Thoughts and insight on the latest retirement topics.
Market Update: July 9, 2024: Stocks Steady in Short Holiday Trading, Plus SFG News and Events
Market Insights Stocks steadily advanced over the holiday week thanks to strength in mega-cap tech issues and encouraging jobs data. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index rose 1.95 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index added 3.50 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial Average edged up a modest 0.66 percent. The MSCI EAFE Index, which tracks developed…
Market Update: July 2, 2024: Mixed Message From Fed Chair, Governor, Plus SFG News and Events
Market Insights Stocks finished the last week of June and Q2 mixed as investors digested a fresh round of economic data. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index slipped 0.08%, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average also dipped 0.08 percent. The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite gained 0.24 percent. The MSCI EAFE Index tracks developed overseas stock markets…
Market Update: June 25, 2024: Stocks Rise Modestly Over Short Trading Week, Plus SFG News and Events
Market Insights Stocks edged higher over the four trading days last week, with the three major averages taking turns leading based on various economic and artificial intelligence (AI) news. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 1.45 percent–its best week since May–while the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index gained 0.61 percent. The Nasdaq Composite, which has…
Market Update: June 18, 2024: Market Enjoys Gains, Reacting to Major Reports, Plus SFG News and Events
Market Insights Stocks notched a solid gain last week, driven by the Fed’s decision, May’s inflation report, and Apple’s AI-related news. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index rose 1.58 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite picked up 3.24 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial Average, which has lagged most of the year, slid 0.54 percent. The MSCI…
Market Update: June 11, 2024: Solid Week Despite Mixed Reports, Plus SFG News and Events
Market Insights Stocks rose last week despite conflicting stories from economic reports. The Dow Jones Industrial Average inched up 0.29 percent while the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index powered ahead 1.31 percent. The Nasdaq Composite led, picking up 2.38 percent. The MSCI EAFE Index tracks developed overseas stock markets and rose 1.29 percent for the…
Market Update: June 3, 2024: Stocks Sag on Downbeat Economic Indicators, Plus SFG News and Events
Market Insights Stocks edged lower in the final week of May as fresh news on economic growth and inflation failed to inspire investors. Source: YCharts.com, June 1, 2024. Weekly performance is measured from Friday, May 24, to Friday, May 31.TR = total return for the index, which includes any dividends as well as any other…
Market Update: May 28, 2024: AI Rules Big Week for Tech Stocks, Plus SFG News and Events
Market Insights Last week’s stock performance was mixed, following investors’ reaction to the Fed’s May meeting minutes, while a handful of mega-cap tech companies created a buzz with their news. Source: YCharts.com, May 25, 2024. Weekly performance is measured from Monday, May 20, to Friday, May 24.TR = total return for the index, which includes…
Market Update: May 21, 2024: Investors Anticipate Fed Rate Change, Plus SFG News and Events
Market Insights Stocks notched a solid gain last week in a mega-cap, tech-led rally bolstered by positive inflation news. Source: YCharts.com, May 18, 2024. Weekly performance is measured from Monday, May 13, to Friday, May 17.TR = total return for the index, which includes any dividends as well as any other cash distributions during the…
Market Update: May 13, 2024: Stocks Rise, Anticipating Rate Cut, Plus SFG News and Events
Market Insights Stocks notched a solid gain last week as rate-cut expectations paced the rally as the Q1 earnings season wound down. Source: YCharts.com, May 11, 2024. Weekly performance is measured from Monday, May 6, to Friday, May 10.ROC 5 = the rate of change in the index for the previous 5 trading days.TR =…
Market Update: May 7, 2024: Volatility, Uncertainty Rule the Week for Markets, Plus SFG News and Events
Market Insights Stocks notched a solid gain last week, rallying behind upbeat earnings, a dovish Fed, and mixed economic data. Source: YCharts.com, May 4, 2024. Weekly performance is measured from Monday, April 29, to Friday, May 3.ROC 5 = the rate of change in the index for the previous 5 trading days.TR = total return…
Market Update: April 30, 2024: Despite Turbulent Week, Stocks Stage Comeback, Plus SFG News and Events
Market Insights Stocks staged a choppy comeback last week as investors cheered positive earnings, led by mega-cap tech stocks. The rally came to pass despite fresh data showing a slowing economy and increasing inflationary pressures. Source: YCharts.com, April 27, 2024. Weekly performance is measured from Monday, April 22, to Friday, April 26.ROC 5 = the…
Market Update: April 23, 2024: Fed and Middle East Conflict Diminish Stocks, Plus SFG News and Events
Market Insights Stocks fell for a third straight week, as Fed Chair Jerome Powell’s mixed but upbeat message could not offset the anxiety caused by the Middle East conflict. Source: YCharts.com, April 20, 2024. Weekly performance is measured from Monday, April 15, to Friday, April 19.ROC 5 = the rate of change in the index…