Insights
Quarter Ending September 30, 2025
Markets continued their upward climb in September, with U.S. stocks reaching new record highs despite the month’s historically weak reputation. Falling interest rates and stronger-than-expected earnings helped fuel the rally, while economic data showed steady growth. Although some risks remain, the overall tone was optimistic heading into the final quarter of the year. Quick Hits […]
Month Ending August 31, 2025
August was another strong month for markets, with major U.S. stock indices reaching new highs despite some early volatility. Investor optimism was fueled by solid corporate earnings, falling interest rates, and growing expectations for a Federal Reserve rate cut in September. While economic data showed some signs of slowing—particularly in the labor market—overall market fundamentals […]
Month Ending July 31, 2025
July brought continued gains for U.S. stocks, driven by strong corporate earnings and easing trade tensions. While international markets and bonds showed mixed results, economic data remained solid. With broad-based earnings growth and a healthy economic backdrop, investors entered August with cautious optimism despite ongoing geopolitical and policy uncertainties. Quick Hits Beyond the Headlines: Stocks […]
Quarter Ending JUNE 30, 2025
Markets wrapped up June on a strong note, extending the rally that began in late spring. Investor sentiment was buoyed by robust corporate earnings, easing trade tensions, and encouraging economic data. Despite lingering geopolitical risks, the overall tone remained optimistic as fundamentals continued to support market gains. Quick Hits Beyond the Headlines: Markets Stay Strong […]
2025 Midyear Outlook
What’s Next for the Economy and Your Investments? The first half of the year brought plenty of headlines—and plenty of questions. Tariff announcements, then tariff pauses, and trade negotiations dominated the conversation. However, there were also debates about the federal budget, including proposed tax and spending changes. Concerns about the national deficit came into sharper […]
Month Ending MAY 31, 2025
Markets found their footing in May, delivering strong gains across major indices amid a calmer policy backdrop and encouraging economic data. Investor sentiment improved as trade tensions eased and corporate earnings came in well above expectations, helping to offset lingering concerns about inflation and fiscal policy. Overall, the month reflected a more stable and optimistic […]
Month Ending April 30, 2025
Quick Hits Mixed Month for Markets Equities faced a challenging month in April. Bonds Rise as Interest Rates Fall Falling long-term interest rates supported bonds. Trade Uncertainty Impacts Markets Shifting trade policies caused market volatility. Solid Economic Backdrop The economic updates were broadly supportive in April. Risks Ahead Investors should prepare for potential risks ahead. Positive Outlook […]
Quarter Ending March 31, 2025
Quick Hits Challenging Start to the Year for Stocks A negative March for stocks capped off a weak first quarter. Solid Quarter for Bonds Falling interest rates supported bond prices. Economic Update First-quarter economic reports showed signs of solid growth. Market Risks Worth Monitoring Economic, domestic, and international risks remain for markets. Cautiously Optimistic Outlook […]
Month Ending February 28, 2025
Quick Hits Challenging Month for Markets February was a challenging month for U.S. stocks. Bonds Continue to Rise Falling interest rates supported bond returns in February. Solid Economic Backdrop The economic updates showed signs of healthy growth for now. Risks to Monitor Markets face a variety of risks in the months ahead. Cautiously Optimistic Outlook […]
Month Ending January 31, 2025
Quick Hits Markets Rally in January Markets rebounded in January after mixed results in December. Bonds Rise as Interest Rates Fall Falling long-term interest rates caused bonds to rise. Healthy Economic Backdrop The economic updates released in January showed continued healthy economic growth. Risks Ahead Investors should prepare for potential risks ahead. Solid Outlook Despite […]
A Look Ahead to 2025
It was another resilient year for the U.S. economy. Despite predictions of a slowdown, robust consumer and business spending powered growth in 2024. Although the labor market cooled, it continued to be reasonably strong, and inflation moderated. Ultimately, this led the Federal Reserve (Fed) to begin cutting interest rates in September, signaling progress toward a […]
Month Ending December 31, 2024
Quick Hits Mixed Month for MarketsDecember was a mixed month for equity markets. Bonds Fall as Federal Reserve Updates GuidanceRising interest rates caused bond prices to fall at year-end. Positive Economic UpdatesThe economic updates released in December showed continued economic growth. Risks to MonitorMarkets face a number of risks both domestically and abroad. Positive Outlook […]
Month Ending November 30, 2024
Quick Hits Stocks Rally in November U.S. stocks rose on rising investor optimism for faster growth ahead. Bonds Rebound as Federal Reserve Cuts Rates Falling interest rates supported bonds during the month. Supportive Economic Backdrop The economic updates released in November showed signs of economic growth. Risks to Monitor Markets face a number of risks […]
Month Ending October 31, 2024
Quick Hits Stocks Slide in October A late-month sell-off led to a down month for stocks. Bonds Fall in October Rising interest rates caused bonds to fall during the month. Surprisingly Resilient Economic Growth The economic updates released in October showed signs of economic resiliency. Risks to Monitor Markets face a variety of risks as […]
Quarter Ending Sepetmeber 30, 2024
Quick Hits Stocks Rally in September to Cap Off Strong Third Quarter Stocks continued to rise in September as improving fundamentals and lower interest rates supported returns. Strong Quarter for Bonds September capped off a strong quarter for bond investors. Federal Reserve Cuts Interest Rates The Fed lowered the federal funds rate in September for […]