This roundup of top financial news for the week presented by Matt Glova and the LifeTime Asset Management team:
Monthly Market Update, August 31, 2024
Quick Highlights:
1. Solid Month for Stocks: Stock returns were positive in August despite an early month sell-off.
2. Bonds Continue to Rise: Falling interest rates led to positive bond returns for the fourth consecutive month.
3. Interest Rate Cuts Ahead: Investor expectations for rate cuts rose during the month.
4. Continued Economic Growth: Economic updates released during the month showed signs of continued growth.
5. Risks to Monitor: Markets face a variety of risks as we finish the third quarter.
6. Positive Outlook for Markets and the Economy: Markets and the economy set for continued growth in the months ahead
Click here to read the full monthly market report published August 31, 2024.
Weekly Market Update, August 26, 2024
FOMC members expressed varied opinions about cutting rates at their July meeting. Home sales rebounded as the 30-year fixed mortgage rate fell 29 basis points (bps). Small-caps continued their rebound amid widening market breadth. Bonds were relatively unchanged, other than a move lower on the shorter end of the curve.
Click here to read the full weekly market report published August 26, 2024.
Weekly Market Update, August 19, 2024
Producer prices were softer than anticipated, whereas consumer prices were in line with expectations. Retail sales were stronger than expected. Equities continued their robust recovery amid stronger economic data. Bonds were relatively unchanged, other than some flattening on the longer end of the curve, as investors looked to lock in rates.
Click here to read the full weekly market report published August 19, 2024.
Weekly Market Update, August 12, 2024
Services showed conflicting data in July, with IS M showing strength and PMI showing weakness. The Fed remains optimistic about continued broadening disinflation. Equities recovered from the sharp sell-off at the start of the week, as Japanese carry trade fears eased. Bonds gave back much of their gains from Friday and Monday, as investors returned to risk assets and yields rose.
Click here to read the full weekly market report published August 12, 2024.
Weekly Market Update, August 5, 2024
Consumer confidence improved in July, with those surveyed expecting an improvement in future conditions. Manufacturing and employment were both lower than expected. Equities took a major risk-off approach, as softer data led to concerns over a slowing U.S. economy. Bonds posted a sharp rally on this risk-off mood. The 10-year closed the week below 4 percent for the first time since May 2023.
Click here to read the full weekly market report published August 5, 2024.
Monthly Market Update, July 31, 2024
Quick Highlights:
1. Mixed Month for Stocks: Stock returns were mixed in July.
2. Bonds Positive: Falling interest rates led to positive bond returns for the third consecutive month.
3. Inflation Cools: Inflation showed signs of continued improvement during the month.
4. Improving Economic Growth: Other economic reports released during the month showed signs of improvement.
5. Risks Remain: Markets face a variety of risks in the second half of the year.
6. Encouraging Backdrop and Positive Outlook: Markets and the economy set for continued growth.
Click here to read the full monthly market report published July 31, 2024.