As of June 22, the market capitalization of the U.S. stock market totaled $81 trillion, according to Deutsche Bank and Bloomberg. China is a distant second at $16 trillion, followed by Japan at $9 trillion. Even China stands in the shadow of just seven fast-growing U.S. firms—the so-called Magnificent Seven—with a combined market capitalization of […]
Celebrating 250 Years of the American Spirit Read More »
Strong momentum that began in April carried through May, with major stock indexes continuing to climb to new highs. Despite concerns that might normally cool enthusiasm, what fueled the advance? Well, there were two competing themes that dominated market action during May. First, Treasury bond yields trended higher last month in response to concerns about
May’s Market Momentum Read More »
When we last visited with you, markets were struggling under the weight of higher oil prices and uncertainty tied to the war with Iran. While a ceasefire has helped alleviate some worries, as we enter May, oil prices remain elevated, gasoline prices average over $4 per gallon, and the conflict in the Middle East has
March showers bring April flowers Read More »
October has a curious reputation rooted in market history. The Crash of 1929 (a 13% selloff on Black Monday and 12% on Black Tuesday, according to Federal Reserve History), the Crash of 1987 (a 22% selloff in October per MarketWatch data), and the financial crisis of 2008 (a 17% decline in October) have all contributed to
October delivers further stock market gains Read More »
Americans love to invest in stocks. A survey by Bankrate found that the stock market is the favorite investment for money not needed for a decade. Gen Z is driving much of the surge in stock investing. The stock market is the most popular long-term investment option among U.S. adults, according to a survey by the
The Stock Market is America’s Favorite Investment Read More »
This comprehensive handy reference guide rounds up market returns and economic data as of June 30, 2025. Market performance includes data for a wide variety of asset classes, sectors, indexes, and more. The economic data includes interest rates, GDP, inflation, and labor statistics. If I had to choose a single word to characterize what single-handedly
2025 Markets: The First Half in Numbers Read More »
Amid an onslaught of anxieties over tariffs, the economy, and geopolitical challenges in the Middle East, investors brushed aside worries and drove the S&P 500 Index and the Nasdaq Composite to record closing highs on the final two trading days of June, according to data provided by MarketWatch. Key Index Returns MTD % YTD
Cautious optimism leads to new heights Read More »
Aggressive tariff policies triggered significant market volatility amid a sharp early April selloff, which was followed by a sharp rebound when the most severe tariffs were delayed. More recently, the market’s relatively muted reaction to tariff headlines suggests that investors are anticipating a reduction in trade tensions. At the very least, they do not foresee
Stocks rebound amid tariff threats Read More »