Market Commentary: The First Quarter Ends on a High Note
In the end, stocks had a solid gain in the first quarter. The S&P 500 Index climbed 7.5%, including dividends. But it sure wasn’t easy. After being up more than 8% for the year in mid-February, stocks pulled back sharply, due in part to the banking crisis that took place the second week …
Market Commentary: Why 2023 Should Bounce Back
Why 2023 Should Bounce Back We hope everyone had a great holiday season, and we wish everyone a safe and happy New Year!
Market Commentary: When Will the Santa Rally Start?
When Will the Santa Rally Start? Last week was rough for equity markets. The S&P 500 Index fell 3.4%. As we noted, December is historically strong for stocks, and we don’t expect 2022 to be any different. It has been the third best month for the S&P 500 since 1950 (April and Novemb …
Market Commentary: The Case for the Formation of a Major Low
We’ll get to the disappointing inflation data next, but Thursday morning had a pure panic feel to it — potentially the washout that is needed for lows to form.
Market Commentary: The Election is Near
It’s hard to believe, but we are less than two months away from midterm elections in early November. Given all the well-known worries this year — from inflation to the war in Ukraine, the economy to the bear market — most investors haven’t started to think about midterms quite yet. But we e …
Market Commentary: Fed’s Tone Remains Hawkish Despite Recent Gains. Will There Be More Rate Hikes?
As the Federal Reserve prepares to kick off its major monetary policy conference in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, its tone has become more hawkish. That is pressuring markets, which have rallied in recent weeks as inflation has dipped lower and economic data has remained healthy. The market’s rall …