Data Driven

A flurry of economic data created both an air of pessimism and optimism depending on the day. A 0.3% contraction in first quarter Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth added to recession fears on Wednesday, but a strong jobs report ended the week on a note of optimism. For the week, the S&P 500 Index was […]

Economic Pulse

Equity markets clawed back some of their recent declines last week. For the week, the S&P 500 Index was +4.6%, the Dow Jones Industrials +2.5%, and the NASDAQ +6.4%. The S&P 500 Index was led by the Technology, Consumer Discretionary, and Communication Services sectors, while the Consumer Staples, Real Estate, and Utility lagged. The 10-year […]

Trade Dialogue

While there is currently a 90-day pause on the implementation of some tariffs, the impact and timing of trade negotiations with multiple countries presents a risk that is causing some investors to be tentative in buying equities. Last week, the S&P 500 Index was -1.5%, the Dow Jones Industrials -2.7%, and the NASDAQ -2.3%. The […]

Pause

A 90-day pause in the U.S. tariff implementation plan provided equities a large relief rally last week.  For the week, the S&P 500 Index was +5.7%, the Dow Jones Industrials +5.0%, and the NASDAQ +7.4%. The S&P 500 Index was led by the Technology, Industrial, and Communication Services sectors, while the Energy, Real Estate and […]

Behavioral Finance

Equity markets saw their worst week since the pandemic on fear over escalation of a global trade war. For the week, the S&P 500 Index was -9.1%, the Dow Jones Industrials -7.8%, and the NASDAQ -9.7%. All eleven sectors in the S&P 500 Index had a negative return. The least negative were the Consumer Staples, […]

Tariff Overhang

Fear trumped greed to lead equity markets lower last week, mainly from concern over the economic impact of pending tariffs. For the week, the S&P 500 Index was -1.5%, the Dow Jones Industrials -1.0%, and the NASDAQ -2.4%. The S&P 500 Index was led by the Consumer Staples, Energy, and Real Estate sectors, while the […]

Policy Path

The S&P 500 Index finished the week higher to break its four-week losing streak. For the week, the S&P 500 Index was +0.5%, the Dow Jones Industrials +1.2%, and the NASDAQ +0.3%. The S&P 500 Index was led by the Energy, Financial, and Health Care sectors, while the Materials, Utility, and Consumer Staples sectors lagged. […]

Relief Rally

The equity market saw a welcome relief rally on Friday but closed lower for the week. For the week, the S&P 500 Index was -2.2%, the Dow Jones Industrials -3.0%, and the NASDAQ -2.4%. The S&P 500 Index was led by the Energy, Utility, and Financial sectors, while the Consumer Staples, Consumer Discretionary, and Communication […]

Swings

Uncertainty caused by new policies such as lower government spending and tariffs to shape trade has weighed on the equity markets. For the week, the S&P 500 Index was -3.1%, the Dow Jones Industrials -2.3%, and the NASDAQ -3.2%. All sectors in the S&P 500 Index were lower for the week with the smallest declines […]

Out Like a Lamb

Despite a strong showing on Friday, the S&P 500 Index closed lower for both the week and month. For the week, the S&P 500 Index was -1.0%, the Dow Jones Industrials +1.0%, and the NASDAQ -3.4%. The S&P 500 Index was led by the Financial, Real Estate, and Health Care sectors, while the Technology, Communication […]