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February 6, 2023 – Market Insights
Stocks were mixed last week following better-than-expected corporate reports and increasing optimism over a slowdown in interest rates.The Dow Jones Industrial Average edged lower, slipping -0.15%. The Standard & Poor’s 500 rose...
Read MoreJanuary 30, 2023 – Market Insights
Stocks added to their early 2023 gains amid a busy stream of mixed corporate earnings results and conflicting economic data.The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 1.81%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 added 2.47%. The Nasdaq...
Read MoreJanuary 23, 2023 – Market Insights
Stocks showed mixed results last week as recession fears resurfaced in response to weak economic data and a tepid start to a new corporate earnings season. The Dow Jones Industrial Average skidded 2.70%, while the Standard &...
Read MoreJanuary 17, 2023 – Market Insights
Stocks rallied last week thanks to fresh confirmation of inflation’s cooling trend and growing optimism that an inflation slowdown may provide the Fed with space to ease up on future rate hikes.The Dow Jones Industrial Average...
Read MoreJanuary 4, 2023 – Market Insights
In a holiday-shortened week, erratic trading left stocks marginally down for the week.The Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 0.17%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 slipped 0.14%. The Nasdaq Composite index fell 0.30%. The MSCI...
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December 19, 2022 – Market Insights
Hawkish comments by the Fed and weak economic data heightened investors’ recession concerns and sent stocks lower last week.The Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 1.66%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 retreated 2.08%. The...
Read MoreDecember 12, 2022 – Market Insights
Recession fears and concerns that the Fed may consider a longer rate-hike cycle sent stocks lower for the week.The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 2.77%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 fell 3.37%. The Nasdaq Composite index...
Read MoreDecember 5, 2022 – Market Insights
Stocks ended higher last week as investors navigated the crosscurrents of a potential easing in future rate hikes and continued strength in the labor market.The Dow Jones Industrial Average edged 0.24% higher, while the Standard &...
Read MoreNovember 29, 2022 – Market Insights
Growing optimism that the Fed may be ready to ease future interest rate hikes sent stocks higher in a quiet trading week.The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 1.78%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 added 1.53%. The Nasdaq...
Read MoreNovember 21, 2022 – Market Insights
The stock market edged lower last week as it digested a crosscurrent of conflicting economic data and contrasting comments from Fed officials.The Dow Jones Industrial Average was flat (-0.01%), while the Standard & Poor’s 500...
Read MoreNovember 14, 2022 – Market Insights
A cooling inflation number ignited a powerful rally on Thursday, sending stocks to strong gains for the week.The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 4.15%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 added 5.90%. The Nasdaq Composite index...
Read MoreNovember 7, 2022 – Market Insights
Hawkish comments by Fed Chair Jerome Powell, following the announcement of another 75 basis points interest rate hike last week, cast a pall over financial markets, sending yields higher and stocks lower.The Dow Jones Industrial...
Read MoreNovember 1, 2022 – Market Insights
Stocks overcame poor earnings results from some of America’s largest companies to post gains last week as investors cheered positive earnings surprises, easing inflation and a rebound in economic growth.The Dow Jones Industrial...
Read MoreOctober 24, 2022 – Market Insights
A positive start to a new earnings season and late-week hopes for a near-term easing in Fed rate hikes lifted investors’ spirits and powered stocks to gains for the week.The Dow Jones Industrial Average jumped 4.89%, while the...
Read MoreOctober 18, 2022 – Market Insights
Stocks were mixed last week amid wide intra- and inter-day price swings, as technology shares bore the brunt of the downdraft.The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 1.15% for the week. Meanwhile, the Standard & Poor’s 500...
Read MoreOctober 11, 2022 - Market Insights
A powerful two-day stock rebound cemented a positive week for investors as a new trading month began.The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 1.99%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 added 1.51%. The Nasdaq Composite index increased 0...
Read MoreOctober 4, 2022 – Market Insights
Rising recession fears and uncertainty in the bond and currency markets sent stocks to new 2022 lows last week.The Dow Jones Industrial Average declined 2.92%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 slumped 2.91%. The Nasdaq Composite...
Read MoreSeptember 26, 2022 – Market Insights
Last week, Fed Chair Powell said the U.S. would not tame inflation without economic pain. This week heightened recession fears and sent stocks broadly lower.The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 4.00%, while the Standard &...
Read MoreSeptember 19, 2022 – Market Insights
A hotter-than-expected inflation report sent stocks sharply lower last week as investors faced the prospect of more aggressive interest rate hikes by the Federal Reserve for perhaps a longer period.The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell...
Read MoreSeptember 6, 2022 – Market Insights
The overhang of Fed Chair Powell’s Jackson Hole speech the previous week carried over into last week as investors recalibrated stock valuations amid a seemingly more assertive monetary policy stance.The Dow Jones Industrial...
Read MoreAugust 29, 2022 – Market Insights
A comprehensive sell-off on Friday following comments by Fed Chair Jerome Powell drove stocks to losses for the week.The Dow Jones Industrial Average tumbled 4.22%, while the Standard & Poor's 500 dropped 4.04%. The Nasdaq Composite...
Read MoreAugust 22, 2022 – Market Insights
Stocks tumbled on Friday, sending stocks to a weekly loss after an otherwise quiet August week of trading.The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped -0.16%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 lost 1.21%. The Nasdaq Composite index...
Read MoreAugust 16, 2022 – Market Insights
An improving inflation outlook buoyed investors’ spirits last week, helping lift stocks to solid gains.The Dow Jones Industrial Average advanced 2.92%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 rose 3.26%. The Nasdaq Composite index...
Read MoreAugust 8, 2022 – Market Insights
Stocks turned in a mixed performance last week as investors struggled with headlines suggesting that the Fed was unlikely to soon ease up on its current monetary tightening policy.The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 0.13%, while...
Read MoreAugust 1, 2022 – Market Insights
Undaunted by another Fed rate hike and news of a contracting economy, the stock market rallied last week on better-than-expected corporate earnings.The Dow Jones Industrial Average increased 2.97%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500...
Read MoreJuly 25, 2022 - Market Insights
Stocks rallied last week as investor spirits lifted thanks to a better-than-expected start to the second-quarter earnings season.The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 1.95%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 added 2.55%. The...
Read MoreJuly 18, 2022 – Market Insights
A record-high inflation report, the prospects of a more aggressive Fed, and growing recession fears sent stocks lower– though losses were pared by a Friday rally.The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 0.16%, while the Standard...
Read MoreJuly 11, 2022 – Market Insights
In a holiday-shortened trading week, stocks rallied despite mixed economic data and vacillating energy prices and bond yields.The Dow Jones Industrial Average increased 0.77%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 rose 1.94%. The...
Read MoreJune 21, 2022 – Market Insights
Stocks moved lower last week as recession fears deepened following a Fed hike in interest rates and weak economic data.The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 4.79%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 dropped 5.79%. The Nasdaq...
Read MoreJune 6, 2022 – Market Insights
In a holiday-shortened week of volatile trading, stocks surrendered some of the previous week’s strong gains.The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.94%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 declined 1.20%. The Nasdaq Composite...
Read MoreMay 31, 2022 - Market Insights
Stocks posted solid gains for the week, buoyed by the release of Fed meeting minutes and upbeat earnings from mid-size and discount retailers.The Dow Jones Industrial Average jumped 6.24%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 advanced...
Read MoreNovember 29, 2021 – Market Insights
News of a new, highly virulent COVID variant triggered a market sell-off on Friday, sending stocks into negative territory for the week. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slid 1.97%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 slumped 2.20%....
Read MoreNovember 15, 2021 – Market Insights: Stocks Tap the Brakes
Stocks posted small declines last week as investors digested recent stock market gains and an unexpectedly high inflation read. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slid 0.63%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 retreated 0.31%. The...
Read MoreNovember 9, 2021 – Market Insights
A Federal Reserve announcement on tapering, a fresh batch of corporate profits, and encouraging economic data lifted stocks to another weekly gain. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 1.42%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500...
Read MoreOctober 11, 2021 – Weekly Market Insights
The overhang of bumping against the federal debt ceiling was lifted last week with an agreement to extend the debt ceiling through early December, helping propel stocks to a weekly gain. The Dow Jones Industrial Average increased by 1...
Read MoreAugust 30, 2021 - Weekly Market Insights: Powell: Tapering Likely in 2021
The stock market powered to record levels last week amid talk of Fed tapering and a deceleration in new Delta variant cases. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 0.96%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 increased 1.52%. The...
Read MoreAugust 23, 2021 - Weekly Market Insights: Will the Fed Taper in 2021?
Stocks turned lower last week amid the increasing probability of a Fed tapering, mixed economic data, and growing concerns about the economic impact of the Delta variant. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slumped 1.11%, while the...
Read MoreAugust 9, 2021 - Weekly Market Insights: Jobs Strong, Earnings Strong
Overcoming jitters about the Delta variant and the reintroduction of mask requirements, stocks climbed higher on strong employment data and a fresh batch of strong corporate earnings. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 0.78% while...
Read MoreJuly 20, 2021 - Weekly Market Insights: Stocks Retreat, Inflation Advances
Despite a good start to earnings season and some solid economic data, worries of slower second-half economic growth led to a pullback in stock prices last week. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.52%, while the Standard &...
Read MoreJuly 12, 2021 - Weekly Market Insights: Stocks Edge Higher in Short Week
Stocks managed small gains as investors wrestled with concerns over economic growth prospects and a rise in COVID-19 infections. The Dow Jones Industrial Average picked up 0.24%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 gained 0.40%. The...
Read MoreJune 21, 2021 - Fed Signals Interest Rate Hikes
New messaging from the Federal Reserve on interest rates and inflation last week led to a broad retreat in stock prices. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 3.45% while the Standard & Poor’s 500 lost 1.91%. The Nasdaq...
Read MoreJune 1, 2021 – Weekly Market Insights: Upbeat Feelings Boost Market
Optimism over the economic reopening and renewed enthusiasm for technology and other high-growth companies powered the stock market higher last week. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 0.94%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500...
Read MoreMay 24, 2021 - Weekly Market Insights: Inflation Concerns Continue
Stock prices fluctuated amid inflation concerns and bargain hunting, leaving stocks mixed for the week. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 0.51%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 dropped 0.43%. The tech-heavy Nasdaq...
Read MoreMay 17, 2021 - Weekly Market Insights
A surge in consumer inflation unsettled investors, leading to a turbulent week of trading on Wall Street. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 1.14%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 fell 1.39%. The Nasdaq Composite index...
Read MoreMay 10, 2021 – Weekly Market Insights
Stocks closed mixed last week as signs of continued economic recovery and upbeat earnings helped some sectors while the struggles persisted for high-growth companies. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 2.67%, while the Standard &...
Read MoreMay 3, 2021 – Weekly Market Insights
Stocks meandered around a flatline in a busy week of corporate earnings, ending the trading week slightly lower. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slid 0.50%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 was flat (+0.02%). The Nasdaq Composite...
Read MoreMarch 26, 2021 - Weekly Market Insights: Mixed Signals, Choppy Week
The crosscurrents of strong corporate earnings, rising global cases of COVID-19, and the specter of higher capital gains taxes led to a choppy week of trading that left stock prices slightly lower for the week. The Dow Jones Industrial...
Read MoreApril 19, 2021 – Weekly Market Insights: Stocks Move Higher on Latest Numbers
Stocks reached record highs last week, riding the tailwind of improving economic data and a strong start to the earnings season. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 1.18%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 gained 1.37%. The...
Read MoreMarch 5, 2021 - Weekly Market Insights: S&P 500 Rises Above 4,000
Overcoming a rocky start, stocks rallied into the close of a holiday-shortened week of trading as technology shares staged a powerful recovery and investors reacted positively to President Biden’s infrastructure spending proposal...
Read MoreMarch 29, 2021 - Weekly Market Insights
A rocky week with wide price swings led to mixed results for stocks last week, as investors grappled with anxieties over economic growth and weakness in technology and other high-growth stocks. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 1...
Read MoreMarch 22, 2021 – Weekly Market Insights
Rising bond yields and improving economic conditions led to a choppy week of trading that ended in modest losses for investors. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.46%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 declined 0.77%. The...
Read MoreMarch 15, 2021 - Weekly Market Insights
Stocks touched new record highs last week as bond yields steadied, a fiscal relief bill was signed into law, and confidence in a strong economic recovery grew. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 4.07%, while the Standard &...
Read MoreMarch 8, 2021 - Weekly Market Insights
Stocks were mixed last week as rising bond yields and heightening inflation fears sent stocks on a wild ride, capped by a remarkable Friday afternoon rally. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 1.82%, while the Standard &...
Read MoreFebruary 16, 2021 - Fed Chair Says No Change for Now
Stock prices inched higher last week amid declining COVID-19 cases, a pick-up in vaccinations, and progress on a fiscal relief bill. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 1.00%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 rose 1.23%. The...
Read MoreFebruary 8, 2021 - Weekly Market Insights: Markets Go Back to Basics
Stocks notched strong gains last week, paced by a string of solid economic reports and consensus-beating corporate earnings. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 3.89%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 advanced 4.65%. The...
Read MoreJanuary 4, 2021 – The Year in Review
The Week on Wall Street Stocks moved higher during a holiday-shortened week of trading, capping off a turbulent, but otherwise strong year for equity investors. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 1.35%, while the Standard &...
Read MoreDecember 21, 2020 – Vaccine Rollout Spurs Markets
The Week on Wall Street Stocks climbed higher amid the COVID-19 vaccine rollout and an improving outlook for a fiscal stimulus bill. The Dow Jones Industrial Average, which has lagged all year, gained 0.44%. The Standard & Poor’s...
Read MoreDecember 14, 2020 – Cases Rise, Stocks Retreat
The Week on Wall Street Stocks retreated last week on rising COVID-19 infections and slow progress on an economic relief bill. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dipped 0.57%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 dropped 0.96%. The...
Read MoreDecember 7, 2020 – Is Stimulus Near?
The Week on Wall Street Stocks marched higher last week on an improving outlook for the passage of a fiscal stimulus package. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 1.03%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 tacked on 1.67%. The...
Read MoreNovember 30, 2020 – Dow Hits 30,000
The Week on Wall Street Stocks surged last week, ignited by another COVID-19 vaccine announcement, encouraging economic data, and the easing of political uncertainty. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 2.21%, while the Standard &...
Read MoreNovember 23, 2020 – New Infections Increase Anxiety
The Week on Wall Street Despite news of another COVID-19 vaccine candidate, stocks were mixed amid investor anxiety over an increase in new infections and economic lockdowns. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.73%, while the...
Read MoreNovember 16, 2020 – Vaccine Triggers Rally
The Week on Wall Street News of a COVID-19 vaccine ignited a rally in economically sensitive stocks and a broad retreat in technology companies last week, though enthusiasm was tempered by reports of rising new infections and fresh...
Read MoreNovember 9, 2020 – Markets React to Election
The Week on Wall Street Stocks soared last week as investors anticipated that a split Congress would raise legislative hurdles to changing corporate taxes and adjusting regulatory oversight of big technology companies. The Dow Jones...
Read MoreNovember 2, 2020 – No Stimulus, Stocks Lag
The Week on Wall Street Stock prices dropped last week as hopes for a fiscal stimulus bill faded and investors focused on rising COVID-19 infections, here and abroad. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slid 6.47%, while the Standard &...
Read MoreOctober 26, 2020 – No Stimulus, Stocks Lower
The Week on Wall Street The failure to reach an agreement on a new fiscal stimulus bill soured investor sentiment and sent stocks modestly lower for the week. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.95%, while the Standard &...
Read MoreOctober 19, 2020 – A Difficult Week for Stocks
The Week on Wall Street Stocks treaded water last week amid fading prospects for a stimulus bill, fears of a second wave of COVID-19 cases, and increasing political and regulatory pressures on Big Tech companies. The Dow Jones...
Read MoreOctober 12, 2020 – Stocks Rise, Stimulus Uncertain
The Week on Wall Street Stocks staged a powerful rally last week, riding a wave of optimism over the prospect of the passage of a new fiscal stimulus bill. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 3.27%, while the Standard & Poor’s...
Read MoreOctober 5, 2020 – Special Update: Quarterly Report
The Week on Wall Street Stocks advanced last week, propelled by hopes that legislators may reach an agreement for a new fiscal stimulus package and optimism generated by a few corporate deal announcements and initial public offerings....
Read MoreSeptember 28, 2020 – Stocks Mixed Amid Uncertainty
The Week on Wall Street Stocks were mixed last week as worries that stretched from Washington D.C., where prospects of a new fiscal stimulus bill dimmed, to Europe, which saw an increase of new COVID-19 cases. The Dow Jones Industrial...
Read MoreSeptember 21, 2020 – Tech Sector Slip Continues
The Week on Wall Street Stocks slipped as the technology sector remained under pressure and a mid-week announcement by the Federal Reserve failed to inspire investors. The Dow Jones Industrial Average declined 0.03%, while the Standard...
Read MoreSeptember 14, 2020 – Stocks Continue Downward Slide
The Week on Wall Street Stocks traveled a volatile path last week as investors appeared concerned about the upcoming elections, an uncertain economy, and more delays with additional fiscal stimulus. The Dow Jones Industrial Average...
Read MoreAugust 31, 2020 – Stocks Power Higher
The Week on Wall Street Stocks advanced relentlessly last week on positive COVID-19 developments, encouraging economic data, and a supportive policy shift in the Fed’s approach to its target inflation rate. The Dow Jones...
Read MoreAugust 24, 2020 – Stocks Reach New Highs
The Week on Wall Street Stocks powered to another week of gains as the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite set multiple new record highs along the way. The Dow Jones Industrial Average was essentially unchanged while the Standard &...
Read MoreAugust 17, 2020 - Stocks and Consumer Prices Rise
The Week on Wall Street Stock prices drifted higher in an otherwise quiet news week, as a slowdown in new COVID-19 cases outweighed a Congressional impasse on a new fiscal-spending measure. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 1.81%...
Read MoreAugust 10, 2020 - Earnings Season Winds Down
The Week on Wall Street Overlooking stalled efforts by Congress to pass a new fiscal stimulus bill, stocks marched higher last week with the Dow Jones Industrials leading the way and the NASDAQ Composite setting multiple fresh record...
Read MoreJuly 27, 2020 – Stocks React to Jobs Report
The Week on Wall Street Stocks slipped in the final days of trading last week on higher jobless claims and rising tensions in the U.S.-China relationship. The Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 0.76%, while the Standard & Poor’s...
Read MoreJuly 20, 2020 – Stocks See a Mixed Week
The Week on Wall Street Stocks were mixed last week as investors reacted to positive economic data, progress on a COVID-19 vaccine, and the continued nationwide increase in COVID-19 cases. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 2.29%,...
Read MoreJuly 13, 2020 – Stocks Gain After Volatile Week
The Week on Wall Street Stock prices notched solid gains last week, looking past an increase in COVID-19 cases and any potential economic concerns raised by the trend. The Dow Jones Industrial Average increased by 0.96%, while the...
Read MoreJuly 6, 2020 – Special Update: Quarterly Report
The Week on Wall Street In a holiday-shortened week, stock prices turned higher as encouraging economic data outweighed an increase in COVID-19 cases and a rollback in economic re-openings. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 3.25%,...
Read MoreJune 29, 2020 – Rise in Cases Inspires Turbulence
The Week on Wall Street A jump in COVID-19 cases dampened investor enthusiasm last week, sending stock prices lower on worries that rising infections could derail the economic recovery. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slumped 3.31%,...
Read MoreJune 22, 2020 – U.S. Economy Gains Momentum
The Week on Wall Street Stocks moved higher last week on news of more Federal Reserve market support and diminished concerns that new COVID-19 cases might lead to another economic shutdown. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 1.04%,...
Read MoreJune 15, 2020 – Markets React to FED Report
The Week on Wall Street Investor sentiment turned negative last week, amid an increasing number of COVID-19 cases in states where reopening has been underway as well as a subdued economic forecast from the Federal Reserve. The Dow...
Read MoreJune 8, 2020 – Recovery Optimism Builds
The Week on Wall Street A positive jobs report sent stocks soaring last Friday, capping a solid week as evidence of a global economic recovery outweighed concerns over civil unrest and tensions with China. The Dow Jones Industrial...
Read MoreJune 1, 2020 – Optimism for Re-Opening
The Week on Wall Street The shortened week, which began with a powerful two-day rally of trading, was enough to drive the markets into another week of solid gains. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 3.75%, while the Standard &...
Read MoreMay 26, 2020 – Markets React to Positive Outlook
The Week on Wall Street Upbeat comments by the Federal Reserve Chairman and more signs of an economic turnaround combined to help fuel a powerful rally in the stock market last week. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 3.29%, while...
Read MoreMay 18, 2020 - Powell Somber on Recovery
The Week on Wall Street Stocks drifted lower last week, weighed down by Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell’s unsettling comments on the economy and signs of renewed tensions with China. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 2...
Read MoreMay 11, 2020 – Jobs Down, Stocks Up
The Week on Wall Street Despite a historic downturn in employment, stocks managed to climb higher last week as investors were emboldened by the pace of economic re-openings, both here and abroad. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained...
Read MoreMay 4, 2020 – Economic Normalization Near?
The Week on Wall Street Stock prices ended the week slightly lower, despite news of positive results from a test trial of a COVID-19 drug treatment and several states easing their economic lockdowns. The Dow Jones Industrial Average...
Read MoreApril 27, 2020 – Markets React to Oil Prices
The Week on Wall Street Stock prices bounced around last week as investors reacted to wild swings in the price of oil and reports that called into question the efficacy of two potential virus treatments. The Dow Jones Industrial...
Read MoreApril 20, 2020 – First Post-COVID-19 Data Arrives
The Week on Wall Street Stock prices pushed higher last week as news of a White House plan to reopen the economy and reports of a potential COVID-19 treatment helped the market overcome weak economic data and an ugly start to the...
Read MorePresident's Message - The Unexpected and Unwelcomed Break from "Normal"
Dear Friends, Not one economist or analyst in America forecast that the United States would intentionally shut down a very large part of our economy for close to 3 months this year. Yet, that is exactly what we are in the middle of...
Read MoreQuality Businesses Have a Chance to Shine
Over the past several years I’ve used a lot of ink writing in these pages about the “high-quality” companies. What I like most about quality businesses is their resilience in the face of shocks like the COVID-19...
Read MoreWhat Low Interest Rates Mean for Investors
In the wake of the 2008 financial crisis, strong actions were warranted by the Central Bank and US government. One of these actions was a swift drop of the Federal Funds rate to 0%. This FOMC (Federal Open Market Committee) target rate...
Read MoreThe Digital Economy Goes Into Hyperdrive
The digital economy was already pounding the physical economy before we experienced COVID-19......the best example is seeing the new Tesla auto dealership opening in Danvers, Massachusetts where the old Sears Automotive stood for 40...
Read MoreShould You Change Your Asset Allocation in 2020?
What a difference 3 months makes. Back in January everything seemed fine. As we rolled into 2020, the global stock markets had just experienced a very strong year to finish off a very strong decade. In our last quarterly newsletter, I...
Read MorePutting Things in Perspective During These Challenging Times
It goes without saying that we’re living in very uncertain times. The nonstop news cycle allows us little reprieve from the onslaught of bad news. Many families are already struggling to make ends meet and others are coping with...
Read MoreApril 6, 2020 - Special Update – Quarterly Report
The Week on Wall Street Modest declines in stock prices this week masked the volatile inter- and intraday price swings as investors digested poor economic data and a warning from the president that the worst days of the COVID-19...
Read MoreMarch 30, 2020 - Congress Approves Stimulus
An open-ended commitment by the Federal Reserve to support American businesses and capital markets along with the passage of a $2 trillion aid package improved investor sentiment and drove a strong rally in stock prices. The Dow Jones...
Read MoreMarch 23, 2020 - More Coronavirus Volatility
The Week on Wall Street The stock market suffered through another volatile week as it wrestled with the health and economic fallout of the domestic spread of the coronavirus. Swift and decisive actions by the Federal Reserve and policy...
Read MoreFebruary 10, 2020 - Stocks Bounce Back
The Week on Wall Street Stocks advanced four days out of five during the past market week, erasing the losses of the week before. The Nasdaq Composite surged 4.04%, the S&P 500 3.17%, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average 3.00%. Foreign...
Read MoreFebruary 3, 2020 - Equities Slip on Virus Concerns
The Week on Wall Street Stock benchmarks declined for a second straight week as coronavirus news tempered risk appetite. The S&P 500 fell 2.14% on the week. The Nasdaq Composite dipped 1.76%, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average, 2.55%...
Read MoreOutlook for 2020 | President's Message
As we begin the new year, we think about the important task of implementing a well-thought-out and diversified‑asset‑allocation plan for your wealth. The Cabot team has discussed this with our clients and has laid out what they believe...
Read MoreImplications of Passive Investing
As we turn the page on this past decade, it’s important that we take some time to think about a few broader, more structural, issues that will shape financial markets during the upcoming decade. There are key mechanical changes...
Read More2019 Review of Global Equity Markets
What Happened in 2019? A Rising Tide Lifted All Boats. Salem’s proximity to the ocean may cause us to overdo it on the nautical references from time to time. However, I think that one is apt for 2019. We entered the year in a dark...
Read MoreWhat is Your Asset Allocation in 2020?
A few years ago, a reporter interviewed me for an article she was writing. One question was “What is your recommended portfolio allocation given current market conditions?” My boring but truthful answer was that investment...
Read MoreThe Importance of Holistic Wealth Management
As a wealth manager for many of our high-net-worth clients, we offer services that extend well beyond the scope of investment manager. This may often include assisting you with the important job of minimizing federal, state and estate...
Read More5 Ways the SECURE Act Has Changed Retirement Planning
In late December the SECURE Act was passed by Congress and signed by the President. The SECURE Act immediately changed several rules related to retirement planning. 1. Required minimum distributions (RMDs) now begin in the year you...
Read MoreJanuary 13, 2020 - Further Gains for Stocks
The Week on Wall Street The market had a choppy five days, with traders reacting to geopolitical developments and weaker-than-expected jobs data. Even so, the three major U.S. equity indices posted weekly gains and continued their...
Read More2019 - The Year in Review
What Drove the Markets? Four factors influenced investment performance in 2019: a shift in U.S. monetary policy, the ongoing trade dispute between the U.S. and China, earnings, and the economy. Stocks reached record highs in 2019. The...
Read MoreDecember 16, 2019 - Phase-One Trade Deal Reached
The Week on Wall Street The U.S. and China announced a limited trade agreement last week. That news lifted U.S. and foreign stocks, leading to weekly gains. Advancing 0.91% on the week, the Nasdaq Composite outperformed the S&P 500 (up...
Read MoreDecember 9, 2019 - Stocks Ride Out a Choppy Week
The Week on Wall Street Key Wall Street benchmarks were up and down last week – or rather down and then up. A Tuesday retreat was offset by a Friday rally spurred by the Department of Labor’s November jobs report. While the...
Read MoreDecember 2, 2019 - November Concludes with Gains
The Week on Wall Street As November wrapped up, U.S. equity benchmarks advanced. Stocks were again aided by a sense of optimism that a preliminary U.S.-China trade deal could be near. For the week, the Nasdaq Composite added 1.87%; the...
Read MoreNovember 25, 2019 - Major Indices Move Lower
The Week on Wall Street Stocks declined last week as mixed signals emerged about the progress of U.S.-China trade negotiations. The three major Wall Street benchmarks all took weekly losses. The Dow Jones Industrial Average declined 0...
Read MoreNovember 18, 2019 - A New Dow Milestone
The Week on Wall Street Stock benchmarks were little changed for much of last week, but a rally occurred Friday after news broke that the U.S. and China could be closing in on the first phase of a new trade pact. At Friday’s...
Read MoreNovember 11, 2019 - Dow, S&P 500 Extend Win Streaks
The Week on Wall Street Domestic and international stocks rose last week. Risk appetite outweighed concerns about the state of U.S.-China trade discussions. The Dow Jones Industrial Average, Nasdaq Composite, S&P 500, and MSCI EAFE all...
Read MoreNovember 4, 2019 - More Historic Highs
The Week on Wall Street A better-than-forecast jobs report prompted a stock market rally Friday, two days after traders witnessed another interest rate cut by the Federal Reserve. Both the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite ended the week at...
Read MoreOctober 28, 2019 - S&P 500 Nearly Makes History
The Week on Wall Street The S&P 500 came within 0.1% of a record close Friday. Stocks were lifted last week by positive news on U.S.-China trade negotiations, plus earnings announcements. The Nasdaq Composite posted the largest weekly...
Read MoreOctober 21, 2019 - Nasdaq Composite, S&P 500 Rise
The Week on Wall Street Earnings helped give the Nasdaq Composite and S&P 500 a slight lift last week, offsetting investor disappointment over the small scope of the preliminary U.S.-China trade deal reached on October 11. Blue chips...
Read MoreThe Digital Era is Upon Us Now
Computers and super-smart software are now preparing to take over many jobs handled by humans. Does this mean human workers are out of luck? NO, not by a long shot. It is estimated by the World Economic Forum (WEF) that 133 million new...
Read MoreInterest Rate Volatility
At our recent Evening Event with the Cabot Team I discussed the volatility around interest rates and a few of the critical economic indicators that could be driving yields back down to the lowest levels seen earlier this cycle. Here is...
Read MoreWhat Do Low Interest Rates Mean for Equity Investors
Here is what low- and negative- interest rates look like: A 10-year US treasury: Price $99.50, pays $1.60 per year and $100 on 8/15/29.A 10-year German treasury: Price €105.86, pays €0 per year and €100 on 8/15/29! This...
Read MorePresident's Message
Dear Friends, The one constant of financial markets is change. Economic, political, technological, regulatory, environmental, and psychological changes are key basic laws of markets. There are forces in our system that are moving these...
Read MoreOctober 14, 2019 - Trade Winds Move the Market
The Week on Wall Street Stock prices pushed higher last week, as investors remained hyper-focused on any new developments with the U.S. trade negotiations with China. The Dow Jones Industrial Average picked up 0.91%, while the Standard...
Read MoreOctober 8, 2019 - Special Update: Quarterly Report
The Week on Wall Street The fourth quarter started with a mixed week for equities. The Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 0.92% for the week; the S&P 500, 0.33%. In contrast, the Nasdaq Composite improved 0.54%. Overseas stocks pulled...
Read MoreSeptember 30, 2019 - Benchmarks End Week Lower
The Week on Wall Street Stocks retreated last week. Traders worried that the formal impeachment inquiry of President Donald Trump might distract White House officials from their pursuit of a trade deal with China, and shift the focus...
Read MoreSeptember 23, 2019 - Stocks Stage a Modest Retreat
The Week on Wall Street Investors reacted to two major news items last week, one far more of a surprise than the other. The Federal Reserve did indeed make a rate cut, matching Wall Street expectations. Drone strikes on two of the...
Read MoreSeptember 16, 2019 - Dow Logs 8-Day Win Streak
The Week on Wall Street Stocks edged toward all-time peaks during a relatively calm week marked by easing trade tensions. Friday marked the eighth straight daily advance for the Dow Jones Industrial Average.[1] Small-cap shares, as...
Read MoreSeptember 3, 2019 - Stocks Rally as August Ends
The Week on Wall Street Fears of an impasse in the U.S.-China trade dispute lessened last week. While additional U.S. tariffs on Chinese imports were scheduled to take effect on September 1, China’s government communicated that...
Read MoreAugust 26, 2019 - China Announces More Tariffs
The Week on Wall Street Traders assumed that the week's biggest news event would be Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell's speech at the annual Jackson Hole banking conference. Instead, China seized the headlines by announcing new...
Read MoreAugust 19, 2019 - Equities Face Some Volatility
The Week on Wall Street U.S. stock indices saw significant ups and downs last week, with traders looking for economic cues from Treasury yields and also developments in the tariff fight between the U.S. and China. The S&P 500 lost 1...
Read MoreJuly 29, 2019 - S&P & Nasdaq Outgain Dow
The Week on Wall Street Last week, investors assessed earnings and the initial estimate of second-quarter economic growth, while awaiting the Federal Reserve's next announcement about interest rates. Stocks rose for the week;...
Read MoreJuly 22, 2019 - Stocks Descend from Recent Peaks
The Week on Wall Street Stock benchmarks retreated during the first week of the second-quarter earnings season. As some big names shared quarterly results, investors seemed more interested in what might happen at the Federal Reserve's...
Read MoreMarket Outlook | President's Message
As we enter our 10th year of economic expansion, the chorus grows among experts and analysts on Wall Street that we will eventually, “Enter a recession and stock prices will surely enter a bear market”. All this correction...
Read MoreRoth Conversion Strategies
There are many reasons why advisors utilize Roth conversions to bolster a client’s success in retirement, so it is important to have a general understanding of the mechanics involved, why you would want to complete a conversion,...
Read MoreStock Market Prices Fluctuate - Expect It!
Stock market prices on any given day are a function of the collective information known by millions of investors globally. Specifically, changing global economies, corporate earnings, interest rates, and geopolitical issues are all...
Read MoreESG Corner
As a regular feature, we’ll be highlighting aspects of ESG investing, an approach that takes into account risks relating to Environmental, Social, and Governance factors. It is important to note that ESG is not about personal or...
Read MoreGlobal Equity Review
Correction? What correction? Equity markets around the world plowed ahead in the 2nd quarter, putting last year’s very difficult 4th quarter finish further into the rearview mirror. In fact, as you can see from the accompanying...
Read MoreJuly 15, 2019 - S&P 500 Tops 3,000
The Week on Wall Street Friday, the S&P 500 settled above 3,000 for the first time, after rising 0.78% for the week. The Dow Jones Industrial Average chalked up a milestone of its own: the blue chips ended the week above 27,000,...
Read MoreJuly 1, 2019 - Down Week Ends Strong Month
The Week on Wall Street A month of gains for stocks ended with a weekly retreat. The S&P 500 lost 0.30%; the Nasdaq Composite, 0.32%; the Dow Jones Industrial Average, 0.45%. In contrast, overseas shares, tracked by the MSCI EAFE...
Read MoreJune 24, 2019 - Stocks Touch Record Highs
The Week on Wall Street The S&P 500 hit an all-time peak of 2,964.03, in intraday trading Friday, while improving 2.20% across five market days. The Dow Jones Industrial Average and Nasdaq Composite posted respective, 5-day advances...
Read MoreLessons Learned | President's Message
To date, 2019 has surprised many investors with the strength in equity prices. We expect a more positive environment in general in 2019 with periodic corrective phases. Over the years of managing client portfolios, there are some core...
Read MoreThe Fed Pivot
What a difference a year makes. At this time last year the U.S. Federal Reserve, “the Fed”, had just raised the federal funds rate, the most important benchmark for short-term rates, by 0.25% to 1.75%. The new Fed Chairman,...
Read MoreGlobal Equity Review
The market’s mood shifted dramatically as the calendar turned, with global stocks rebounding in the first quarter of 2019 from a very difficult fourth quarter of 2018. Double-digit declines in US and international markets in 4Q...
Read MoreTime, Not Timing
The U.S. stock market is off to one of its best starts in history, but let’s not forget that 2018 was marked with increased volatility that caused many investors to consider exiting the markets, especially during the last quarter...
Read MoreArtificial Intelligence by the Numbers
Experience has demonstrated that Artificial Intelligence (AI), like other technologies, will likely cause both disruption and growth opportunities. Even though AI is a headline-grabber today, AI has come a long way in the last few...
Read MoreSaving for College with a 529 Plan
We are all aware of the overwhelming cost of a college education today. Tuition and fees continue to climb each year with no end in sight. Saving enough to fund your child’s (or grandchild’s) education can be a daunting...
Read MoreToday’s Global Economies and Markets
2018 has been a challenging year for many global equity markets. There are three factors that matter most today for global economies and markets: Central Bank policy is changing in U.S. – thus allowing interest rates to rise....
Read MoreEquity Commentary by Craig Goryl
Stock Selection: Balancing Quality, Value and Growth “Don’t put all your eggs in one basket”, is age-old advice. Indeed, we talk extensively about diversifying your investments geographically (US, Foreign Developed...
Read MoreConfiguring the Barbell Strategy: The What and Why by Nick Burwell
Thank you to all who attended our fixed-income session at the conference this year. Unfortunately, we didn’t have quite the level of interest we had at last year’s session. I suppose next year I will have to come up with a...
Read More“Tax Insights for Retirement Plan Distributions” by Greg Stevens
If you’re considering retirement and have purchased stock of the company you work for within your retirement plan, you have an opportunity to manage the income taxes you pay on any plan distributions by taking advantage of an...
Read MoreRob Lutts visits the NYSE
Pictured here is Rob Lutts with an executive of Western Pest Services, a division of Rollins, Inc. Rob Lutts attended an investment program in August at the New York Stock Exchange by Rollins, Inc. (ROL). Rob was there researching the...
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