Who’s Right About the Economy: The Data or the Polls?

The stock market is up. The rate of inflation is down. And most of the data paints a picture of relative economic health. So, why do so many Americans feel pessimistic about the U.S. economy?

November Market Recap

The bull market took a break in August.

Following five straight months of gains for the S&P 500 and NASDAQ, equities dipped last month as inflation numbers bobbed higher, bond yields increased, and markets digested some discouraging economic trends abroad.

Investors’ biggest threat: Too much conviction

To help gauge the various factors impacting markets at any given time, we sometimes write two lists on a legal pad. One list focuses on the positives: “Reasons why stocks might go up,” if you will.

October Market Recap

The bull market took a break in August.

Following five straight months of gains for the S&P 500 and NASDAQ, equities dipped last month as inflation numbers bobbed higher, bond yields increased, and markets digested some discouraging economic trends abroad.

Could stocks see an end-of-year surge?

With inflation below 4%, the markets need a new catalyst to keep stocks on an upward trajectory. So far, they have yet to find one.

September Market Recap

The bull market took a break in August.

Following five straight months of gains for the S&P 500 and NASDAQ, equities dipped last month as inflation numbers bobbed higher, bond yields increased, and markets digested some discouraging economic trends abroad.

International stocks lag, but what else is new?

If you are tired of waiting for the international stocks in your portfolio to pull their weight, your frustration is more than justified. Compared to U.S. stocks, international equities have never lagged this much, this consistently, for this long.

July Market Recap

Just when it felt like things couldn’t get any better for the stock market, July delivered even more to feel good about.

Markets Still Ignoring Inverted Yield Curve

If you consider yourself an educated investor, there are two things you may already know about an inverted yield curve. First, it describes a period in which short-term bonds offer higher interest rates than longer-term bonds. Second, it has historically been a reliable indicator of a coming economic recession.

June Market Recap

Those who have doubted the legitimacy of this stock market rally may be starting to doubt themselves. Either that, or they have already become believers.