This roundup of top financial news for the week presented by Matt Glova and the LifeTime Asset Management team:
Quarterly Market Update, March 31, 2024
Here are the highlights:
1. Strong Start to the Year for Stocks
A positive March for stocks caps off a solid first quarter.
2. Mixed Quarter for Bonds
Bond returns were mixed due to rising rates in the quarter.
3. Healthy Economic Growth
First-quarter economic reports show signs of healthy growth.
4. Inflation and the Federal Reserve
Stubbornly high inflation caused the Fed to leave rates unchanged.
5. Market Risks Worth Monitoring
Geopolitical, domestic, and unknown risks remain for markets.
6. Despite the Risks, Outlook Remains Positive
The positive economic backdrop and improving fundamentals should support markets.
Click here to read the full quarterly market report published March 31, 2024.
Weekly Market Update, March 25, 2024
Housing data showed signs of a recovery as the spring season approaches. The FOMC continued to signal that interest rate cuts will occur this year. The S&P 500 had its best week of the year as the Fed indicated rate cuts are on the horizon. Yields declined in the belly of the curve because the Fed’s cut signal indicates it believes inflation will ease.
Click here to read the full weekly market report published March 25, 2024.
Weekly Market Update, March 18, 2024
Consumer and producer inflation rose more than expected in February. Retail sales and consumer sentiment were lower than expected. Semiconductors took a breather and airlines showed signs of weakening demand. Yields rose sharply in the belly of the curve as inflation was hotter than expected.
Click here to read the full weekly market report published March 18, 2024.
Weekly Market Update, March 11, 2024
Confidence in the service sector softened a bit more than expected in February. Hiring was stronger than expected in February, and the decline in job openings continued to moderate
in January. Chinese consumer demand for iPhones and Teslas was weak to start the year. Bond investors bought the belly and long end of the curve as the Fed indicated it was close to cutting interest rates.
Click here to read the full weekly market report published March 11, 2024.
Weekly Market Update, March 4, 2024
Consumer confidence fell in February despite rising personal income and spending in January. Manufacturing confidence fell more than expected in February. AI servers rallied and saw participation from large- and small-caps. Bond investors had renewed confidence in buying the belly of the curve after a key inflation report was in line with expectation.
Click here to read the full weekly market report published March 4, 2024.
Monthly Market Update, February 29, 2024
Read more on:
1. Stocks Rally in February
2. Challenging Month for Bonds
3. Economy Continues to Expand
4. Markets Updating Expectations for the Fed
5. Real Risks Remain
6. Solid Backdrop for Growth
Click here to read the full monthly market report published February 29, 2024.