Data Check

May 5, 2025

  A flurry of economic data created both an air of pessimism and optimism depending on the day. A 0.3% contraction in first quarter Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth added to recession fears on Wednesday, but a strong jobs report ended the week on a note of optimism. For the week, the S&P 500 Index …

Economic Pulse

April 28, 2025

  Equity markets clawed back some of their recent declines last week. For the week, the S&P 500 Index was +4.6%, the Dow Jones Industrials +2.5%, and the NASDAQ +6.4%. The S&P 500 Index was led by the Technology, Consumer Discretionary, and Communication Services sectors, while the Consumer Staples, Real Estate, and Utility lagged. The …

Trade Dialogue

April 21, 2025

  While there is currently a 90-day pause on the implementation of some tariffs, the impact and timing of trade negotiations with multiple countries presents a risk that is causing some investors to be tentative in buying equities. Last week, the S&P 500 Index was -1.5%, the Dow Jones Industrials -2.7%, and the NASDAQ -2.3%. …

Pause

April 14, 2025

  A 90-day pause in the U.S. tariff implementation plan provided equities a large relief rally last week.  For the week, the S&P 500 Index was +5.7%, the Dow Jones Industrials +5.0%, and the NASDAQ +7.4%. The S&P 500 Index was led by the Technology, Industrial, and Communication Services sectors, while the Energy, Real Estate …

Inherited Retirement Plans

April 8, 2025

  Whether you’re a known beneficiary for someone else’s retirement plan assets, you already inherited a retirement plan, and/or you have a retirement plan that you plan to leave for your spouse or someone else, there are several factors to consider for optimal distributions. Factors include: Whether the decedent died before or after their required …

Behavioral Finance

April 7, 2025

  Equity markets saw their worst week since the pandemic on fear over escalation of a global trade war. For the week, the S&P 500 Index was -9.1%, the Dow Jones Industrials -7.8%, and the NASDAQ -9.7%. All eleven sectors in the S&P 500 Index had a negative return. The least negative were the Consumer …

Tariff Overhang

March 31, 2025

  Fear trumped greed to lead equity markets lower last week, mainly from concern over the economic impact of pending tariffs. For the week, the S&P 500 Index was -1.5%, the Dow Jones Industrials -1.0%, and the NASDAQ -2.4%. The S&P 500 Index was led by the Consumer Staples, Energy, and Real Estate sectors, while …

Policy Path

March 24, 2025

  The S&P 500 Index finished the week higher to break its four-week losing streak. For the week, the S&P 500 Index was +0.5%, the Dow Jones Industrials +1.2%, and the NASDAQ +0.3%. The S&P 500 Index was led by the Energy, Financial, and Health Care sectors, while the Materials, Utility, and Consumer Staples sectors …

Relief Rally

March 17, 2025

  The equity market saw a welcome relief rally on Friday but closed lower for the week. For the week, the S&P 500 Index was -2.2%, the Dow Jones Industrials -3.0%, and the NASDAQ -2.4%. The S&P 500 Index was led by the Energy, Utility, and Financial sectors, while the Consumer Staples, Consumer Discretionary, and …