Market Commentary

Weekly Market Commentary May 20, 2019

The S&P 500 dropped 0.7% last week primarily due to a sharp decline on Monday after the Chinese retaliated against increased U.S. tariffs. The global MSCI ACWI also declined 0.7% as international developed markets increased slightly, but declines in emerging markets pushed the overall index lower. Read more

Weekly Market Commentary May 13, 2019

The S&P 500 dropped 2.1% last week as optimism that the U.S. and China will reach a trade deal was beaten down by additional tariffs and accusations of backing away from agreed-on compromises. The global MSCI ACWI slid 2.5%. Read more

Weekly Market Commentary May 6, 2019

The news in the last seven days has challenged the hopes and assumptions of some investors. Many hoped the Federal Reserve would signal an interest rate cut this year to combat weak inflation reports. The Fed signaled a cut is unlikely if growth remains decent in the press conference following the meeting. Read more

Weekly Market Commentary April 29, 2019

The S&P 500 climbed 1.2% last week, and the index rallied to an all-time high even when dividends are excluded. Continued optimism the U.S. and China will reach a new trade deal and solid earnings helped support the move to new highs. Read more

Weekly Market Commentary April 22, 2019

It was a quiet week for investors, as none of the three major indexes we track moved significantly. The S&P 500 eased 0.1% lower during the holiday-shortened trading week. Read more

Weekly Market Commentary April 15, 2019

The S&P 500 gained 0.6% last week and reached an all-time high (when dividends are included). A few banks reported solid earnings and indicated loan demand remains positive. Read more

Weekly Market Commentary April 8, 2019

The S&P 500 soared 2.1% last week. Better-than-expected economic data from the U.S. and China reduced the risk of a global recession. The global MSCI ACWI gained 2.1% as the rally was broad-based. The Bloomberg BarCap Aggregate Bond Index dropped 0.3% as interest rates rose on the positive economic news. Bond prices move in the opposite direction as interest rates. Read more

Weekly Market Commentary April 1, 2019

The S&P 500 rallied 1.2% last week as optimism about U.S.-China trade talks buoyed markets. The global MSCI ACWI gained 0.6%. The Bloomberg BarCap Aggregate Bond Index climbed 0.3%.

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Weekly Market Commentary March 25, 2019

The S&P 500 dropped 0.7% on concerns a key economic indicator signaled recession risk was increasing. The global MSCI ACWI slipped 0.5%. The Bloomberg BarCap Aggregate Bond Index soared 0.9% as investors rotated toward fixed-income investments that often perform better when rates decline.

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Weekly Market Commentary March 18, 2019

The S&P 500 rebounded 2.9% after last week’s decline as positive sentiment overcame a number of mildly negative economic reports and continued uncertainty regarding trade. The global MSCI ACWI shed 2.1%. The Bloomberg BarCap Aggregate Bond Index climbed 0.7%. Read more