Market bulls were also cheering the prospects of a more accommodating and rate-cutting Fed later this year, and they were bolstered by Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell’s comments on monetary policy, further catalyzing gains for the month.
Monthly Economic Update: March
The January jobs report released in early February showed a blowout jobs number with 353,000 jobs created vs. 185,000 forecasted. Is strong good employment data a good thing? It depends on how you look at it.
Monthly Economic Update: February
January was good for long-term investors in U.S. stocks, especially in megacap tech with AI exposure. Market bulls were cheering the prospects of a more accommodating Fed in 2024, with the rate decision and Fed statement happening on the last day of the month.
Monthly Economic Update: January
Major U.S. equity indexes closed out 2023 strongly in the green, marking the second consecutive month of gains for the S&P 500.
Monthly Economic Update: December
November was a great one for long-term investors in U.S. stocks—essentially the polar opposite of October.
Monthly Economic Update: November
Yes, the seasonal pattern for U.S. equities is strong at this time of year!
Historically, November and December are a strong time of year for U.S. equities. After October’s dismal showing for U.S. stock indexes, market watchers are debating the opportunities in stocks for the remainder of the year.
3rd Quarter of 2023 Economic Review
Overall, stock market bulls were on the retreat during the third quarter of 2023 as several major stock indexes traded lower in response to rising interest rates and a strong dollar.
In fact, after three consecutive positive quarters for the S&P 500, the large-cap index found some sellers in the third quarter.
Monthly Economic Update: October
Major U.S. stock indexes declined in September, with rising bond yields and a looming government shutdown serving as catalysts. More on that in a minute.
Monthly Economic Update: September
After a strong July, major U.S. equity indexes retreated slightly yet remained resilient in August. Treasury yields captured the market’s attention for much of the month.
2nd Quarter of 2023 Economic Update
Let’s make it three for the S&P! The second quarter of 2023 was the third consecutive positive quarter for the S&P 500 and the Dow Jones Industrial Average. The Nasdaq 100 was the biggest gainer of the three major indexes in the second quarter, with AI and large-cap tech fueling gains.