Market timing is difficult to achieve. It is for this reason that we stress the overall importance of investing over the longer term. Remembering this during times of market upturns is equally as critical as staying resolved during market downturns.
Quarter 3 Economic Review
As we close out the third quarter of 2024, the financial landscape continues to evolve. The S&P 500 has achieved an impressive four consecutive positive quarters, defying various economic headwinds. Meanwhile, the Federal Reserve’s recent 50-basis-point rate cut signals a shift in monetary policy, aimed at balancing labor market concerns with inflation control. This quarter also saw significant developments in inflation trends, treasury yield normalization, and market volatility. Our comprehensive overview provides insights into these key developments and their potential implications for investors as we head into the final stretch of 2024.
Monthly Economic Update: October
In September, the Fed delivered the hugely anticipated rate cut in the form of a 50-basis-point cut to the overnight lending rate, leaving the Fed’s target rate between 4.75 – 5.00%. The rate cut is the first in four years, and the market response was supportive.
Monthly Economic Update: September
The recent drop in interest rates has been a boon for fixed-income investors who have held bonds for an extended period, and for those who decided to dip their toes over the last year amidst higher interest rates.
The S&P 500 information technology sector is led by chip giant Nvidia Corp, Broadcom, Fair Isaac and Company, Super Micro Computer, and other tech powerhouses.
Monthly Economic Update: August
Specific strength was seen in information technology towards the end of the month. Overall, the information technology sector showed investors a very solid earnings season, as earnings growth was the third highest among the 11 S&P 500 sectors.
The S&P 500 information technology sector is led by chip giant Nvidia Corp, Broadcom, Fair Isaac and Company, Super Micro Computer, and other tech powerhouses.
Quarter 2 Review
The first quarter featured two Fed meetings, with the Fed leaving rates unchanged in January and March. The result is the same current target overnight lending rate of 5.25 – 5.50%, a 23-year high.
Monthly Economic Update: July
Specific strength was seen in information technology towards the end of the month. Overall, the information technology sector showed investors a very solid earnings season, as earnings growth was the third highest among the 11 S&P 500 sectors.
The S&P 500 information technology sector is led by chip giant Nvidia Corp, Broadcom, Fair Isaac and Company, Super Micro Computer, and other tech powerhouses.
Monthly Economic Update: June
Specific strength was seen in information technology towards the end of the month. Overall, the information technology sector showed investors a very solid earnings season, as earnings growth was the third highest among the 11 S&P 500 sectors.
The S&P 500 information technology sector is led by chip giant Nvidia Corp, Broadcom, Fair Isaac and Company, Super Micro Computer, and other tech powerhouses.
Monthly Economic Update: May
After a strong March, major U.S. equity indexes retreated in April. Rising Treasury yields were a prevalent theme for much of the month, while attention turned to corporate earnings and the Fed meeting at the end of the month.
1st Quarter Economic
The first quarter featured two Fed meetings, with the Fed leaving rates unchanged in January and March. The result is the same current target overnight lending rate of 5.25 – 5.50%, a 23-year high.