Just Do It

Just Do It

Weekly Market Commentary That ubiquitous phrase from one of America’s most extensive athletic footwear and apparel makers seems to have been adopted by most American shoppers. The U.S. Census Bureau reported last week that retail sales jumped 0.7% in March, following...
The Road to Lower Inflation Takes a Detour

The Road to Lower Inflation Takes a Detour

Weekly Market Commentary The rate of inflation is accelerating. That’s not how we hoped to start this week’s Insights. Take a moment and review Figure 1. The 4-month moving average has broken out of its long-term downward trend (red-dashed lines). On a monthly basis,...
No Matter How You Slice It and Dice It…

No Matter How You Slice It and Dice It…

Weekly Market Commentary The latest employment numbers from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) point to a robust job market. On Friday, the U.S. BLS reported that nonfarm payrolls rose 303,000 in March, well ahead of expectations. It’s not simply March; growth...
Last Year’s Rally Spills into 2024

Last Year’s Rally Spills into 2024

Weekly Market Commentary Stocks turned in a surprisingly strong 2023, and momentum has yet to slow in 2024 as last year’s rally remains in high gear. According to Dow Jones Market Data published by MarketWatch, the S&P 500 Index set 22 all-time closing highs this...
The Fed – Dovish as She Goes

The Fed – Dovish as She Goes

Weekly Market Commentary The Federal Reserve held its benchmark rate, the fed funds rate, at 5.25 – 5.50% last week. That wasn’t a surprise. Let’s look at three important takeaways from the meeting that drove the Dow, the S&P 500 Index, and the Nasdaq to new...