U.S. equity markets finished February slightly lower, with the S&P 500 down 1.3%. The technology sector, which comprises about 1/3 of the S&P 500 index, was also down 1.3%, driving the selloff. Investors continued to exercise caution around active international trade negotiations while weighing potential economic policy changes. The chart below shows the Economic Policy […]
Continue Reading ›January 2025 Monthly Market Update
Markets rebounded in January from a December pullback as investors digested Trump’s day-one executive orders and solid earnings results from the banking sector. At the very end of the month, tariffs for Mexico, Canada, and China were announced. In response, each nation announced or said they will announce retaliatory tariffs or other trade restrictions. Uncertainty […]
Continue Reading ›December 2024 Monthly Market Update
U.S. stock markets had a second consecutive year of strong gains in 2024 with the S&P 500 and Dow Jones Industrial Average finishing up 25.02% and 14.99% respectively. Strong economic growth, moderating inflation, and improving labor productivity were key factors supporting market strength. Throughout 2024 market valuations climbed to levels last seen during 2020-2021 when […]
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