This roundup of top financial news for the week presented by Matt Glova and the LifeTime Asset Management team:
Month-End Market Update, April 30, 2025
Quick Highlights:
1. Mixed Month for Markets – Equities faced a challenging month in April.
2. Bonds Rise as Interest Rates Fall – Falling long-term interest rates supported bonds.
3. Trade Uncertainty Impacts Markets – Shifting trade policies caused market volatility.
4. Solid Economic Backdrop – The economic updates were broadly supportive in April.
5. Risks Ahead – Investors should prepare for potential risks ahead.
6. Positive Outlook Despite Policy Uncertainty – We believe the most likely path forward is for long-term market appreciation and economic growth.
Click here to read the full quarterly market report published April 30, 2025.
Weekly Market Update, April 28, 2025
The S&P Global US Composite PMI for April was lower than expected because of a softer services figure. Although new home sales beat expectations, existing home sales dropped considerably. Equities moved higher on easing trade tensions and a strong week of earnings. The Treasury yield curve flattened; short-to-intermediate yields fell and long-term yields rose.
Click here to read the full weekly market report published April 28, 2025.
Weekly Market Update, April 21, 2025
Retail sales remained strong, increasing 1.4 percent month-over-month. Housing data was mixed, with home builder sentiment beating expectations and housing starts coming in soft. Equities moved mostly lower amid continued trade tensions between the U.S. and China. The Treasury yield curve steepened but continued to see a drop in short-to-intermediate-term rates.
Click here to read the full weekly market report published April 21, 2025.
Weekly Market Update, April 14, 2025
Inflation surprised to the downside in March, with both Consumer and Producer Price indices showing a contraction of prices. Small business optimism and consumer sentiment releases showed a lack of confidence, with both surprising to the downside. Equities rallied sharply on Wednesday following news of a 90-day pause on tariffs for most countries. The yield curve moved higher amid a rotation back into equities.
Click here to read the full weekly market report published April 14, 2025.
Weekly Market Update, April 7, 2025
Business confidence dropped in both manufacturing and service sectors. Manufacturing sector confidence moved deeper into contractionary territory in March. The nonfarm payrolls number surprised to the upside in February, but there were also downside revisions to prior months. Equities were hit hard over global growth concerns amid higher proposed U.S. tariffs. Treasuries, particularly on the short end of the curve, rose considerably as investors flocked to them for safety.
Click here to read the full weekly market report published April 7, 2025.
Quarter-End Market Update, March 31, 2025
Quick Highlights:
1. Challenging Start to the Year for Stocks – A negative March for stocks capped off a weak first quarter.
2. Solid Quarter for Bonds – Falling interest rates supported bond prices.
3. Economic Update – First-quarter economic reports showed signs of solid growth.
4. Market Risks Worth Monitoring – Economic, domestic, and international risks remain for markets.
5. Cautiously Optimistic Outlook – The positive fundamentals should support markets.
Click here to read the full quarterly market report published March 31, 2025.