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Category Archives: Commentary
MARKET WEEK: JUNE 11, 2018
THE MARKETS (AS OF MARKET CLOSE JUNE 8, 2018)
As the Group of Seven (G7) summit kicked off last Friday, and tensions seemed to escalate between the United States and its trade partners, stocks closed the week on a positive note. All of the indexes tracked here rose more than 1%, with the domestic large caps of the Dow faring especially well. Year-to-date, the Global Dow remained in negative territory, while the Nasdaq and Russell 2000 boasted solid gains.
Are We Headed For Another Recession?
Joseph F. Bert, CFP®, AIF® discusses whether or not we’re headed for another #financial recession on Fox 35 WOFL.
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MARKET WEEK: JUNE 4, 2018
THE MARKETS (AS OF MARKET CLOSE JUNE 1, 2018)
Last Friday’s strong jobs report provided the impetus for a strong finish to the week, as the indexes were able to recoup some of their early week losses. The small-cap Russell 2000 and the tech-heavy Nasdaq led the way, posting solid weekly gains. On the other hand, the large-cap Dow declined, as did the Global Dow. The broader S&P 500 managed to close last week ahead by about 0.50%. The week was full of mixed news for investors, starting with the potential for tariff wars between the United States and some of its long-standing trade partners. Investor uneasiness was also attributable to political drama in Italy and, to a lesser degree, Spain. In Italy, after much political wrangling, a coalition government took control, naming a political novice, Giuseppe Conte, as prime minister. Spain also ushered in a new government after removing Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy and replacing him with Pedro Sanchez.
MARKET MONTH: MAY 2018
The Markets (as of market close May 31, 2018)
Despite a sell-off on the last day of the month, equities held enough of their gains to post mostly positive month-over-month returns. The Trump administration imposed tariffs on steel and aluminum imports on Canada, Mexico, and the European Union. And, just before scheduled trade talks with China were to resume, President Trump announced that he would proceed with tariffs on Chinese imports and limit Chinese investment in U.S. tech companies. Investors feared retaliation from impacted countries could lead to an all-out trade war. Early in the month, signs of rising inflation sent large caps down, while small caps and tech stocks climbed. However, stocks recovered following the Fed’s decision to maintain the current interest rate range. Throughout the month, stocks rallied, then slipped back, amid trade war fears, a few mediocre corporate earnings reports, and fear of rising price inflation.
Market Week: January 8, 2018
The Markets (as of market close January 5, 2017)
The first week of 2018 saw equities enjoy a strong start to the new year. Less than a year after breaking the 20000 mark, the Dow soared past 25000 last week. The wide-ranging S&P 500 also posted a record close while climbing 2.60%. The Nasdaq picked up in 2018 right where it left off in 2017, posting a 3.38% weekly gain, boosted by surging technology stocks. Energy stocks were strong as the price of oil rose again last week. As bond prices fell, bond yields moved higher, with the yield on 10-year Treasuries increasing by 6 basis points.
How To Suppress Your Inner Scrooge
The holiday season is upon us—and with it, Salvation Army Santas standing on street corners, ringing their bells and imploring us to give. They are a great reminder of the generous spirit of the season. But how many of us, if we’re honest with ourselves, go out of our way to escape from these solicitations, and why?
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Market Week: December 18, 2017
The Markets (as of market close December 15, 2017)
Each of the benchmark indexes listed here closed last week in the black, led by the Nasdaq and the Dow, both of which climbed over 1.00%. Stocks appear to have followed the ebb and flow of the proposed tax plan, which seems to have enough support for congressional passage this week. Investors may see a lowering of corporate taxes as leading to an increase in company profits and value. A 25 basis point increase in the federal funds rate did not seem to have much of an impact on investors.
Market Week: December 4, 2017
The Markets (as of market close December 1, 2017)
Equities surged for much of last week until an abrupt decline midday last Friday culled some of the earlier gains. Nevertheless, of the indexes listed here, only the Nasdaq lost value from the prior week. The Dow led the way posting an impressive gain of 2.86%, followed by the S&P 500, which climbed over 1.5%. Reports that the Senate was close to passing a tax reform bill may have heightened investor confidence as trading picked up during the week. However, news surrounding former national security advisor Michael Flynn involving the Russian probe could have squelched investor enthusiasm last Friday.
Market Week: November 27, 2017
The Markets (as of market close November 24, 2017)
Stocks rebounded last week in spite of the market shutting down for the Thanksgiving holiday. Each of the benchmark indexes listed here posted weekly gains, led by the Russell 2000, which posted one of its largest weekly advances this year. The tech-heavy Nasdaq was next, followed by the Global Dow. The large caps of the S&P 500 and Dow enjoyed moderately strong returns. For the year, the Nasdaq is approaching an increase of 30.0%.