Large Cap Stocks rebounded from the previous quarter’s decline to finish the year in strong fashion. Technology stocks were the strongest contributors for the full year, the Q4 rally was more broad-based and inclusive of other sectors and smaller stocks. Long-term interest rates reached a peak in October, before reversing…
Stocks slumped in the 3rd Quarter as rising interest rates renewed recession concerns. The S&P 500 Index declined 3.3% for the three-month period but remains up for the year to date. Remarks from the Federal Reserve about keeping monetary policy tighter for a longer period sparked a sharp rise in…
Stocks posted gains through the 2nd Quarter of 2023 but there was a clear distinction in performance between large-cap technology stocks—which are benefitting from investor interest in anything related to artificial intelligence (AI)—and the rest of the market. As a case in point, the biggest companies in the S&P 500—Apple,…
Stocks started 2023 on a positive note as the S&P 500 Index climbed 7.5% in the 1st Quarter, but the path to these gains wasn’t easy. After market momentum in January, investors turned fearful in February over rising inflation and higher rate hikes from the Federal Reserve. March brought more…
The S&P 500 Index ended 2022 with a positive quarter as it rose 7.5%, but it wasn’t enough to turn around a terrible year for equities. Investors saw signs of optimism in easing inflation figures, raising the possibility of a slower pace of future rate hikes from the Federal Reserve.…
Despite a summer rally that lifted the S&P 500 out of bear market territory, stocks ended the 3rd Quarter down nearly 5% and back in a bear market. Inflation remained high throughout the quarter even with slight improvements since its June peak. Persistently high consumer prices pushed the Federal Reserve…
Stocks declined in the 2nd Quarter with the S&P 500 Index falling into a bear market in June. Aggressive monetary moves by the Federal Reserve to counter rising inflation stoked investor fears of a recession, even with consumer spending and company earnings remaining relatively strong. Bond yields rose on Fed…
Concerns about the economy and uncertainty about geopolitical events rattled investors to start 2022. Stocks declined in January and February, then became more stable in March. The Fed raised interest rates for the first time in nearly four years and set expectations for continued increases through the rest of the…
The stock market ended the year with positive momentum, despite a spell of volatility in the 4th Quarter following reports of monthly inflation rising at a pace not seen in decades. Strong corporate earnings helped sustain the equity rally, although many firms struggled with ongoing supply chain issues and labor…
Stock markets hit some headwinds in the 3rd Quarter after rising earlier in the summer. Strong reports on economic growth and the return of business activity were countered by concerns over inflation and uncertainty in global markets, particularly China. The S&P 500 managed a small gain of 0.6% for Q3.…