Author: Kim Argo

December 5, 2024

December Market Summary 2024

Monthly Market Summary The S&P 500 Index returned +6.0% but underperformed the Russell 2000 Index’s +11.1% return. All eleven S&P 500 sectors traded higher, with Consumer Discretionary and Financials gaining more than +10%. In contrast, defensive sectors, such as Health Care, Utilities, and Consumer Staples, underperformed the S&P 500. Corporate investment-grade bonds produced a +1.8%…

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November 6, 2024

November Market Summary 2024

Monthly Market Summary The S&P 500 Index returned -0.9%, outperforming the Russell 2000 Index’s -1.4% return. Three of the eleven S&P 500 sectors traded higher, with Financials and Communication Services both gaining more than +1.5%. The remaining eight sectors all traded lower by more than -1% during the month. Corporate investment-grade bonds produced a -3.2%…

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October 17, 2024

Q3 Market Commentary 2024

Quarterly Snapshot Global equity markets gained ground during the third quarter amid periods of volatility. Emerging markets outperformed their developed-market counterparts. Stocks rallied amid investors’ optimism leading up to the Federal Reserve’s (Fed) interest-rate cut in mid-September, as well as previous rate reductions by several other major central banks. Global fixed-income assets posted gains for…

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October 14, 2024

October Market Summary 2024

Key Updates on the Economy & Markets The major development in 3Q24 was the Federal Reserve’s decision to cut interest rates by -0.50%, the first rate cut of this cycle. It came as the Fed shifted its focus, with unemployment rising to a 33-month high and inflation moving back to target. In the equity market,…

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October 9, 2024

Q3 Market Analysis 2024

This report features world capital market performance and a timeline of events for the past quarter. It begins with a globaloverview, then features the returns of stock and bond asset classes in the US and international markets. The report concludes with a quarterly topic regarding country debt and stock return. Click Here To View Full…

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September 3, 2024

September Market Summary 2024

Federal Reserve Set to Begin Cutting Interest Rates in September Monthly Market Summary The S&P 500 Index returned +2.3% in August, outperforming the Russell 2000 Index’s -1.7% return. Nine of the eleven S&P 500 sectors traded higher, led by Consumer Staples, Real Estate, Health Care, and Utilities. Corporate investment-grade bonds produced a +1.9% total return…

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August 7, 2024

August Market Summary 2024

The Stock Market Experienced a Big Rotation in July Monthly Market Summary The S&P 500 Index returned +1.2% in July, underperforming the Russell 2000 Index’s +10.3% return. Ten of the eleven S&P 500 sectors traded higher, led by Real Estate, Utilities, and Financials. Technology was the only sector to trade lower, reversing a portion of…

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July 19, 2024

Q2 Market Commentary 2024

Quarterly snapshot Major global equity market indexes saw mixed performance in the second quarter of 2024, but ended the first half of the year in positive territory. U.S. stocks were bolstered largely by a rally concentrated in shares of a select few companies—but namely Nvidia— benefiting from artificial intelligence (AI). Most developed equity markets outside…

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July 9, 2024

Q2 Market Analysis 2024

This report features world capital market performance and a timeline of events for the past quarter. It begins with a globaloverview, then features the returns of stock and bond asset classes in the US and international markets. The report concludes with a quarterly topic regarding country debt and stock returns. Click Here To View Full…

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July 3, 2024

July Market Summary 2024

Key Updates on the Economy & Markets The topic of interest rate cuts continues to dominate the financial markets. Investors are focused on when the Federal Reserve will lower rates, all while keeping a close eye on corporate earnings and valuations. Economists are analyzing inflation and labor market data to determine their impact on the…

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