The Markets (as of market close August 23, 2019) Stock gains enjoyed earlier last week were lost by week's end on ramped-up trade war rhetoric from the White House. Stocks surged earlier in the week on favorable earnings reports from some major retailers and a renewed commitment from the Federal Reserve to act accordingly in [...]
The Markets (as of market close August 16, 2019) Volatility is the best term to describe stocks last week. Despite a Friday surge, each of the benchmark indexes listed here fell for the third consecutive week. Wednesday proved to be the most tumultuous day, as stocks suffered a major pullback. Long-term bond yields plunged below [...]
The Markets (as of market close August 9, 2019) Fearful that the ongoing trade war between the United States and China could slow economic growth at home and abroad, investors have pulled money from stocks and adopted a "wait-and-see" approach. Not only has the trade war impacted the market, but further interest rate cuts by [...]
The Markets (as of market close August 2, 2019) Not even a strong labor report could save stocks from tumbling last week, likely in response to President Trump's tweet that he intended to raise tariffs on an additional $300 billion worth of Chinese imports beginning next month. Trading volume spiked last week as did volatility, [...]
The Markets (as of market close July 31, 2019) Stocks ran hot and cold in July, influenced by worsening global economic conditions, ongoing trade negotiations with China, and lagging domestic business investment. While the Fed's decision to reduce short-term interest rates was not unexpected, stocks were sent reeling, closing out the month on a bit [...]
The Markets (as of market close July 26, 2019) Strong earnings reports plus a favorable gross domestic product report were enough to boost stocks last week. The S&P 500 notched a new record high last week, as did the Nasdaq. The GDP expanded at an annualized rate of 2.1% in the second quarter as consumer [...]
The Markets (as of market close July 19, 2019) Each of the benchmark indexes listed here closed last week in the red. Energy stocks dropped as oil prices fell. Stocks in communication services and transportation also declined, impacting the large-cap indexes. Comments from the Fed pointed to signs of economic distress, and leaned toward a [...]
The Markets (as of market close July 12, 2019) Both the Dow and the S&P 500 reached new record highs last week. The Dow surged past 27000 for the first time, while the S&P 500 surpassed the 3000 threshold. Anticipated testimony from Fed Chairman Jerome Powell lent credence to the expected interest rate cut at [...]
The Markets (second quarter through June 28, 2019) The second quarter was full of ups and downs for stocks as investors had plenty to worry about. Throughout the quarter, the trade war between the United States and China ebbed and flowed as news continuously changed from positive to negative. Employment was steady and the unemployment [...]
The Markets (as of market close June 28, 2019) With a strong close last Friday, stocks recovered most of the losses endured earlier last week. Only the Russell 2000 posted a weekly gain, and has climbed over 16% year-to-date. The other benchmark indexes listed here lost value, but not as much as it could have [...]
