shift fueled by Powell’s Jackson Hole commentary. That shift, however, is marked by the return of cyclicals & small-caps, a move away from mega-caps &
Closing Thoughts for the Week
And What If Powell Doesn't Lower Rates?
Closing Thoughts for the Week
But...
Closing Thoughts for the Week
Complacency Returns
Closing Thoughts for the Week
August.