Despite a summer rally that lifted the S&P 500 out of bear market territory, stocks ended the 3rd Quarter down nearly 5% and back in a bear market. Inflation remained high throughout the quarter even with slight improvements since its June peak. Persistently high consumer prices pushed the Federal Reserve…
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2022 Quarter 2 Review
by Kathy Duffy, on 08.02.2022Stocks declined in the 2nd Quarter with the S&P 500 Index falling into a bear market in June. Aggressive monetary moves by the Federal Reserve to counter rising inflation stoked investor fears of a recession, even with consumer spending and company earnings remaining relatively strong. Bond yields rose on Fed…
2022 Quarter 1 Review
by Kathy Duffy, on 04.19.2022Concerns about the economy and uncertainty about geopolitical events rattled investors to start 2022. Stocks declined in January and February, then became more stable in March. The Fed raised interest rates for the first time in nearly four years and set expectations for continued increases through the rest of the…
2021 Quarter 4 Review
by Kathy Duffy, on 01.18.2022The stock market ended the year with positive momentum, despite a spell of volatility in the 4th Quarter following reports of monthly inflation rising at a pace not seen in decades. Strong corporate earnings helped sustain the equity rally, although many firms struggled with ongoing supply chain issues and labor…
2021 Quarter 3 Review
by Kathy Duffy, on 10.13.2021Stock markets hit some headwinds in the 3rd Quarter after rising earlier in the summer. Strong reports on economic growth and the return of business activity were countered by concerns over inflation and uncertainty in global markets, particularly China. The S&P 500 managed a small gain of 0.6% for Q3.…