Defying Expectations

Defying Expectations

Weekly Market Commentary Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is a very broad measure of the value of goods and services in the economy over a certain period. Last week, the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis reported that GDP rose at an annual pace of 2.4% in Q2, accelerating...
This Year’s Surprising Market Rally

This Year’s Surprising Market Rally

Weekly Market Commentary The S&P 500 Index is up 18.15% since the end of last year. It has advanced 26.82% since bottoming on October 12, 2022 (through 7/21/23; data St. Louis Fed, MarketWatch). Both metrics exclude dividends reinvested. The S&P 500 Index...
Red-Hot Inflation Cools

Red-Hot Inflation Cools

Weekly Market Commentary Inflation has bedeviled consumers and investors for over a year. The Federal Reserve waited far too long in responding to high prices, and its abrupt reversal in 2022 pushed equities into a bear market. But the Fed’s kinder, gentler approach...
Cracks Appear in the Labor Market

Cracks Appear in the Labor Market

Weekly Market Commentary It has been a surprising year for the labor market, as job growth has been much more resilient than anticipated. According to CNBC, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ monthly nonfarm payrolls report has surpassed analyst expectations...
This Year’s Surprising Market Rally

9 Fun Facts About the Declaration of Independence

Weekly Market Commentary As we commemorate the 247th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, let’s take a moment to appreciate some interesting facts about this treasured document. Here are nine fun facts to enjoy! Independence was...