Markets
2024 Year-end Financial Reminders
An impactful piece of tax legislation, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act 2017, was enacted under Trump’s first administration. This legislation was scheduled to sunset at the beginning of 2026, however given Trump’s victory, it is highly likely that during his second administration key provisions in this bill, including the temporary increase in the lifetime gift and estate tax exemption, will be extended. read more...
Q3 2024 Market Update: Bull Market Run Continues
We’ve had a strong market this year, although it doesn’t quite feel like it. Both the S&P 500 Index and the Nasdaq Composite Index are up nearly 21% through September 30, 2024, and the usually stodgy Dow Jones Industrial Index is up a strong 12%. read more...
This Bull Market Has Been Easy to Spook – What to Watch for This Fall
Despite a big pullback at the end of July and early August, the equity markets have been on a tear in 2024. The S&P 500 Index, which tracks 500 leading U.S.-traded companies, is up over 18% through the end of August, outpacing the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index, which is up +17%. read more...
Q2 2024 Market Update: Favorable Backdrop Continues, But Markets on a Highwire
After a bumpy start in April, most U.S. equity indexes continued to climb in the second quarter of 2024. read more...
Q1 2024: Off Like a Rocket
The U.S. stock markets hit record high levels in the first quarter of 2024, as continued economic strength, the potential for market-boosting interest rate cuts later this year and investor exuberance around the potential for artificial intelligence drove U.S. equities higher. read more...
2023 Year-end Review and Outlook for 2024: Are Market Expectations Overly Optimistic?
2023 was a strong year in the equity markets. As we closed the year, market participants became increasingly confident that a “soft landing” (continued economic growth despite tightening monetary policy) was likely, and that the Federal Reserve would begin to cut interest rates beginning as early as March 2024. read more...
Q3 2023 Review: Bond Market Volatility Rises, Equity Markets Weaken but Still Strong YTD
After a strong first half of 2023 in the financial markets this year, sentiment in both the equity and bond markets began to worsen early in the third quarter. Typically, July and August are quieter months in the markets, as many market participants take time off. read more...
Will the Financial Markets Shake It Off?
Maybe it’s still a “YOLO” (you only live once) effect from Covid, as consumers continue to spend lavishly on experiences like concerts and travel, but the fact remains that consumers are not behaving like a recession is imminent. read more...
At a Crossroads: Wile E. Coyote Moment or Soft Landing?
It’s been an eventful first half of 2023 in the financial markets. Through June 30, 2023, we’ve seen a major rebound in equity markets after 2022’s sell-off, which was triggered by the Federal Reserve’s rapidly tightening monetary policy. read more...
This Bull Market May Turn on Us
Equity markets have surged back in 2023 after 2022’s precipitous decline. Driven largely by investor excitement over artificial intelligence, a few large companies have seen significant rebounds this year and have driven the S&P 500 Index and Nasdaq Composite equity indices higher. read more...