Blog

Weekly Market Insights | Stocks Surge Post-Election; Fed Cuts Quarter Point

Stocks surged higher last week, fueled by the Fed’s rate cut decision and post-election enthusiasm as investors looked to future policy impacts of a Republican-controlled Senate and executive branch. (The House of Representatives...

Weekly Market Insights | Stocks Retreat on Jobs and Election Concerns

Stocks slid last week as mixed economic data and strong-but-not-spectacular Q3 corporate reports failed to inspire investors. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index fell 1.36 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index declined 1.50 percent....

Weekly Market Insights: Stocks Mixed Ahead of Election

Stocks were mixed last week as fresh economic data points and election-related uncertainty slowed market momentum. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index fell 0.96 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index rose 0.16 percent. The Dow Jones...

Weekly Market Insights: Sixth Week of Gains on Wall Street

Stocks posted modest gains last week, with quarterly earnings season in full swing and the election on the horizon. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index increased 0.85 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index rose 0.80 percent. The Dow...

Weekly Market Insights: Mixed Data Leaves Investors Anxious

Stocks advanced last week despite mixed inflation data, lurching oil prices, and lingering anxiety about the Middle East. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index gained 1.11 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite rose 1.13 percent. The Dow Jones...

Weekly Market Insights: Market Rallies But Ends Week Flat

Stocks were essentially unchanged last week as geopolitical tensions added some volatility to an otherwise quiet trading week. The Dow Jones Industrial Average was flat (+0.09 percent), while the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index ticked up...

Weekly Market Insights: Rate Cut Momentum; D.C. Averts Shutdown

Stocks moved higher last week, continuing to build on the momentum generated after the Federal Reserve decided to cut short-term rates by 0.50 percent. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index gained 0.59 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite...

Weekly Market Insights: Fed Cuts Interest Rate by Half-Point

Stocks moved higher last week after the Federal Reserve’s half-point rate cut, bolstered by multiple data points supporting a cooling but still strong economy and decelerating inflation. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index gained 1.36...

Weekly Market Insights: Stocks Rally Ahead of Fed Meeting

Stocks rallied last week as investors received better-than-expected consumer and producer inflation data. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 2.60 percent, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index gained 4.02 percent. The Nasdaq...

Weekly Market Insights: Markets Focus on Fed's Big September Move

Stocks fell last week as soft economic data rattled investors focused on the Fed’s next move with interest rates. The Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 2.93 percent, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index dropped 4.25 percent. The...

Weekly Market Insights: Stocks React to Key Data and Earnings

There were mixed results for stocks last week as upbeat economic data and a critical Q2 corporate report shaped the week. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 0.94 percent, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index increased 0.24 percent...

Weekly Market Insights: Powell: Fed is Ready for Rate Cut

Stocks notched a solid gain as dovish comments from Federal Reserve officials boosted the market’s recovery from early August lows. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index rose 1.45 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite added 1.40 percent. The...

Weekly Market Insights: Markets Rise Thanks to Upbeat Indicators

Stocks posted solid gains last week, buoyed by robust economic data and constructive comments from Fed officials. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index rose 3.93 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite gained 5.29 percent. The Dow Jones...

Weekly Market Insights: Stocks Stage Comeback After Heavy Monday

Stocks ended last week with modest losses, masking a volatile five-day trading period that saw investors embrace recession concerns and then dismiss the slow-down talk as speculation as the week progressed. The Dow Jones Industrial...

Weekly Market Insights: Fed Goes Dove; Investors Retreat

Stocks fell broadly last week as investors looked past upbeat Fed comments and focused on disappointing corporate reports and weaker-than-expected economic data. The Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 2.20 percent, while the Standard &...

Weekly Market Insights: Down Corporate Reports Shake Investors

Stocks had a mixed, see-saw week as disappointing corporate reports unsettled investors who appeared to rotate away from some leading groups in favor of other names. The Dow Jones Industrial Average picked up 0.75 percent. Meanwhile,...

Weekly Market Insights: Investors Shift, Anticipating Lower Interest Rates

Stocks were under pressure last week as investors appeared to rotate out of mega-cap tech stocks and into areas that may benefit from lower interest rates. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index fell 1.97 percent, while Nasdaq Composite...

Weekly Market Insights: Stocks Advance After New Inflation Data

Stocks advanced last week as market leadership shifted amid fresh inflation data and quarterly corporate reports starting to roll in. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index advanced 0.87 percent, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average picked...

Weekly Market Insights: Stocks Steady in Short Holiday Trading

Stocks steadily advanced over the holiday week thanks to strength in mega-cap tech issues and encouraging jobs data. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index rose 1.95 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index added 3.50 percent. The Dow Jones...

Weekly Market Insights: Mixed Message From Fed Chair, Governor

Stocks finished the last week of June and Q2 mixed as investors digested a fresh round of economic data. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index slipped 0.08%, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average also dipped 0.08 percent. The tech-heavy...

Weekly Market Insights: Stocks Rise Modestly Over Short Trading Week

Stocks edged higher over the four trading days last week, with the three major averages taking turns leading based on various economic and artificial intelligence (AI) news. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 1.45 percent–its best...

Weekly Market Insights: Market Enjoys Gains, Reacting to Major Reports

Stocks notched a solid gain last week, driven by the Fed’s decision, May's inflation report, and Apple’s AI-related news. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index rose 1.58 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite picked up 3.24 percent. The Dow...

Weekly Market Insights: Solid Week Despite Mixed Reports

Stocks rose last week despite conflicting stories from economic reports. The Dow Jones Industrial Average inched up 0.29 percent while the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index powered ahead 1.31 percent. The Nasdaq Composite led, picking up 2...

Weekly Market Insights: Stocks Sag on Downbeat Economic Indicators

Stocks edged lower in the final week of May as fresh news on economic growth and inflation failed to inspire investors. Stocks Slide Markets shrugged off news that the Q1 Gross Domestic Product was revised lower to 1.3 percent from...

Weekly Market Insights: AI Rules Big Week for Tech Stocks

Last week's stock performance was mixed, following investors' reaction to the Fed's May meeting minutes, while a handful of mega-cap tech companies created a buzz with their news. Market Splits Stocks began trading in a narrow band...

Weekly Market Insights: Investors Anticipate Fed Rate Change

Stocks notched a solid gain last week in a mega-cap, tech-led rally bolstered by positive inflation news. Dow 40,000 The week began quietly as market averages traded in a tight range, awaiting fresh inflation news. On Tuesday, markets...

Weekly Market Insights: Stocks Rise, Anticipating Rate Cut

Stocks notched a solid gain last week as rate-cut expectations paced the rally as the Q1 earnings season wound down. Stocks Climb Steadily Monday opened with stocks picking up where they left off the prior Friday. Stocks were still...

Weekly Market Insights: Volatility, Uncertainty Rule the Week for Markets

Stocks notched a solid gain last week, rallying behind upbeat earnings, a dovish Fed, and mixed economic data. Stocks Pop, Drop, Then Rally Markets began the week with an upward bump as positive news from some mega-cap tech companies...

Weekly Market Insights: Despite Turbulent Week, Stocks Stage Comeback

Stocks staged a choppy comeback last week as investors cheered positive earnings, led by mega-cap tech stocks. The rally came to pass despite fresh data showing a slowing economy and increasing inflationary pressures. Stocks Bounce...

Weekly Market Insights: Fed and Middle East Conflict Diminish Stocks

Stocks fell for a third straight week, as Fed Chair Jerome Powell's mixed but upbeat message could not offset the anxiety caused by the Middle East conflict. Stocks Retreat Markets began the week rattled by further escalation in the...

Weekly Market Insights: Stocks Startled By Inflation, Conflict

Stocks fell last week as investors sorted through conflicting inflation reports and assessed geopolitical tensions. Inflation Spooks Markets On Wednesday, the March Consumer Price Index (CPI) report rattled markets, revealing that...

Weekly Market Insights: Fed Comments Stir the Pot for Stocks

Stocks dropped last week as investors focused on “what's next” for interest rates after mixed comments from multiple Fed officials. Fed Officials Weigh In Stocks struggled out of the gate again last week, ending Monday and Tuesday in...

Weekly Market Insights: Stocks Narrowly Higher

Stocks were narrowly higher for the week as investors digested mixed economic news about consumer confidence. All three of the major averages posted gains for Q1 2024. Stocks Finish Strong Markets slipped for the first half of the...

Weekly Market Insights: Fed Talk Boosts Stocks

Stocks posted their best week of the year, sparked by news that the dovish Fed decided to keep rates steady and signaled three rate cuts were still possible this year. Stocks Bounce Back As widely expected, the Fed left rates...

Weekly Market Insights: Second Week of Stock Retreat

Stocks fell for the second straight week on inflation concerns despite a report on consumer prices that was initially well received by investors. Stocks Slide Tuesday was the only bright spot during the week as stock prices rose after...

Weekly Market Insights: Markets Take a Breather After Mixed Week

Stocks were down for the week as investors appeared to take some profits and traders parsed Fed Chair Jerome Powell’s Congressional testimony. Markets Wobble  Stocks had a rough start to the week, with the Dow, S&P 500, and...

Weekly Market Insights: Tech and AI Lead Another Advancing Week

Stocks extended their tech-led advance last week as signs of a resilient and still-enthusiastic consumer boosted momentum. Nasdaq Sets New High Stocks traded in a narrow band early in the week but ended the five-trading sessions with...

Weekly Market Insights: Stocks Hit New Highs on AI's Promise

Stocks vaulted to new heights last week on the back of an artificial intelligence (AI) semiconductor company, marking investors’ belief that AI has the potential to transform the U.S. economy. Stocks Rally to Record Highs Stocks...

Weekly Market Insights: Market Retreats on Inflation, Economic Reports.

Stocks fell last week as investors reacted to disappointing inflation updates and other economic reports that fell short of estimates. Stocks Snap Winning Streak Markets were quiet Monday but opened lower Tuesday in response to the...

Weekly Market Insights: S&P Hits Record High

The stock market experienced solid gains last week, concluding the trading week on a positive note, thanks to robust corporate reports and favorable inflation news; this propelled the S&P 500 Index to achieve a new record high at the...

Weekly Market Insights: Investors Move Past Mixed Fed Message

Stocks pushed higher last week as investors cheered mega-cap tech corporate reports and a better-than-expected employment report. Stocks at New Highs At the beginning of the week, stocks surged, anticipating fourth-quarter corporate...

Weekly Market Insights: Excitement Around Big Tech Continues

Stocks continued their upward climb last week as excitement around big tech continued; positive economic reports stoked investors’ belief that the Federal Reserve has pulled off a soft landing. Stocks Power Ahead Big tech was...

Weekly Market Insights: Big Win For Big Tech

Stocks finished higher last week, with big tech again leading amid lingering uncertainty over how continued economic strength would influence the Fed’s rate decision. Stocks Dip, Then Rally  Stock prices dropped early in...

Weekly Market Insights: Investors Begin to See the Light in Upbeat Week.

Stocks pushed higher last week, led by big tech names and boosted by December inflation reports that were mixed but positive enough to shore up investor confidence in Fed rate cuts this year. Stocks Rock and Roll It was a rocky week...

Weekly Market Insights: Investors Enter 2024 in Doubtful Mood

Stocks retreated in the first trading week of 2024, struggling a bit after a celebratory end to last year as investors second-guessed Fed signals and fretted over lingering inflation concerns. New Year Blues Stocks got off to a rough...

Weekly Market Insights: S&P Ends 2023 Up 24%

Stocks posted a slight gain last week amid a shortage of news and light holiday trading. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 0.76%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 added 0.49%. The Nasdaq Composite index advanced 0.32% for...

Weekly Market Insights: Investors Boost Stocks Ahead of Holiday Week

Investor optimism and fears of missing out on future gains propelled stocks higher in the last full week of trading before year-end. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 0.22%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 gained 0.75%. The...

Weekly Market Insights: Stocks Rally on Fed, Inflation News

Markets reacted positively last week to cooler inflation and the idea of potential rate cuts next year, adding to the gains of the market’s year-end rally. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 2.92%, while the Standard &...

Weekly Market Insights: Stocks Spark Late Week Rally

A late-week, two-day rally left stocks higher, adding to November’s gains as the last month of trading for 2023 began. The Dow Jones Industrial Average was flat (+0.01%), while the Standard & Poor’s 500 gained 0.21%. The...

Weekly Market Insights: Stocks Rise as Bond Yields Fall

A Friday rally turned an otherwise mixed week for stocks into a solid performance. The Dow Jones Industrial Average picked up 2.42%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 gained 0.77%. The Nasdaq Composite index rose 0.38% for the...

Weekly Market Insights: Short Week Strong for Stocks

Investor enthusiasm for stocks remained strong last week, buoyed by declining bond yields in a holiday-abbreviated trading week. The Dow Jones Industrial Average picked up 1.27%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 gained 1.00%. The...

Weekly Market Insights: November Rally Continues

Stocks extended their November rally last week as investors cheered lower-than-forecast inflation data. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 1.94%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 added 2.24%. The Nasdaq Composite index rose...

Weekly Market Insights: Stocks Rally Friday; Powell Cautious On Progress

A powerful Friday rally left stocks higher last week, extending the market’s early November gains. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 0.65%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 advanced 1.31%. The Nasdaq Composite index...

Weekly Market Insights: Stocks Rise, Jobs Cool

Stocks ripped higher last week on a dramatic retreat in bond yields triggered by easing inflation and a slowing labor market. The Dow Jones Industrial Average jumped 5.07%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 surged 5.85%. The...

Weekly Market Insights: Stocks Retreat on Cautious Earnings Reports

Amid a busy week of corporate earnings reports, stocks slumped on cautious earnings guidance, fears of higher interest rates, and growing anxiety over the increasing amount of Treasury bonds and notes coming to market. The Dow Jones...

Weekly Market Insights: Stocks Retreat Despite Solid Earnings

Rising bond yields and uncertainty over whether this was the close of the Fed’s rate-hike cycle dragged markets lower last week despite solid corporate earnings results. The Dow Jones Industrial Average sank 1.61%, while the...

Weekly Market Insights: Markets React to Turmoil in Middle East, Inflation Concerns.

Stocks ended mixed last week amid the outbreak of hostilities in the Middle East and higher-than-expected inflation data. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 0.20%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 rose 0.45%. But the Nasdaq...

Weekly Market Insights: Stocks Rally After Strong Jobs Report

A Friday rally overcame a shaky week, sending stocks mostly higher. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 0.30% for the week. Meanwhile, the Standard & Poor’s 500 gained 0.48%, and the Nasdaq Composite index added 1.60% for...

Weekly Market Insights: Bond Yields Rise; Government Shutdown Looms

Rising bond yields and government shutdown fears left stocks in mostly negative territory for the week. The Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 1.34%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 slipped 0.74%. The Nasdaq Composite index was...

Weekly Market Insights: Stocks End Summer with Gloomy News

Rising bond yields and fears of a government shutdown hammered stocks last week, with technology shares bearing the brunt of the retreat. The Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 1.89%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 dropped 2.93%...

Weekly Market Insights: Stocks Stand Still, Awaiting Fed

Stocks ended the week roughly where they began as investors digested a mixed set of new economic data. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 0.12%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 slipped 0.16%. The Nasdaq Composite index fell...

Weekly Market Insights: Will the Fed Raise Interest Rates?

Concerns that the Fed may raise interest rates soured investor sentiment, sending stocks lower in a holiday-shortened trading week. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 0.75%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 declined 1.29%....

Weekly Market Insights: Stocks Retreat; Powell Talk Goes Hawk

Stocks fluctuated last week, jostled by fitful bond yields and headline news, before ending strongly following Fed Chair Powell’s comments on the monetary outlook. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 0.45%, while the...

Weekly Market Insights: Stocks Weather Summer Storm of News and Indicators

Stocks extended their August declines last week as higher yields and weak economic data out of China soured investor sentiment. The Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 2.21%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 retreated 2.11%. The...

Weekly Market Insights: Summertime Blues for the Markets

Positive inflation data failed to lift stocks from their August doldrums last week as economic data and a ratings downgrade soured investor sentiment. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 0.62%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500...

Weekly Market Insights: Stocks Raise White Flag to Bad News

Stocks retreated last week as bond yields increased following the Treasury's announcement indicating “a larger-than-expected funding need” and a downgrade in the federal government’s debt rating. The Dow Jones...

Weekly Market Insights: Stocks Jump After Inflation Gauge Cools

A Friday surge pushed stocks solidly into positive territory last week, ignited by cooling in an inflation gauge closely tracked by the Federal Reserve. The Dow Jones Industrial Average advanced 0.66%, while the Standard &...

Weekly Market Insights: Stocks Advance and Retreat on Mixed News

Stocks moved to the rhythm of earnings season last week, initially rising on positive earnings surprises and faltering later in the week on key earnings disappointments. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 2.08%, while the...

Weekly Market Insights: Bad News for Bears; Good News Buoys Markets

Better-than-expected updates last week on consumer and wholesale price inflation buoyed investor sentiment, driving stocks higher and lower bond yields. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 2.29%, while the Standard &...

Weekly Market Insights: Stocks Stumble with CPI on Deck

Rising concerns about further rate hikes sent stocks lower to kick off the second half of trading.The Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 1.96%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 retreated 1.16%. The Nasdaq Composite index...

Weekly Market Insights: Economy Continues Upward Trend

Stocks posted gains for the week to close out a stellar month, aided by positive economic data and reports that all major banks had passed the Federal Reserve’s annual stress test.The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 2.02%,...

Weekly Market Insights: Stocks Take Summer Break, Month Remains Strong

Stocks took a breather last week as investors digested the previous week’s surge and the month-to-date solid gains.The Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 1.67%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 fell 1.39%. The Nasdaq...

Weekly Market Insights: Stocks Climb After Fed Pause

Stocks climbed last week as reassuring inflation data boosted investor hopes that the rate-hike cycle was nearing an end amid fresh economic data pointing to continued economic resilience.The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 1.25%,...

Weekly Market Insights: Markets March into Positive Territory Continues.

A late-week rally sent stocks into positive territory, with the S&P 500 index closing just shy of the 4,300 mark.The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 0.34%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 added 0.39%. The Nasdaq Composite...

Weekly Market Insights: Debt Deal Relieves Market Worries

Stocks surged higher in the closing days of a holiday-shortened trading week, ignited by a political resolution on raising the debt ceiling and a strong employment report.The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 2.02%, while the Standard...

Weekly Market Insights: Debt Talks Optimism Keeps Eyes on D.C.

Markets moved in sync last week with perceived movement in debt ceiling talks, weakening early in the week and then surging on news of progress. A solid quarterly report and guidance from a mega-cap technology company helped with...

Weekly Market Insights: Despite Stall, Debt Deal Optimism Cheers Markets

Stocks rallied last week, propelled by growing optimism over reaching a deal on raising the debt ceiling and avoiding a technical debt default by the U.S.The Dow Jones Industrial Average edged 0.38% higher, while the Standard &...

Weekly Market Insights: Attention Turns to the Debt Ceiling

Stocks were mixed last week as good inflation news was offset by mounting debt ceiling concerns and rekindled regional banking fears.The Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 1.11%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 slipped 0.29%. The...

Weekly Market Insights: Friday Rally Trims Losses; CPI Report Next Week

A Friday rebound, triggered by a big tech company’s earnings beat and a strong jobs report, shaved much of the week’s accumulated losses.The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 1.24%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500...

Weekly Market Insights: Stocks Rally As Attention Shifts to Fed's May Meeting

Strong earnings from several mega-cap technology companies offset renewed regional banking jitters and weak economic data, leaving stocks higher for the week.The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 0.86%, while the Standard &...

Weekly Market Insights: Stocks show small losses after mixed week

Stocks remained resilient last week amid mixed earnings reports, hawkish Fed-speak, and lingering recession fears, closing out the five trading days with small losses.The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 0.23%, while the Standard &...

Weekly Market Insights: Lower inflation lifts spirits in uneven week.

The combination of an improving inflation outlook resulted in a week of uneven, albeit positive, performance, in which cyclical and financial stocks rallied while technology, real estate, and utilities lagged. The Dow Jones...

Weekly Market Insights: Banking Crisis Fears Dim; Markets Rally

Stocks rallied last week on receding fears of a widening banking crisis, led by resurging investor interest in technology and communication services names.The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 3.22%, while the Standard & Poor’s...

Weekly Market Insights: Mixed Message Provokes Volatility

Modest gains in major market indices masked sharp volatility amid the uncertainty arising from mixed messages emanating from public officials and revived banking fears. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 1.18%, while the Standard...

Weekly Market Insights: Markets Cautious After Banking Woes; Awaiting Fed Reaction

Amid the reverberations of two U.S. banks being taken over by regulators and the spread of uncertainty to European banks, stocks trended higher last week on the strength of the technology sector.The Dow Jones Industrial Average was...

Weekly Market Insights: Bad News Gives Markets a One-Two Punch

Stocks tumbled last week as investors reconsidered their interest rate expectations after Fed Chair Powell’s Congressional testimony that rates may need to go higher. Stocks also were rattled when a west coast bank was placed...

Weekly Market Insights: Fed’s Reassurance Boosts Stocks.

A late-week surge, triggered by reassuring Fed-speak, propelled stocks higher last week.The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 1.75%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 advanced 1.90%. The Nasdaq Composite index picked up 2.58% for...

Weekly Market Insights: FOMC Says Inflation is Still Too High

Concerns over a firmer monetary policy were heightened by fresh economic data, touching off a climb in bond yields and a slide in stock prices last week.The Dow Jones Industrial Average skidded 2.99%, while the Standard & Poor’s...

Weekly Market Insights: Mixed Results As Interest Rate Concerns Grow

Growing concerns about further interest rate hikes, prompted by fresh economic data, reversed early-week gains and left stocks mixed for the week.The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 0.13%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500...

Weekly Market Insights: Mixed Feelings and Mixed Earnings

Stocks drifted lower as a week of mixed earnings reports and resurgent worries over Fed monetary policy dragged on investor sentiment. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 0.17%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 declined...

Weekly Market Insights: Powell: Inflation Heading in the Right Direction

Stocks were mixed last week following better-than-expected corporate reports and increasing optimism over a slowdown in interest rates.The Dow Jones Industrial Average edged lower, slipping -0.15%. The Standard & Poor’s 500 rose...

Weekly Market Insights: Earnings and Data Tell Two Different Stories on Near Future.

Stocks added to their early 2023 gains amid a busy stream of mixed corporate earnings results and conflicting economic data.The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 1.81%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 added 2.47%. The Nasdaq...

Weekly Market Insights: Mixed Results Following Weak Economic Data

Stocks showed mixed results last week as recession fears resurfaced in response to weak economic data and a tepid start to a new corporate earnings season.  The Dow Jones Industrial Average skidded 2.70%, while the Standard &...

Weekly Market Insights: New Year's Rally in Reply to Positive Economic News

A strong Friday rally triggered by fresh signs of moderating inflation pushed stocks into positive territory to begin the new year. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 1.46%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 advanced 1.45%....

Weekly Market Insights: Recession Concerns, Fed Talk Keep Stocks Cold

Hawkish comments by the Fed and weak economic data heightened investors’ recession concerns and sent stocks lower last week.The Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 1.66%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 retreated 2.08%. The...

Weekly Market Insights: Stocks Slide on Recession Concerns

Recession fears and concerns that the Fed may consider a longer rate-hike cycle sent stocks lower for the week.The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 2.77%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 fell 3.37%. The Nasdaq Composite index...

Weekly Market Insights: Fed Talks Turkey on Lower Rates, Boosting Markets

Growing optimism that the Fed may be ready to ease future interest rate hikes sent stocks higher in a quiet trading week.The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 1.78%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 added 1.53%. The Nasdaq...

Weekly Market Insights: Markets Down Ahead of Thanksgiving Holiday

The stock market edged lower last week as it digested a crosscurrent of conflicting economic data and contrasting comments from Fed officials.The Dow Jones Industrial Average was flat (-0.01%), while the Standard & Poor’s 500...

Weekly Market Insights: Cooling Inflation Brings Market Gains

A cooling inflation number ignited a powerful rally on Thursday, sending stocks to strong gains for the week.The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 4.15%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 added 5.90%. The Nasdaq Composite index...

Weekly Market Insights: Stocks Slip After Powell Comments

Hawkish comments by Fed Chair Jerome Powell, following the announcement of another 75 basis points interest rate hike last week, cast a pall over financial markets, sending yields higher and stocks lower.The Dow Jones Industrial...

Weekly Market Insights: Plenty of Treats for Wall Street This Week

Stocks overcame poor earnings results from some of America’s largest companies to post gains last week as investors cheered positive earnings surprises, easing inflation and a rebound in economic growth.The Dow Jones Industrial...

Weekly Market Insights: Wall Street Flips the Script & Enjoys a Rally.

A positive start to a new earnings season and late-week hopes for a near-term easing in Fed rate hikes lifted investors’ spirits and powered stocks to gains for the week.The Dow Jones Industrial Average jumped 4.89%, while the...

Weekly Market Insights: Volatility Reigns; Inflation Remains Unchecked.

Stocks were mixed last week amid wide intra- and inter-day price swings, as technology shares bore the brunt of the downdraft.The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 1.15% for the week. Meanwhile, the Standard & Poor’s 500...

Weekly Market Insights: Boost Early in Week Keeps Markets Ahead

A powerful two-day stock rebound cemented a positive week for investors as a new trading month began.The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 1.99%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 added 1.51%. The Nasdaq Composite index increased 0...

Weekly Market Insights: Fallout From Powell Comments Continues

Last week, Fed Chair Powell said the U.S. would not tame inflation without economic pain. This week heightened recession fears and sent stocks broadly lower.The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 4.00%, while the Standard &...

Weekly Market Insights: White Hot Inflation Report Alarms Investors

A hotter-than-expected inflation report sent stocks sharply lower last week as investors faced the prospect of more aggressive interest rate hikes by the Federal Reserve for perhaps a longer period.The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell...

Weekly Market Insights: Markets Upbeat, Despite Gloomy Inflation Talk

In a holiday-shortened week of trading, stocks posted healthy gains despite more tough talk on monetary policy from Fed officials.The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 2.66%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 gained 3.65%. The...

Weekly Market Insights: Markets Sag, Job Numbers Soar

The overhang of Fed Chair Powell’s Jackson Hole speech the previous week carried over into last week as investors recalibrated stock valuations amid a seemingly more assertive monetary policy stance.The Dow Jones Industrial...

Weekly Market Insights: Powell comments spur sell-off on Wall Street

A comprehensive sell-off on Friday following comments by Fed Chair Jerome Powell drove stocks to losses for the week.The Dow Jones Industrial Average tumbled 4.22%, while the Standard & Poor's 500 dropped 4.04%. The Nasdaq Composite...

Weekly Market Insights: Markets Tap Brakes, But Hold Fast Against Downbeat News

Stocks tumbled on Friday, sending stocks to a weekly loss after an otherwise quiet August week of trading.The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped -0.16%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 lost 1.21%. The Nasdaq Composite index...

Weekly Market Insights: Stocks Have Warmer Week as Inflation Cools

An improving inflation outlook buoyed investors’ spirits last week, helping lift stocks to solid gains.The Dow Jones Industrial Average advanced 2.92%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 rose 3.26%. The Nasdaq Composite index...

Weekly Market Insights: Mixed Week For Markets; Jobs On The Rise

Stocks turned in a mixed performance last week as investors struggled with headlines suggesting that the Fed was unlikely to soon ease up on its current monetary tightening policy.The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 0.13%, while...

Weekly Market Insights: Markets Rally; Earnings Better Than Expected

Undaunted by another Fed rate hike and news of a contracting economy, the stock market rallied last week on better-than-expected corporate earnings.The Dow Jones Industrial Average increased 2.97%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500...

Weekly Market Insights: Markets React to Dim Forecast, 2Q Reports

Stocks rallied last week as investor spirits lifted thanks to a better-than-expected start to the second-quarter earnings season.The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 1.95%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 added 2.55%. The...

Weekly Market Insights: Friday Rally Stems Week of Losses

A record-high inflation report, the prospects of a more aggressive Fed, and growing recession fears sent stocks lower– though losses were pared by a Friday rally.The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 0.16%, while the Standard...

Weekly Market Insights: Stocks Rally Despite Mixed Data

In a holiday-shortened trading week, stocks rallied despite mixed economic data and vacillating energy prices and bond yields.The Dow Jones Industrial Average increased 0.77%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 rose 1.94%. The...

Weekly Market Insights: Stocks Rally, Despite Recession Concerns

Prospects of cooling inflation powered a rally in stock prices last week despite growing recession concerns.The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 5.39%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 climbed 6.45%. The Nasdaq Composite index...

Weekly Market Insights: Fed Rate Hike Triggers Market Dip

Stocks moved lower last week as recession fears deepened following a Fed hike in interest rates and weak economic data.The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 4.79%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 dropped 5.79%. The Nasdaq...

Weekly Market Insights: Stocks Slip on Mixed Economic News

In a holiday-shortened week of volatile trading, stocks surrendered some of the previous week’s strong gains.The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.94%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 declined 1.20%. The Nasdaq Composite...

Weekly Market Insights: Confidence in Fed Helps Spark Market Rally

Stocks posted solid gains for the week, buoyed by the release of Fed meeting minutes and upbeat earnings from mid-size and discount retailers.The Dow Jones Industrial Average jumped 6.24%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 advanced...

Weekly Market Insights: Inflation Takes Center Stage

Weekly Market Insights: Tighter Money Policy; Market Drops

Weekly Market Insights: Economy Slows; Stocks Retreat

Weekly Market Insights: Powell Favors Quick Movement

Weekly Market Insights: Earnings Season Begins

Weekly Market Insights: Fed Signals More Aggressive Action on Interest Rates

Weekly Market Insights: Markets Weigh Menu of Uncertainty

Weekly Market Insights: Stocks Rally in Changing Landscape

Weekly Market Insights: Ukrainian War Impacts Global Economy

Weekly Market Insights: Ukrainian War Stresses Economy

Weekly Market Insights: Rocky Week After Russian Invasion

Weekly Market Insights: Inflation and Ukraine Rattle Investors Another Week

Weekly Market Insights: Inflation and Ukraine Fears Cool Markets

Weekly Market Insights: Stocks Extend Rally; Eyes On Tech

Weekly Market Insights: Rate Hike Talk Sinks Stocks

Weekly Market Insights: Fed: Rate Hikes Near

Deteriorating investor enthusiasm for high-valuation growth companies and a mixed start to the fourth-quarter earnings season made for a volatile week. The Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 0.88%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 slipped....

Weekly Market Insights: Hawkish Fed; Stocks Retreat

Weekly Market Insights: Stocks End Year Mostly Positive

Weekly Market Insights: Fed Tightens Money Policy

Weekly Market Insights: Omicron News Boosts Stocks

Weekly Market Insights: COVID-19 Variant Clobbers Markets

News of a new, highly virulent COVID variant triggered a market sell-off on Friday, sending stocks into negative territory for the week.The Dow Jones Industrial Average slid 1.97%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 slumped 2...

Weekly Market Insights: Stocks Mixed on COVID-19, Powell

Stocks were mixed last week in choppy trading as investors battled the crosscurrents of good economic data and a troubling rise in COVID-19 infections globally.The Dow Jones Industrial Average slid 1.38%, while the Standard &...

Weekly Market Insights: Stocks Tap the Brakes

Stocks posted small declines last week as investors digested recent stock market gains and an unexpectedly high inflation read.The Dow Jones Industrial Average slid 0.63%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 retreated 0.31%. The...

Weekly Market Insights: Fed Says Tapering Ahead

A Federal Reserve announcement on tapering, a fresh batch of corporate profits, and encouraging economic data lifted stocks to another weekly gain.The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 1.42%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500...

Weekly Market Insights: Earnings Build; GDP Slows

A fresh wave of positive corporate earnings surprises sent markets to new record highs last week.The Dow Jones Industrial Average increased 0.40%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 rose 1.33%. The Nasdaq Composite index picked...

Weekly Market Insights: Strong Week on Wall Street

Stocks rallied last week on a stream of positive corporate earnings surprises.The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 1.08%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 advanced 1.64%. The Nasdaq Composite index gained 1.29% for the week....

Weekly Market Insights: Fed Unveils Tapering Plans

A strong opening to the third-quarter earnings season sparked a late week, broad-based rally that helped stocks finish the week with solid gains.The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 1.58%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500...

Weekly Market Insights: Debt Ceiling Raised

The overhang of bumping against the federal debt ceiling was lifted last week with an agreement to extend the debt ceiling through early December, helping propel stocks to a weekly gain.The Dow Jones Industrial Average increased by 1...

Weekly Market Insights: Stalemate in the Capitol

Higher bond yields and a legislative stalemate in Washington, D.C., added up to losses for the week.The Dow Jones Industrial Average declined 1.36%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 lost 2.21%. The Nasdaq Composite index fell...

Weekly Market Insights: Wild Week of Contagion Concerns

Stocks prices were whipsawed last week, dragged initially lower by financial contagion worries and later lifted by a supportive Fed policy statement.The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 0.62%, while the Standard & Poor’s...

Weekly Market Insights: Stocks Lackluster Despite Positive Outlook

Stocks weakened ahead of this week’s Federal Reserve meeting and amid persistent concerns about the Delta variant’s impact on the economy.The Dow Jones Industrial Average was flat (-0.07%), while the Standard &...

Weekly Market Insights: Delta Variant Concerns Markets

In a quiet week of news, stocks moved lower amid simmering concerns over the Delta variant’s effect on the progress of economic reopening.The Dow Jones Industrial Average declined 2.15%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500...

Weekly Market Insights: Will the Fed Taper in 2021?

Stocks turned lower last week amid the increasing probability of a Fed tapering, mixed economic data, and growing concerns about the economic impact of the Delta variant.The Dow Jones Industrial Average slumped 1.11%, while the...

Weekly Market Insights: Passage of Infrastructure Boosts Stocks

Looking past inflation figures and Delta variant trends, stocks last week found a way to climb higher and set fresh record highs in the process.The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 0.87%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500...

Weekly Market Insights: Jobs Strong, Earnings Strong

Overcoming jitters about the Delta variant and the reintroduction of mask requirements, stocks climbed higher on strong employment data and a fresh batch of strong corporate earnings.The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 0.78% while...

Weekly Market Insights: Market Shows Small Loss

The stock market posted small losses last week despite a very strong showing by corporate America.The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 0.36%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 lost 0.37%. The Nasdaq Composite index dropped...

Weekly Market Insights: Markets Overcome Delta Variant Reports

Overcoming a COVID-related economic growth scare, stocks moved higher amid a week of strong corporate earnings reports.The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 1.08%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 gained 1.96%. The Nasdaq...

Weekly Market Insights: Stocks Retreat, Inflation Advances

Despite a good start to earnings season and some solid economic data, worries of slower second-half economic growth led to a pullback in stock prices last week.The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.52%, while the Standard &...

Weekly Market Insights: Stocks Edge Higher in Short Week

Stocks managed small gains as investors wrestled with concerns over economic growth prospects and a rise in COVID-19 infections.The Dow Jones Industrial Average picked up 0.24%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 gained 0.40%....

Weekly Market Insights: Strong Employment Reports

Strong employment reports and rising consumer confidence sent the stock market broadly higher last week.The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 1.02%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 picked up 1.67%. The Nasdaq Composite index...

Weekly Market Insights: Stocks Reach All-Time Highs

Stocks reached new all-time highs last week as markets staged a strong rebound from the previous week’s declines.The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 3.44%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 picked up 2.74%. The Nasdaq...

Weekly Market Insights: Fed Signals Interest Rate Hikes

New messaging from the Federal Reserve on interest rates and inflation last week led to a broad retreat in stock prices.The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 3.45% while the Standard & Poor’s 500 lost 1.91%. The Nasdaq...

Weekly Market Insights: Stocks Stay Cool, Inflation Heats Up

Stocks ended the week mixed as investors appeared to shrug off a hotter-than-expected inflation report.The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 0.80%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 advanced 0.41%. The Nasdaq Composite...

Weekly Market Insights: Labor Numbers Positive

A strong, but not too strong, employment report sparked a rally on the final day of trading, propelling stocks to a modest gain for the week.The Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed by 0.66%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500...

Weekly Market Insights: Upbeat Feelings Boost Market

Optimism over the economic reopening and renewed enthusiasm for technology and other high-growth companies powered the stock market higher last week.The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 0.94%, while the Standard & Poor’s...

Weekly Market Insights: Inflation Concerns Continue

Stock prices fluctuated amid inflation concerns and bargain hunting, leaving stocks mixed for the week.The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 0.51%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 dropped 0.43%. The tech-heavy Nasdaq...

Weekly Market Insights: Stocks React to Big CPI Shift

A surge in consumer inflation unsettled investors, leading to a turbulent week of trading on Wall Street.The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 1.14%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 fell 1.39%. The Nasdaq Composite index...

Weekly Market Insights: Labor Numbers Reflect Uncertainty

Stocks closed mixed last week as signs of continued economic recovery and upbeat earnings helped some sectors while the struggles persisted for high-growth companies.The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 2.67%, while the Standard...

Weekly Market Insights: Earnings Season Crests Some Expectations

Stocks meandered around a flatline in a busy week of corporate earnings, ending the trading week slightly lower.The Dow Jones Industrial Average slid 0.50%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 was flat (+0.02%). The Nasdaq...

Weekly Market Insights: Mixed Signals, Choppy Week

The crosscurrents of strong corporate earnings, rising global cases of COVID-19, and the specter of higher capital gains taxes led to a choppy week of trading that left stock prices slightly lower for the week.The Dow Jones Industrial...

Weekly Market Insights: Stocks Move Higher on Latest Numbers

Stocks reached record highs last week, riding the tailwind of improving economic data and a strong start to the earnings season.The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 1.18%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 gained 1.37%. The...

Weekly Market Insights: S&P 500 Rises Above 4,000

Overcoming a rocky start, stocks rallied into the close of a holiday-shortened week of trading as technology shares staged a powerful recovery and investors reacted positively to President Biden’s infrastructure spending...

Weekly Market Insights: Rocky Week Despite Upbeat Signals

A rocky week with wide price swings led to mixed results for stocks last week, as investors grappled with anxieties over economic growth and weakness in technology and other high-growth stocks.The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 1...

Weekly Market Insights: Modest Losses After Choppy Week

Rising bond yields and improving economic conditions led to a choppy week of trading that ended in modest losses for investors.The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.46%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 declined 0.77%. The...

Weekly Market Insights: Economy Reacts to COVID-19 Stimulus

Stocks touched new record highs last week as bond yields steadied, a fiscal relief bill was signed into law, and confidence in a strong economic recovery grew.The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 4.07%, while the Standard &...

Weekly Market Insights: Stocks React Sharply to Bonds, Inflation

Stocks were mixed last week as rising bond yields and heightening inflation fears sent stocks on a wild ride, capped by a remarkable Friday afternoon rally.The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 1.82%, while the Standard &...

March 1, 2021 Weekly Market Insights: Rising Bond Yields Diminish Stocks

Stocks dropped amid rising long-term bond yields, with sharp declines in high-valuation growth stocks leading the overall market lower.The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 1.78%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 declined...

February 22, 2021 Weekly Market Insights: Rising Inflation Concerns

Rising bond yields dampened investor enthusiasm for high-multiple growth companies last week, sending market averages mostly lower in a holiday-shortened week of trading.The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 0.11% for the week. But...

February 1,2021 - Unexpected Trading Rattles Market

Despite strong corporate earnings, stock prices closed lower after a volatile week of trading triggered by unprecedented activity in a handful of companies.The Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 3.27%, while the Standard &...

January 25, 2021 - Optimism Stimulates Markets

Anticipation of a new fiscal stimulus and improved vaccine distribution powered stocks to fresh record highs last week with technology stocks leading the way.

January 18, 2021 Markets Drift Lower

Markets drifted lower last week as uninspired investors digested mixed news on the economic front. The Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 0.91% while the Standard & Poor’s 500 slid 1.48%. The Nasdaq Composite index stumbled 1.54%...

January 11, 2021 - Markets Start 2021 on a High

The Week on Wall Street Shrugging off COVID-19 infections and the disruption at the Capitol on January 6, stocks powered higher to kick off a new year of trading.The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 1.61%, while the Standard &...

January 4, 2021 - The Year in Review

The Week on Wall Street Stocks moved higher during a holiday-shortened week of trading, capping off a turbulent, but otherwise strong year for equity investors. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 1.35%, while the Standard &...

December 21, 2020 - Vaccine Rollout Spurs Markets

The Week on Wall Street Stocks climbed higher amid the COVID-19 vaccine rollout and an improving outlook for a fiscal stimulus bill.The Dow Jones Industrial Average, which has lagged all year, gained 0.44%. The Standard & Poor’s 500...

December 14, 2020 - Cases Rise, Stocks Retreat

The Week on Wall Street Stocks retreated last week on rising COVID-19 infections and slow progress on an economic relief bill. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dipped 0.57%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 dropped 0.96%. The Nasdaq...

December 7, 2020 - Is Stimulus Near?

The Week on Wall Street Stocks marched higher last week on an improving outlook for the passage of a fiscal stimulus package. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 1.03%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 tacked on 1.67%. The Nasdaq...

November 30, 2020 - Dow Hits 30,000

The Week on Wall Street Stocks surged last week, ignited by another COVID-19 vaccine announcement, encouraging economic data, and the easing of political uncertainty.The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 2.21%, while the Standard &...

November 23, 2020 - New Infections Increase Anxiety

The Week on Wall StreetDespite news of another COVID-19 vaccine candidate, stocks were mixed amid investor anxiety over an increase in new infections and economic lockdowns.The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.73%, while the...

November 16, 2020 - Vaccine Triggers Rally

The Week on Wall Street News of a COVID-19 vaccine ignited a rally in economically sensitive stocks and a broad retreat in technology companies last week, though enthusiasm was tempered by reports of rising new infections and fresh...

November 9, 2020 - Markets React to Election

The Week on Wall Street Stocks soared last week as investors anticipated that a split Congress would raise legislative hurdles to changing corporate taxes and adjusting regulatory oversight of big technology companies.The Dow Jones...

Beyond the Election: Part I

So…we had an election. It has gone down to the wire. At the time of this writing mid-day November 4 the votes are still being counted. America's politics have significantly de-matured since the contested election in 2000...

November 2, 2020 - No Stimulus, Stocks Lag

The Week on Wall Street Stock prices dropped last week as hopes for a fiscal stimulus bill faded and investors focused on rising COVID-19 infections, here and abroad. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slid 6.47%, while the Standard &...

October 26, 2020 - No Stimulus, Stocks Lower

The Week on Wall Street The failure to reach an agreement on a new fiscal stimulus bill soured investor sentiment and sent stocks modestly lower for the week. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.95%, while the Standard & Poor’s...

October 19, 2020 - A Difficult Week for Stocks

The Week on Wall Street Stocks treaded water last week amid fading prospects for a stimulus bill, fears of a second wave of COVID-19 cases, and increasing political and regulatory pressures on Big Tech companies.The Dow Jones...

Video Dispatch: Coronavirus - Looking Ahead

In my latest dispatch, I discuss the resources I look at when analyzing the current snapshots of where we are in the corona pandemic, as well as where I think we're headed this Fall and beyond.The current wave has key differences from...

Video Dispatch: Coronavirus - The Bigger Picture

The previous two dispatches touched on the best-case scenario and the "not good" scenario, and why both indicate the public health response and the economic recovery can't even begin before there's a vaccine. Now, let's pull back a...

Video Dispatch: Coronavirus - The "Not Good" Case Scenario

There are many reasons why we should not assume a vaccine will return life to normal. I discussed some of these in the first part of this dispatch on the best-case scenario. But it is more complicated than that. For part two in this...

Coronavirus - The Best Case Scenario

Even in the best case scenario, a coronavirus vaccine can't be rolled out fully to the general American population until the second quarter of 2021. But that only marks the beginning of the end. Please click above to watch video.

October 12, 2020 - Stocks Rise, Stimulus Uncertain

The Week on Wall Street Stocks staged a powerful rally last week, riding a wave of optimism over the prospect of the passage of a new fiscal stimulus bill.The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 3.27%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500...

October 5, 2020 - Special Update: Quarterly Report

The Week on Wall Street Stocks advanced last week, propelled by hopes that legislators may reach an agreement for a new fiscal stimulus package and optimism generated by a few corporate deal announcements and initial public offerings....

Video Dispatch IV: America's Mid-East Partners in Disarray

The pullout of US troops in the Middle East is likely to continue after November's presidential election. We're already seeing significant changes in how the Middle East works, including what sorts of antics local players can get into...

Video Dispatch III: Chinese Challenges on the Horizon

The results of the November presidential election are unlikely to change the trajectory of US-Chinese relations over the past decade. But Beijing's biggest challenges don't lie with the US. As the Chinese government continues to...

Video Dispatch II: Europe and Russia Square Off

Russia and Europe are tilting toward confrontation. The European defense posture for the past 70+ years has been predicated on NATO--a fancy acronym for "the United States is our security guarantor." What can Europe expect following...

Video Dispatch I: Future Crises in the Making

Mountain living can be...challenging. In the first of a series of video dispatches this week, I make lemons from lemonade and discuss the looming international challenges facing the American presidency, no matter who wins in November...

September 28, 2020 - Stocks Mixed Amid Uncertainty

The Week on Wall Street Stocks were mixed last week as worries that stretched from Washington D.C., where prospects of a new fiscal stimulus bill dimmed, to Europe, which saw an increase of new COVID-19 cases.The Dow Jones Industrial...

The 2020 Elections and Beyond

I normally try to stay out of American politics. My work is in the wider world, the American system is remarkably stable and self-regulating, and if I'm to be completely honest, making domestic political forecasts tends to burn bridges...

September 21, 2020 - Tech Sector Slip Continues

The Week on Wall Street Stocks slipped as the technology sector remained under pressure and a mid-week announcement by the Federal Reserve failed to inspire investors.The Dow Jones Industrial Average declined 0.03%, while the Standard...

The End of the Last, Best Chance

Last week the American ambassador to China, Terry Branstad, attempted to publish an op-ed with his assessment of American-Chinese relations. The Chinese Communist Part summarily squashed it, banning the op-ed in all Chinese...

September 14, 2020 - Stocks Continue Downward Slide

The Week on Wall Street Stocks traveled a volatile path last week as investors appeared concerned about the upcoming elections, an uncertain economy, and more delays with additional fiscal stimulus. The Dow Jones Industrial Average...

Weekly Market Insights: Stocks Stall as Recovery Continues

A late week sell-off sent stocks broadly lower as investors took some profits after stocks reached all-time highs earlier in the week.The Dow Jones Industrial Average slid 1.82%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 slumped 2.31%...

August 31, 2020 - Stocks Power Higher

The Week on Wall Street Stocks advanced relentlessly last week on positive COVID-19 developments, encouraging economic data, and a supportive policy shift in the Fed’s approach to its target inflation rate. The Dow Jones Industrial...

August 24, 2020 - Stocks Reach New Highs

The Week on Wall Street Stocks powered to another week of gains as the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite set multiple new record highs along the way.The Dow Jones Industrial Average was essentially unchanged while the Standard & Poor’s 500...

August 17, 2020 - Stocks and Consumer Prices Rise

The Week on Wall StreetStock prices drifted higher in an otherwise quiet news week, as a slowdown in new COVID-19 cases outweighed a Congressional impasse on a new fiscal-spending measure. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 1.81%...

Waking Up to Reality in the Middle East

Thursday, August 13 the Trump administration released a series of breathless communiques proclaiming the onset of formal peace and diplomatic recognition between Israel and the United Arab Emirates. Shortly thereafter the Israeli...

The Vaccine Struggle

The coronavirus epidemic in the United States continues to accelerate. Much of the recent news has been about ongoing and unprecedented caseload increases in the large states of California, Texas and Florida. While I pride myself on...

August 10, 2020 - Earnings Season Winds Down

The Week on Wall StreetOverlooking stalled efforts by Congress to pass a new fiscal stimulus bill, stocks marched higher last week with the Dow Jones Industrials leading the way and the NASDAQ Composite setting multiple fresh record...

August 3, 2020 - Stocks Have Mixed Reaction

The Week on Wall Street Stocks were mixed last week amid a busy week of earnings, some troubling economic data, and seemingly little progress on a new fiscal stimulus package.The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 0.16%, while the...

July 27, 2020 - Stocks React to Jobs Report

The Week on Wall Street Stocks slipped in the final days of trading last week on higher jobless claims and rising tensions in the U.S.-China relationship. The Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 0.76%, while the Standard & Poor's 500...

July 20, 2020 - Stocks See a Mixed Week

The Week on Wall StreetStocks were mixed last week as investors reacted to positive economic data, progress on a COVID-19 vaccine, and the continued nationwide increase in COVID-19 cases. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 2.29%,...

July 13, 2020 - Stocks Gain After Volatile Week

The Week on Wall StreetStock prices notched solid gains last week, looking past an increase in COVID-19 cases and any potential economic concerns raised by the trend. The Dow Jones Industrial Average increased by 0.96%, while the...

CARES Act Modification Allows More Retirement Savings Access

Americans who have been adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic may now be able to access retirement accounts to help cover daily expenses, penalty-free.Now, in addition to those who have lost their jobs during the COVID-19...

July 6, 2020 - Special Update: Quarterly Report

The Week on Wall StreetIn a holiday-shortened week, stock prices turned higher as encouraging economic data outweighed an increase in COVID-19 cases and a rollback in economic re-openings.The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 3.25%,...

A Look Under the Hood: Oil and COVID

Getting reliable oil data on any country outside the United States is very nearly an exercise in futility. Even a country with "good" data like the United States sources that data from a half dozen separate bureaus and 50 different...

June 29, 2020 - Rise in Cases Inspires Turbulence

The Week on Wall StreetA jump in COVID-19 cases dampened investor enthusiasm last week, sending stock prices lower on worries that rising infections could derail the economic recovery. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slumped 3.31%,...

COVID-19: The Breath Before the Plunge

Unlike most countries in East Asia or Europe, the United States never managed to get its caseload under control. Between the economic re-openings, Memorial Day parties, and ongoing protests against police violence, cases are rapidly...

June 22, 2020 - U.S. Economy Gains Momentum

The Week on Wall StreetStocks moved higher last week on news of more Federal Reserve market support and diminished concerns that new COVID-19 cases might lead to another economic shutdown. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 1.04%,...

The State of the Pandemic: the BRICS

Just a decade ago, the financial world was abuzz discussing the future of the BRICS – Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. This group of largeish developing countries had little to do with one another, and their...

The State of the Pandemic: Europe

There is no such thing as "Europe." Yes, there's this political-economic grouping called the EU, but two of Europe's most important countries are not members. Yes, there's this political-military grouping called NATO, but it is...

The State of the Pandemic: East Asia

Some good news: Melissa Taylor (ZoG's Director of Research) has been tracking the coronavirus epidemic – particularly in East Asia, which was COVID ground zero – with her usual precision and attention to detail. She’s...

The State of the Pandemic: the Persian Gulf

Outside of China, Iran was the world’s first significant coronavirus epicenter, and it is pretty obvious that tight geopolitical and economic relations among the two – reinforced by American sanctions – served as a...

June 15, 2020 - Markets React to Fed Report

The Week on Wall StreetInvestor sentiment turned negative last week, amid an increasing number of COVID-19 cases in states where reopening has been underway as well as a subdued economic forecast from the Federal Reserve. The Dow Jones...

Mexico: Triumph Over Geography

Let’s rile everyone up with an uncomfortable statement: Mexico should be a failed state. The issue isn’t cultural, political, or policy-driven, but rather, geographical. Most powers of significance share two geographic...

The State of the Pandemic: The United States

Let me bottom-line it: In the United States, the COVID epidemic is now the second-worst in the developed world and among the dozen worst globally. The epidemic will get considerably more intense in just the next few weeks. Red states...

The State of the Pandemic: Latin America

For the next few days, the team here at Zeihan on Geopolitics will be sharing a few snapshots of the pandemic from around the world. This is less a holistic assessment and instead us taking the temperature of some major countries so...

June 8, 2020 - Recovery Optimism Builds

The Week on Wall StreetA positive jobs report sent stocks soaring last Friday, capping a solid week as evidence of a global economic recovery outweighed concerns over civil unrest and tensions with China.The Dow Jones Industrial...

A Peek Under the Hood: Manufactures Trade

We all know the United States imports a huge volume of finished manufactured goods from the wider world, with China being the largest source. What is less understood is the far larger volume of goods the Americans manufacture at home....

June 1, 2020 - Optimism for Re-Opening

The Week on Wall StreetThe shortened week, which began with a powerful two-day rally of trading, was enough to drive the markets into another week of solid gains. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 3.75%, while the Standard &...

A Faint Flicker of Hope in Europe

The past few several weeks have been busy for the Europeans, easily generating more events of consequence than at any time since at least the 2007 financial crisis. There is no specific trigger event here that makes much sense without...

Distancing at Work

By Peter Zeihan and Melissa Taylor on May 28, 2020 Coronavirus is primarily a respiratory ailment primarily spread by exhaled droplets from coughs or simple breathing, which is why masks are so effective at preventing an infected...

May 26, 2020 - Markets React to Positive Outlook

The Week on Wall StreetUpbeat comments by the Federal Reserve Chairman and more signs of an economic turnaround combined to help fuel a powerful rally in the stock market last week.The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 3.29%, while...

May 18, 2020 - Powell Somber on Recovery

The Week on Wall StreetStocks drifted lower last week, weighed down by Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell's unsettling comments on the economy and signs of renewed tensions with China.The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 2.65%,...

A Failure of Leadership, Part III: The Beginning of the End of China

The Chinese are intentionally torching their diplomatic relationships with the wider world. The question is why? The short version is that China’s spasming belligerency is a sign not of confidence and strength, but instead...

A Failure of Leadership, Part II: How To Lose Friends and Mobilize People Against You

The propaganda out of China of late has been…notable. Beijing has accused the French of using their nursing homes as death camps, has blamed Italy for being the source of the coronavirus (at the very peak of Italian deaths),...

A Failure of Leadership, Part I: A Look Around the World

The past few weeks have been…eventful. I make my living anticipating and explaining and projecting change, with an unfortunate emphasis on destabilizing and disintegrative change. Pre-coronavirus the world was already hurtling...

May 11, 2020 - Jobs Down, Stocks Up

The Week on Wall StreetDespite a historic downturn in employment, stocks managed to climb higher last week as investors were emboldened by the pace of economic re-openings, both here and abroad.The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 2...

May 4, 2020 - Economic Normalization Near?

The Week on Wall StreetStock prices ended the week slightly lower, despite news of positive results from a test trial of a COVID-19 drug treatment and several states easing their economic lockdowns. The Dow Jones Industrial Average...

The End of Cost

In the past five weeks the United States has thrown $3 trillion in new government spending at coronavirus-related bailouts, relief and economic stimulus. In total the US has already spent more on coronavirus-related actions than the...

Global Grain Trade and its Discontents

Yesterday’s newsletter traced some of the issues that erupt when global transport gets wrecked. Today we’re going to cross that same initial problem into the world of agriculture. It isn’t so much that plummeting oil...

The Next COVID Crisis: Income Falls, Famine Rises

The novel coronavirus has gutted humanity’s ability to engage in that most basic of social and economic activities: the ability to move. That simple fact has touched off a cascade of consequences, all of which touch off their...

April 27, 2020 - Markets React to Oil Prices

The Week on Wall StreetStock prices bounced around last week as investors reacted to wild swings in the price of oil and reports that called into question the efficacy of two potential virus treatments.The Dow Jones Industrial Average...

US COVID-19 Testing Data, April 27

Let’s start with the headline good news. Since our last update on April 19, it appears the COVID-19 epidemic may have plateaued in the United States with direct COVID-caused deaths peaking on April 21 at just under 2700 cases....

US Meatpacking Bends to Coronavirus Pressure

Let’s get the bad news out of the way first. Meatpacking is a messy business almost custom-designed to generate coronavirus outbreaks among the staff. When a cow or hog is brought into the slaughter facility, it is slit, hung,...

Oil: The Storm Before the Really Big Storm

West Texas Intermediate, the oil grade most associated with American production, plunged down to -$40 April 20. You read the right. For a while yesterday, sellers had to pay people forty bucks to take a barrel of crude.As with any...

April 20, 2020 - First Post-COVID-19 Data Arrives

The Week on Wall StreetStock prices pushed higher last week as news of a White House plan to reopen the economy and reports of a potential COVID-19 treatment helped the market overcome weak economic data and an ugly start to the...

Coronavirus: The American Food Security Guide

My partner just got back from a grocery store stock-up. The trip-in has been part of our weekly ritual since this coronavirus thing got going. The post-shopping conversation has a similar ritualistic feel. Whoever stays home queries...

OPEC Production Deal, or Price War 2.0?

After the better part of five days of marathon negotiations spearheaded by Saudi Arabia with the goal of eliminating coronavirus-induced overhang in oil supply, global oil producers hammered out April 12 an agreement to reduce oil...

April 13, 2020 - Markets Rally

The Week on Wall StreetThe stock market staged a broad rally this week, buoyed by the prospect that COVID-19's grip on the nation may be easing and news of another Federal Reserve program to help stabilize businesses.The Dow Jones...

The Shattering of Global Oil

Oil demand is relatively inelastic. That’s a fancy-schmancy economic term that means people and firms’ energy demand doesn’t vary very much from day-to-day or even year-to-year. Driving to work is perhaps the most...

April 6, 2020 - Special Update: Quarterly Report

The Week on Wall StreetModest declines in stock prices this week masked the volatile inter- and intraday price swings as investors digested poor economic data and a warning from the president that the worst days of the COVID-19...

Coronavirus: The Energy Guide

As a rule I try to stay out of discussions about energy prices. Energy trading is a hectic business with a lot of stress, plagued by fleets of hot-headed issues that have nothing to do with supply or demand or technology. But...

Coronavirus: The Developing World Guide

As governments in Washington, DC and London and Paris took their time to push their respective populations to shelter in place, the novel coronavirus did what it does best: spread quickly and efficiently through dense populations, the...

Coronavirus: The Unmaking of the Global Economy

Here is the accumulated data of all known cases of coronavirus in the United States, courtesy of The COVID Tracking Project. As you can see the situation is getting both worse and better. Worse in that deaths are starting to rise...

March 30, 2020 - Congress Approves Stimulus

An open-ended commitment by the Federal Reserve to support American businesses and capital markets along with the passage of a $2 trillion aid package improved investor sentiment and drove a strong rally in stock prices. The Dow Jones...

Coronavirus: The Finance and Banking Guide

There is plenty of negativity and doom and gloom out in the world right now, and in this series there certainly is some of that. Ok, plenty of that. So I thought it might be best to begin the Finance Guide with something a bit...

World Leaders at Risk

The British government announced March 27 that Prime Minister Boris Johnson tested positive for coronavirus, making him the first world leader to do so. As the United Kingdom is an advanced democracy, here at ZoG we are not overly...

Why Data on Coronavirus Sucks

Throughout media of all forms, we are hungry for information on coronavirus. Some of this is a flat out are-we-doing-better-or-worse-than-they-are, but most of it is simply to try to put what we know into some sort of context that is...

Coronavirus, the Europe Guide

In the age of coronavirus, Europe’s near-term future is bleak. European headlines in coming weeks will be about coronavirus deaths. In large part the issue is demographic. Coronavirus is far more likely to kill those over aged...

Coronavirus: Epidemic Guide, The American and European Edition

Not all epidemics are created equal, even when everyone is battling the same pathogen. Let's start with timing and intensity. The imminent coronavirus wave of cases about to hit the United States is going to hurt, but it will hurt...

March 23, 2020 - More Coronavirus Volatility

The Week on Wall StreetThe stock market suffered through another volatile week as it wrestled with the health and economic fallout of the domestic spread of the coronavirus. Swift and decisive actions by the Federal Reserve and policy...

Coronavirus: The Survival Guide

I just shared a lovely meal with my family. We all brought our own food and chairs, sat outside, and maintained a constant 6ft bubble around everyone, especially my parents. It was hard with a toddler running around, wanting to hug...

The Geopolitics of American Fear

This coming week (March 23-28) the South Koreans will be in the fifth week of their epidemic. To be blunt it is what I’ve been waiting for. The “typical” coronavirus experience for someone who requires...

March 16, 2020 - Volatility Continues

The Week on Wall StreetMarkets remained exceptionally volatile, buffeted by the spreading impact of coronavirus, uncertain responses from federal policymakers, and the sudden drop in oil prices.The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 10...

March 9, 2020 - Rallies and Retreats

The Week on Wall StreetHeightened coronavirus fears, falling yields, and Super Tuesday primary results sent stocks on a rollercoaster ride of sharp price swings, leaving stocks marginally higher for the week.The Dow Jones Industrial...

The Oil Wars Are Going Viral

We just had the second-biggest oil price drop on record as Asian markets opened March 8.For the past couple of weeks the Saudis have been attempting to cobble together an oil production cut of about 1.5 million barrels per day. As of...

The “Gift” of Coronavirus

In the past couple of weeks coronavirus cases outside of China surged. Particularly worrisome clusters emerged in South Korea and Iran, countries which serve as transport hubs for their respective worlds. US President Donald Trump is...

March 2, 2020 - The Virus Becomes the Focus

The Week on Wall StreetStocks fell sharply last week as Wall Street considered how the coronavirus outbreak might influence global business activity and household spending.The selloff became a correction for the U.S. markets. The S&P...

February 24, 2020 - Virus Anxieties Affect Stocks

The Week on Wall StreetTraders paid close attention to coronavirus developments and earnings last week, while wondering how the former might eventually impact the latter. Concern over updated infection numbers moderated risk appetite.A...

The Cutting Room Files, Part 8: American Politics

I try to avoid US domestic politics in most of my work. In part because domestic politics are a loud and busy space, and it is easy to have your work get lost in the noise and rage. In part because – especially at the primary...

February 18, 2020 - Weekly Gains for Big Benchmarks

The Week on Wall StreetDaily headlines about the coronavirus had little impact on stock market averages last week. Earnings and mergers had more influence. All three Wall Street benchmarks improved. The Nasdaq Composite rose 2.21%,...

The Cutting Room Files, Part 7: Europe

After three years of drama, on midnight Jan 31 the Brits finally left the European Union. The next piece of the Brexit drama will be a decidedly non-European affair, instead being between a family debate between London and Washington....

Flipping the Philippines

The Philippine government this week began the formal legal process of ejecting US forces from the country and ending the US-Philippine alliance. Chinese involvement in the decision isn’t so much suspected as assumed. The few...

February 10, 2020 - Stocks Bounce Back

The Week on Wall StreetStocks advanced four days out of five during the past market week, erasing the losses of the week before. The Nasdaq Composite surged 4.04%, the S&P 500 3.17%, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average 3.00%. Foreign...

February 3, 2020 - Equities Slip on Virus Concerns

The Week on Wall StreetStock benchmarks declined for a second straight week as coronavirus news tempered risk appetite.The S&P 500 fell 2.14% on the week. The Nasdaq Composite dipped 1.76%, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average, 2.55%....

Coronavirus

Four things have popped up in the past 48 hours that are worth a look.First, we now have enough preliminary data to say some general things about the virus and the news is good: the virus is neither as deadly nor as communicable as...

January 27, 2020 - Stocks End the Week Lower

The Week on Wall StreetStock prices fell last week as investors considered the potential health and economic risks of the flu-like coronavirus.Foreign stock markets, as tracked by the broad MSCI EAFE index, fell 1.03% for the week....

January 21, 2020 - Fresh Record Highs

The Week on Wall StreetTraders were in an upbeat mood last week, reacting to news out of Washington: the signing of the phase-one trade deal between the U.S. and China as well as the Senate passage of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement...

January 13, 2020 - Further Gains for Stocks

The Week on Wall StreetThe market had a choppy five days, with traders reacting to geopolitical developments and weaker-than-expected jobs data. Even so, the three major U.S. equity indices posted weekly gains and continued their...

Another Round in the Middle East?

It isn’t every day you can say a missile strike means things are calming down, but hey, it’s the Middle East. The rules are different. Overnight Jan 2-3 the United States killed Qassem Soleimani, Iran’s go-to guy for...

January 6, 2020 - Concerns About Oil

The Week on Wall Street Stocks descended from record highs Friday, as traders reacted to a U.S. drone strike that killed Iran's top military officer. Oil prices rose more than 3% following the breaking news.[1] Wall Street benchmarks...

Another Round in the Middle East?

In the middle of the night January 3-4 an American air strike in Baghdad killed Qassem Soleimani, senior General of Iran's Qud's Force, arguably the second most important man in the Iranian state. The Americans blame Soleimani for...

December 30, 2019 - The Year in Review

What Drove the Markets? Four factors influenced investment performance in 2019: a shift in U.S. monetary policy, the ongoing trade dispute between the U.S. and China, earnings, and the economy. Stocks reached record highs in 2019. The...

The Future of China

December 16 and 17 all the international news that was fit to print showcased announcements in both China and the United States that after some 18 months of talks, tariffs and recriminations, a Phase1 trade deal had been reached. So...

December 16, 2019 - Phase-One Trade Deal Reached

The Week on Wall Street The U.S. and China announced a limited trade agreement last week. That news lifted U.S. and foreign stocks, leading to weekly gains. Advancing 0.91% on the week, the Nasdaq Composite outperformed the S&P 500...

December 9, 2019 - Stocks Ride Out a Choppy Week

The Week on Wall Street Key Wall Street benchmarks were up and down last week – or rather down and then up. A Tuesday retreat was offset by a Friday rally spurred by the Department of Labor’s November jobs report. While the S&P 500...

December 2, 2019 - November Concludes With Gains

The Week on Wall Street As November wrapped up, U.S. equity benchmarks advanced. Stocks were again aided by a sense of optimism that a preliminary U.S.-China trade deal could be near. For the week, the Nasdaq Composite added 1.87%;...

November 25, 2019 - Major Indices Move Lower

The Week on Wall Street Stocks declined last week as mixed signals emerged about the progress of U.S.-China trade negotiations. The three major Wall Street benchmarks all took weekly losses. The Dow Jones Industrial Average declined 0...

November 18, 2019 - A New Dow Milestone

The Week on Wall StreetStock benchmarks were little changed for much of last week, but a rally occurred Friday after news broke that the U.S. and China could be closing in on the first phase of a new trade pact. At Friday's close, the...

November 11, 2019 - Dow, S&P 500 Extend Win Streaks

The Week on Wall Street Domestic and international stocks rose last week. Risk appetite outweighed concerns about the state of U.S.-China trade discussions. The Dow Jones Industrial Average, Nasdaq Composite, S&P 500, and MSCI EAFE...

The Future of Japan

Japan is … odd.Most countries have a very clear chunk of reasonably good land that serves as home to a specific ethnicity. That group forms a government to serve the needs of those people in that place, and then that government...

November 4, 2019 - More Historic Highs

The Week on Wall Street A better-than-forecast jobs report prompted a stock market rally Friday, two days after traders witnessed another interest rate cut by the Federal Reserve. Both the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite ended the week...

October 28, 2019 - S&P 500 Nearly Makes History

The Week on Wall Street The S&P 500 came within 0.1% of a record close Friday. Stocks were lifted last week by positive news on U.S.-China trade negotiations, plus earnings announcements. The Nasdaq Composite posted the largest weekly...

The Future of Canada

Canada is… not a normal place. Everything from its settlement patterns to its defense strategy to its national politics to its economic structure is wildly different not just from the United States, but from every other country...

October 21, 2019 - Nasdaq Composite, S&P 500 Rise

The Week on Wall Street Earnings helped give the Nasdaq Composite and S&P 500 a slight lift last week, offsetting investor disappointment over the small scope of the preliminary U.S.-China trade deal reached on October 11. Blue chips...

The Future of Mexico

American-Mexican relations have been…colorful of late. American President Donald Trump has threatened Mexico with a rising tariff system that would constitute the greatest tariff effort in dollar terms by Americans in their...

CRF Files, Part I: The Future of Korea

When Donald Trump became president, world leaders fell into two broad buckets. The first thought that if the Americans were going to drop the global mantle of leadership, then perhaps there is some space for us. Russia’s...

October 14, 2019 - Trade Winds Move the Market

The Week on Wall Street Stock prices pushed higher last week, as investors remained hyper-focused on any new developments with the U.S. trade negotiations with China. The Dow Jones Industrial Average picked up 0.91%, while the...

Why So Negative?

Bonds are sliding toward negative territory across the developed world. Among the largest industrialized economies, only the United States is offering over 2% yields on 30-year bonds. And it's not just the global economic pillars...

October 7, 2019 - Special Update: Quarterly Report

The Week on Wall Street The fourth quarter started with a mixed week for equities. The Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 0.92% for the week; the S&P 500, 0.33%. In contrast, the Nasdaq Composite improved 0.54%. Overseas stocks pulled...

September 30, 2019 - Benchmarks End Week Lower

The Week on Wall Street Stocks retreated last week. Traders worried that the formal impeachment inquiry of President Donald Trump might distract White House officials from their pursuit of a trade deal with China, and shift the focus...

September 23, 2019 - Stocks Stage a Modest Retreat

The Week on Wall Street Investors reacted to two major news items last week, one far more of a surprise than the other. The Federal Reserve did indeed make a rate cut, matching Wall Street expectations. Drone strikes on two of the...

September 16, 2019 - Dow Logs 8-Day Win Streak

The Week on Wall Street Stocks edged toward all-time peaks during a relatively calm week marked by easing trade tensions. Friday marked the eighth straight daily advance for the Dow Jones Industrial Average.[1] Small-cap shares, as...

September 9, 2019 - Dow, Nasdaq, S&P 500 Advance

The Week on Wall Street Stocks rose last week, with help from two developments: the announcement of further U.S.-China trade talks as well as August hiring and manufacturing numbers that seemed to bolster the argument for a rate cut...

September 3, 2019 - Stocks Rally as August Ends

The Week on Wall Street Fears of an impasse in the U.S.-China trade dispute lessened last week. While additional U.S. tariffs on Chinese imports were scheduled to take effect on September 1, China's government communicated that it...

August 26, 2019 - China Announces More Tariffs

The Week on Wall Street Traders assumed that the week's biggest news event would be Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell's speech at the annual Jackson Hole banking conference. Instead, China seized the headlines by announcing new...

August 19, 2019 - Equities Face Some Volatility

The Week on Wall Street U.S. stock indices saw significant ups and downs last week, with traders looking for economic cues from Treasury yields and also developments in the tariff fight between the U.S. and China. The S&P 500 lost 1...

August 12, 2019 - Trade Tensions Affect Stocks

The Week on Wall Street Stocks spent much of last week rebounding from a Monday drop that reflected nervousness about the U.S.-China trade fight. By Thursday's closing bell, the S&P 500 had regained all its Monday losses - but it...

August 12, 2019 - The Return of the Hateful Pairs

A few months back a South Korean court ruled Japanese firms needed to pay compensation to Korean laborers who worked in Japanese-run factories during the 1910-1945 Japanese occupation of Korea. A big piece of this involved compensation...

The Return of the Hateful Pairs

A few months back a South Korean court ruled Japanese firms needed to pay compensation to Korean laborers who worked in Japanese-run factories during the 1910-1945 Japanese occupation of Korea. A big piece of this involved...

August 5, 2019 - Fed Cuts Rates, Stocks Retreat

The Week on Wall Street Last week, the Federal Reserve cut interest rates for the first time in more than a decade, in line with Wall Street's expectations. Ironically, stocks had their worst week of 2019. The S&P 500 finished the...

July 29, 2019 - S&P & Nasdaq Outgain Dow

The Week on Wall Street Last week, investors assessed earnings and the initial estimate of second-quarter economic growth, while awaiting the Federal Reserve's next announcement about interest rates. Stocks rose for the week;...

July 22, 2019 - Stocks Descend from Recent Peaks

The Week on Wall Street Stock benchmarks retreated during the first week of the second-quarter earnings season. As some big names shared quarterly results, investors seemed more interested in what might happen at the Federal Reserve's...

July 15, 2019 - S&P 500 Tops 3,000

The Week on Wall Street Friday, the S&P 500 settled above 3,000 for the first time, after rising 0.78% for the week. The Dow Jones Industrial Average chalked up a milestone of its own: the blue chips ended the week above 27,000,...

July 8, 2019 - Special Update: Quarterly Report

The Week on Wall Street U.S. stock benchmarks opened a new quarter positively. The S&P 500 gained 1.65% in the opening week of July; the Dow Jones Industrial Average, 1.21%; the Nasdaq Composite, 1.94%. Overseas, stocks in developed...

July 5, 2019 - The American Retreat, Part III: the Korean Peninsula

Not one to collect moss, Donald Trump shot directly from the G20 summit to South Korea July 1 where he nearly skipped the pro-forma niceties with the South Koreans for a tete-a-tete with North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un. Not only did...

July 4, 2019 - A Return to Tiananmen, Part II: The Ending of Hong Kong

Hong Kong has been one of the most important economic locations on the planet for over a century. China has always had problems holding together, but it has also always been a land of opportunity for outsiders who held a logistical...

July 3, 2019 - The American Retreat, Part II Soldiers of Fortune

The American Retreat, Part II: Soldiers of Fortune President Donald Trump has a knack for making Prime Ministers and Presidents hope to remain unnoticed. It’s a stunning ability given that national leaders aren’t exactly...

July 3, 2019 - A Return to Tiananmen, Part I: The Evolution of China

I recently had the opportunity to be in New Zealand and Australia for a few days. Being on the opposite side of the planet is a bit magical – and I’m not talking about the people, culture, topography, food or alcohol....

July 1, 2019 - Down Week Ends Strong Month

The Week on Wall Street A month of gains for stocks ended with a weekly retreat. The S&P 500 lost 0.30%; the Nasdaq Composite, 0.32%; the Dow Jones Industrial Average, 0.45%. In contrast, overseas shares, tracked by the MSCI EAFE...

June 25, 2019 - The American Retreat, Part I: Oil

I’m going to do something I loathe and quote something I read on Twitter June 24. In a pair of posts U.S. President Donald Trump asserted: Diction and statistical issues aside, these tweets comprise the 92 most important words...

June 24, 2019 - Stocks Touch Record Highs

The Week on Wall Street The S&P 500 hit an all-time peak of 2,964.03, in intraday trading Friday, while improving 2.20% across five market days. The Dow Jones Industrial Average and Nasdaq Composite posted respective, 5-day advances...

June 17, 2019 - Further June Gains

The Week on Wall Street Stocks advanced for a second straight week. The S&P 500 benchmark rose 0.47%; the Nasdaq Composite, 0.70%; the Dow Jones Industrial Average, 0.41%. Overseas shares, as tracked by the MSCI EAFE developed markets...

June 10, 2019 - Big Gains for the Major Indices

The Week on Wall Street Stocks rallied during a week in which Wall Street was buffeted by headlines. The S&P 500 rose 4.41%. The Nasdaq Composite and Dow Jones Industrial Average respectively added 3.88% and 4.71%. The MSCI EAFE index...

June 3, 2019 - May Ends with a Retreat

The Week on Wall Street Stocks struggled during a 4-day market week as the U.S.-China trade standoff continued to weigh on the minds of market participants. From the Friday, May 24 close to the Friday, May 31 close, the S&P 500...

May 28, 2019 - Trade Tensions Linger

The Week on Wall StreetStocks drifted lower last week as investors considered the possibility that the world's two largest economies might take some time to resolve key trade issues. The S&P 500 retreated 1.17%; the Nasdaq Composite,...

May 20, 2019 - Trade News Moves the Market

The Week on Wall Street Stocks fell sharply at the start of last week over trade tensions, then recovered with help from strong earnings and indications that U.S.-China trade talks would continue. Even so, the major indices had a down...

May 17, 2019 - My Way or the Huawei

On May 15 the U.S. government put Chinese telecoms giant Huawei and nearly all its affiliates and subsidiaries on an export black list, which prohibits American firms from selling them high-tech products. Much has been made of...

May 13, 2019 - Higher Tariffs Take Effect

The Week on Wall Street As we noted recently, Wall Street has a wandering eye. Last week, it focused on the new tariff threats in the ongoing U.S.-China trade dispute. Stocks fell across five trading sessions: the Dow Jones Industrial...

May 6, 2019 - Major Indices Have a Mixed Week

The Week on Wall Street Stocks were up and down last week, and the three major benchmarks ended up little changed after five trading days. The S&P 500 rose 0.20% for the week; the Nasdaq Composite, 0.22%. The Dow Jones Industrial...

April 29, 2019 - S&P 500 Reaches a New Peak

The Week on Wall Street Stocks returned to record territory, with both the S&P 500 and the Nasdaq Composite closing at historic highs. The S&P gained 1.20% for the week; the Nasdaq, 1.85%. The Dow Jones Industrial Average lagged,...

April 22, 2019 - A Mild Week for the Market

The Week on Wall Street A short and relatively placid trading week wrapped up Thursday, with the major indices turning in mixed performances. The S&P 500 retreated 0.08%, the Nasdaq Composite advanced 0.17%, and the Dow Jones...

April 17, 2019 Alberta's Tryst With Destiny

Local politics, even at the national level, are rarely a focus for students of geopolitics. Personalities play too big a role in the mishmash while local outcomes often play too small a role globally. Local affairs take up an outsized...

April 15, 2019 - The Q1 Earnings Season Begins

The Week on Wall Street Stocks broke out of a narrow range on Friday following news that two major banks grew their bottom line in the first quarter. For the week, the S&P 500 rose 0.79%; the Nasdaq Composite, 0.91%. The Dow Jones...

April 8, 2019 - Special Update: Quarterly Report

The Week on Wall Street Stocks just posted their second straight weekly gain. Investors were encouraged by the latest jobs report and new signs of progress on a U.S.-China trade deal. The Dow Jones Industrial Average advanced 1.17% in...

7 Tips to Retire Early

7 Tips to Retire Early Whether you love your job or dread every day at work, one day you will retire. How you retire and how soon is largely up to you. For instance, a 20-year-old worker who consistently saves just $500 a month could...

April 3, 2019 - And Now For Something Completely Different

Early April 3 United Kingdom Prime Minister Theresa May met with the leader of the Labor opposition, Jeremy Corbyn, to discuss a common way forward on the UK’s impending divorce from the European Union. Drama ensued. Markets and...

March 25, 2019 - Treasury Yields Prompt Concerns

The Week on Wall Street Friday, the yield of the 3-month Treasury bill exceeded the yield of the 10-year Treasury note for the first time in 12 years. For some analysts, this "inverted yield curve" may imply a short-term lessening of...

March 19, 2019 - The Art in the Forest

I woke up Monday morning to find a bit of a debate on my Twitter feed over assessments of my ability (or lack thereof) to pontificate on trends in the energy sector. Specifically, Art Berman -- @aeberman12 -- noted: “I told...

March 18, 2019 - Dow, S&P, Nasdaq All Rise

The Week on Wall Street The big story last week was the sudden grounding of Boeing 737 Max 8 and 9 passenger jets in dozens of countries. The financial effects of this ban could potentially impact the airline industry and segments of...

March 13, 2019 - The Decivilization of Venezuela

The Decivilization of Venezuela Of late, Venezuela has had a wretched time of things. As a rule I attempt to be judgement-free when it comes to evaluating governing systems. For the most part, governments—like economies and...

March 11, 2019 - Stocks Dip on Growth Concerns

The Week on Wall Street As in February, investors spent most of the first full trading week of March hoping for new details in U.S.-China trade negotiations. While they waited, stock benchmarks drifted downward. From Monday's open to...

Saving for Retirement and Saving on Taxes - The Ins and Outs of a Roth Conversion

Since its introduction in 1974, the Individual Retirement Account (IRA), has been a powerful vehicle for long-term savers. The IRA has undergone a number of changes and iterations over the years, but the basic concept remained...

March 4, 2019 - S&P Ends Week Little Changed

The Week on Wall Street Stocks lost a little ground as February gave way to March. While domestic and overseas political developments made headlines, the market stayed relatively calm: from Monday's open through Friday's close, the...

February 25, 2019 - Optimism Spurs a Broad Rally

The Week on Wall Street Stocks rallied last week as optimism about a potential U.S.-China trade deal grew. The S&P 500 advanced 0.80% during the 4-day trading week to 2,792.67. The Nasdaq Composite improved 0.86% to 7,527.54, and the...

February 19, 2019 - Dow, S&P, Nasdaq Climb Higher

The Week on Wall Street Stocks ended a good week on a high note, as hints of progress in U.S.-China trade talks encouraged investors. When the closing bell rang Friday, the S&P 500 settled at 2,775.60, after rising 2.50% in five days....

January 31, 2019 Fire In Venezuela, Part III of, um, II

Geopolitics has two speeds. The first is glacial. The sort of huge, multi-generational trends that I spend most of my time studying and charting don’t shift easily or quickly. Whether the issue is pushing an army over a mountain...

January 23, 2019 - Fire in Venezuela Part I of II

Fire in Venezuela, Part I of II So…there might have just been a military coup in Venezuela. Not hard to see the justification. The economic policies of the now-deceased Hugo Chavez largely destroyed what used to be the...

January 23, 2019 - Fire in Venezuela Part II of II

It is always dangerous writing about unfolding events. With that in mind, Part I is just about where we are now. Part II is about the future. Assuming for the moment that Nicholas Maduro has indeed fallen from power and his regime is...

January 14, 2019 - Markets Relax and Rally

After months of volatility, markets relaxed a bit last week. For the first time since October, the S&P 500 went 5 days without a 1% gain or loss.[1] The Cboe Volatility Index, or VIX, also fell to lower than 20 - in December, it...

January 7, 2019 - Markets Up - And Volatile

U.S. markets experienced more wild sessions last week before ending in positive territory as the recent turbulence continued. In fact, we are currently in the middle of some of the most volatile market performance in more than eight...

December 31, 2018 - Year-End Special Edition: A Look Back at 2018

The close of the year provides an opportunity for investors to step back and consider the wider financial landscape. This week, we're reviewing some key issues that defined 2018, as well as some factors that may influence financial...

December 24, 2018 - Turbulence Continues

Last week, domestic markets had some of their worst performance in 10 years.[1] The S&P 500 lost 7.05%, the Dow declined 6.87%, and the NASDAQ dropped 8.36%. All three indexes have now lost at least 8% in 2018.[2] On Friday, December...

December 17, 2018 - Stocks Down, Change Ahead?

Last week brought more volatility to the markets. While domestic indexes had some rallies as positive trade news emerged earlier in the week, by Friday, December 14, they had erased any gains. The last time major U.S. indexes ended in...

Beyond Democrats and Republicans

So here’s where I get a bit nervous. One of the great truths in geopolitics between 1950 and 2015 is that American domestic politics barely mattered at all. Support for the global Order was strongly bipartisan and it was...

QUARTERLY INSIGHTS – OCTOBER 2017

One of the keys to successful investing over the long term is the ability to determine what headlines are important to the markets and investment portfolios, and which are just market “noise.” The 3rd quarter of 2017...

QUARTERLY INSIGHTS – JULY 2018

Markets remained volatile in the second quarter of 2018, as a series of political and geopolitical events caused temporary pullbacks in stocks. But in contrast to the first quarter, U.S. economic growth and corporate earnings reminded...

QUARTERLY INSIGHTS – APRIL 2018

Long-absent volatility returned to the markets in the beginning of this year. Multiple macroeconomic surprises erased January’s strong gains in US stocks and caused the S&P 500 to finish the quarter with a small loss. If...

QUARTERLY INSIGHTS – JANUARY 2018

The 4th quarter of 2017 was one of the best quarters for stocks in years, as broad gains were driven by anticipation and passage of the Tax Cut and Reform Bill, acceleration in economic activity, and rising corporate earnings. Looking...