U.S. equity markets posted a strong 2024, with the S&P 500 frequently hitting new all-time highs throughout before tapering off 3.4% by year-end. Despite this the index rose 25%, notching a second consecutive annual gain of 20%-plus — a rare achievement. As has generally been the case for some time, smaller US companies and those overseas have lagged. As discussed…
The third quarter was ultimately a strong quarter in the stock market, albeit with several notable reversals in sentiment and stock prices along the way. In early July the Federal Reserve strongly suggested that it would start reducing interest rates at its September meeting. The Fed’s stance, along with softening inflation readings fueled the soft landing narrative allowing stocks to…
All things considered the overall investment landscape is largely unchanged from three months ago after an uneventful second quarter. There are still two wars with no resolution in sight; inflation in the US continues to slowly fall to pre-pandemic levels; interest in AI is at a fevered pitch; the economy appears headed for a soft landing without a widespread recession;…
The S&P 500 has continued its steady ascent that started at the end of last October, finishing the first quarter up about 27% on a price basis since then, and about 10% year-to-date. In 2023 only three sectors outperformed the S&P 500, and by wide margins, but the rally has broadened considerably. In 2024 several more have outperformed or are…