The Independent Market Observer

Looking Back at the Markets in May and Ahead to June 2023

May 31, 2023

After a continued rally in April, markets largely pulled back in May. Exceptions here were the Nasdaq, which rose, and the S&P 500, which was essentially flat. The Dow, international markets, and bond markets were down by low single digits. The primary drivers for the decline were concerns surrounding the economy, politics, and—above all—the debt ceiling.

Continue reading → Leave a comment

Economic Release Snapshot: Personal Spending Improves in April

May 30, 2023

Each week, we break down the latest U.S. economic reports, including what the results mean for the overall health of the economy. Here, you will find how economists’ forecasts compare with actual results, key takeaways to consider, as well as a list of what’s on tap for the week ahead. 

Continue reading → Leave a comment

What Mattered This Week? Progress on the Debt Ceiling

May 26, 2023

This week’s post is pretty much like last week’s post. In fact, I could quote it almost verbatim but won’t, because we do have some more information. 

Continue reading → Leave a comment

Economic Release Snapshot: Retail Sales Rebound in April

May 22, 2023

Each week, we break down the latest U.S. economic reports, including what the results mean for the overall health of the economy. Here, you will find how economists’ forecasts compare with actual results, key takeaways to consider, as well as a list of what’s on tap for the week ahead. 

Continue reading → Leave a comment

What Mattered This Week? The Debt Ceiling, the Data, and the Fed

May 19, 2023

The big news this week was the debt ceiling: who was talking, what they were saying, and if we will get a deal before the X date (i.e., when the Treasury runs out of money). When all was said and done, more was said than done and we ended the week pretty much where we started. But there was some good news.

Continue reading → Leave a comment

Debt Ceiling Crisis: Breaking Down the Worst-Case Scenario

May 18, 2023

Times are getting scary again. Between the debt ceiling, which is the crisis of the day, and everything else that is out there, people are starting to crack. With the Ukraine war still underway and with worries about China, inflation, and a recession, the debt ceiling looks like just the thing that could finally sink the ship. Even though we have done quite well so far and continue to, the worry is always that the next big thing will be the last straw.

Continue reading → Leave a comment

Monthly Market Risk Update: May 2023 [SlideShare]

May 17, 2023

My colleague Sam Millette, director, fixed income on Commonwealth’s Investment Management and Research team, helped me put together this month’s Market Risk Update. Thanks for the assist, Sam! Let’s take a closer look.

Continue reading → Leave a comment

Economic Release Snapshot: Year-Over-Year Inflation Moderates in April

May 15, 2023

Each week, we break down the latest U.S. economic reports, including what the results mean for the overall health of the economy. Here, you will find how economists’ forecasts compare with actual results, key takeaways to consider, as well as a list of what’s on tap for the week ahead. 

Continue reading → Leave a comment

What Mattered This Week? Inflation and the Debt Ceiling

May 12, 2023

This week, there were two things that warranted comment. The first was the inflation reports, and the second was the debt ceiling. Let’s take a closer look. 

Continue reading → Leave a comment

Economic Risk Factor Update: May 2023 [SlideShare]

May 10, 2023

My colleague Sam Millette, director, fixed income on Commonwealth’s Investment Management and Research team, helped me put together this month’s Economic Risk Factor Update. Thanks for the assist, Sam! Let’s take a closer look.

Continue reading → Leave a comment

Looking Back at the Markets in April and Ahead to May 2023

May 9, 2023

After moderate gains in March, markets continued to rally in April. U.S. markets were up by low single digits, while bond markets were moderately positive. International markets were mixed, with developed markets showing modest gains while emerging markets ticked down. Given the downbeat expectations for earnings at the start of the month, the gains may be a positive sign for the next several months.

Continue reading → Leave a comment

Economic Release Snapshot: Hiring Accelerates in April

May 8, 2023

Each week, we break down the latest U.S. economic reports, including what the results mean for the overall health of the economy. Here, you will find how economists’ forecasts compare with actual results, key takeaways to consider, as well as a list of what’s on tap for the week ahead. 

Continue reading → Leave a comment

Looking for the Sweet Spot in the April Jobs Report: A Preview

May 4, 2023

Once again, we are about to get the monthly jobs report, which comes out tomorrow. As with every month, this is one of—if not the—biggest economic reports. For the economy, more jobs are good: more workers, more wage income, more spending ability, and so forth. No real downside. But for financial markets? A strong report can be problematic. Those workers—earning and spending their wages—add to demand, which adds to inflation. With the economy slowing and with the Fed suggesting yesterday that it may pause rate increases, tomorrow’s report is especially timely. 

Continue reading → Leave a comment

What the Fed Will Do—and Why

May 3, 2023

The big economic story today will be the end of the regular meeting of the Fed and what it decides to do about interest rates. Markets are expecting a 25 bp increase, to a range of 5 percent to 5.25 percent, with a slight bet on no hike at all. This is the baseline that the commentariat will be reacting to once the news comes out this afternoon. 

Continue reading → Leave a comment

Market Thoughts for May 2023 [Video]

May 2, 2023

After a strong March, financial markets were mixed in April. U.S. markets were up by low single digits, bond markets showed small gains, but emerging markets pulled back. Concerns around inflation and the banking crisis lingered, contributing to the uncertainty about the Fed’s next move. Still, job growth remained at a healthy level, consumer confidence was up, and earnings data beat expectations.

Continue reading → Leave a comment

Economic Release Snapshot: GDP Growth Slows in First Quarter

May 1, 2023

Each week, we break down the latest U.S. economic reports, including what the results mean for the overall health of the economy. Here, you will find how economists’ forecasts compare with actual results, key takeaways to consider, as well as a list of what’s on tap for the week ahead. 

Continue reading → Leave a comment

Subscribe via Email

Crash-Test Investing

Hot Topics



New Call-to-action

Conversations

Archives

see all

Subscribe


Disclosure

The information on this website is intended for informational/educational purposes only and should not be construed as investment advice, a solicitation, or a recommendation to buy or sell any security or investment product. Please contact your financial professional for more information specific to your situation.

Certain sections of this commentary contain forward-looking statements that are based on our reasonable expectations, estimates, projections, and assumptions. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve certain risks and uncertainties, which are difficult to predict. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Diversification does not assure a profit or protect against loss in declining markets.

The S&P 500 Index is a broad-based measurement of changes in stock market conditions based on the average performance of 500 widely held common stocks. All indices are unmanaged and investors cannot invest directly in an index.

The MSCI EAFE (Europe, Australia, Far East) Index is a free float‐adjusted market capitalization index that is designed to measure the equity market performance of developed markets, excluding the U.S. and Canada. The MSCI EAFE Index consists of 21 developed market country indices.

One basis point (bp) is equal to 1/100th of 1 percent, or 0.01 percent.

The VIX (CBOE Volatility Index) measures the market’s expectation of 30-day volatility across a wide range of S&P 500 options.

The forward price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio divides the current share price of the index by its estimated future earnings.

Third-party links are provided to you as a courtesy. We make no representation as to the completeness or accuracy of information provided on these websites. Information on such sites, including third-party links contained within, should not be construed as an endorsement or adoption by Commonwealth of any kind. You should consult with a financial advisor regarding your specific situation.

Member FINRASIPC

Please review our Terms of Use

Commonwealth Financial Network®