By: sistoadmin | July 11, 2026
The S&P 500 hit record levels in early June, driven by chipmakers and other tech stocks.
Equity returns in developed international markets were in line with those in the US, but emerging markets fared the best.
The US Federal Reserve, now under new leadership, continued holding interest rates steady amid an uptick in inflation.
KEY TAKEAWAYS After a calm start to the year, stocks took a downward turn late in the first quarter as investors around the world weighed the impact of geopolitical events, notably the war in Iran. In the US, the S&P 500 was down for 2026 as of March 20 after hitting record levels earlier in … Continue reading Quarterly Review: Stocks Pull Back from Highs as Markets Are Tested
KEY TAKEAWAYS US stocks notched their third year in a row of double-digit gains, but it wasn’t the smoothest ride. The S&P 500 hit records in the winter that were followed by a spring swoon. After powering past that to new highs in the fall, the markets cooled a bit along with the temperatures.1 Still, the … Continue reading Market Review 2025: US Stocks Ride Rocky Road to a Third Straight Year of Gains
KEY TAKEAWAYS Stocks extended gains in the third quarter, with major indices in the US hitting new records, including the S&P 500 and Nasdaq, as trade negotiations proceeded and the US Federal Reserve cut interest rates.1The rate reduction in September was the first in nearly a year. Stocks’ rise was a continuation of the gains … Continue reading Stocks Hit Fresh Highs, and the Fed Makes a Cut
In the US, while the S&P 500 hit new highs in February, it also posted sharp falls in April, before rebounding in May to end slightly higher.
With a stark shift in US tariff policy announced on April 2 and ongoing responses worldwide, many investors are on edge. Volatility as measured by the VIX index has spiked to levels not seen in nearly five years. But when there is real economic uncertainty and information is quickly changing, volatility is a sign that markets are functioning.
Financial markets showed resilience in 2024, extending the bull market that began in late 2022 as stocks weathered interest-rate changes, uncertainty around the US elections, and the ups and downs of the Magnificent 7 stocks.
As we prepare for potential tax policy changes, it’s essential to evaluate the key proposals put forth by President-elect Donald Trump during his campaign. His tax plan includes significant reforms for individuals and businesses, aiming to stimulate economic growth while offering tax relief. However, these changes also carry substantial fiscal costs. Below is an overview … Continue reading Ideas and Price Tags: A Closer Look at President-Elect Trump’s Tax Reform Promises
US stocks built on a strong first half, with many market indices at or close to record levels as the third quarter neared an end. But those gains came amid a spike in volatility unseen since the COVID pandemic.
The beginning of 2024 started out a lot like the end of 2023, with markets rising amid talk of a potential decrease in US inflation and interest rate cuts from the Federal Reserve that could follow. But much like last year, those expectations remained unfulfilled, as core inflation fell slightly but held above 3% and … Continue reading Midyear Review: Stocks Maintain Momentum