Stocks continued their rally in September, with all three major U.S. indices up for the month and quarter. The S&P 500 gained 2.14 percent in September and 5.89 percent for the quarter, while the Dow was up 1.96 percent during the month and 8.72 percent for the quarter. The technology-heavy Nasdaq Composite gained 2.76 percent for the month and quarter. Improving fundamentals and solid earnings growth supported these results.

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. 

The September economic reports showed signs of continued strength to end the quarter. Hiring picked up during the month, with additions to nonfarm payrolls surpassing expectations and the unemployment rate ticking down to 4.1 percent. Service sector and consumer confidence showed mixed signals and have remained volatile over recent months. Finally, the yield curve inversion narrowed modestly, with both long- and short-term yields falling during the month.    

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. 

September was a solid month for investors, capping off a strong quarter for markets. Falling interest rates helped support stock returns, with the S&P 500 and Dow Jones Industrial Average setting new record highs during the month. Even bonds were up, marking five straight months with positive fixed income performance.

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.

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.

August was an encouraging month for stocks, as markets were able to end the month in positive territory despite an early-month sell-off. The Dow Jones Industrial Average concluded the month at a record high, while the S&P 500 was close to its own record level. The Nasdaq Composite lagged its peers, but the technology-heavy index still managed to eke out a modest gain during the month.

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.

The economic reports showed signs of improvement in August. Hiring picked up, compared to a downwardly revised hiring report for July. Service sector and consumer confidence improved in August but remained volatile over recent months. The yield curve inversion remained relatively stable, with long- and short-term yields falling during the month.