The Independent Market Observer

Sam Millette

Sam Millette is director, fixed income, on the Investment Management and Research team at Commonwealth. With the firm since 2013, he manages the fixed income research team, responds to advisor requests, analyzes individual bonds, and authors market research and commentary. Sam graduated from Tufts University with a degree in economics and is a member of the CFA Society Boston.

Recent Posts

Monthly Market Risk Update: June 2024 [SlideShare]

June 18, 2024

Markets rallied in May, with all three major U.S. equity indices up for the month. The S&P 500 gained 4.96 percent, the Dow Jones Industrial Average grew 2.58 percent, and the Nasdaq Composite soared 6.98 percent. Equity markets were supported by solid earnings growth and lower interest rates during the month. 

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Economic Release Snapshot: Inflation Cools in May

June 17, 2024

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.

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Economic Risk Factor Update: June 2024 [SlideShare]

June 12, 2024

May’s reports showed signs of continued economic growth. Hiring accelerated during the month, with 272,000 jobs added. Service sector and consumer confidence both improved in May, while the yield curve inversion widened.

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Economic Release Snapshot: Hiring Accelerates in May

June 10, 2024

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.

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Looking Back at the Markets in May and Ahead to June 2024

June 7, 2024

Markets rallied in May, with U.S. stocks up mid-single digits for the month. This was an encouraging rebound following the declines we saw in April, and both the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite rose to new record highs during the month. International markets were also positive in May, with developed and emerging markets ending the month with gains. Even fixed income did well, as falling interest rates supported bond prices in May.

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Economic Release Snapshot: Personal Spending and Income Growth Slows

June 3, 2024

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.

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Economic Release Snapshot: Durable Goods Orders Improve in April

May 28, 2024

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.

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Monthly Market Risk Update: May 2024 [SlideShare]

May 22, 2024

Markets pulled back in April, as all three major U.S. indices were down for the month. The S&P 500 declined 4.08 percent, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average was down 4.92 percent. The Nasdaq Composite dropped 4.38 percent during the month. The sell-off followed a strong first quarter for stocks and was largely due to rising interest rates in April. 

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Economic Release Snapshot: Consumer Inflation Slows in April

May 20, 2024

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.

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Economic Risk Factor Update: May 2024 [SlideShare]

May 15, 2024

April’s reports showed signs of continued slowing economic growth. Hiring slowed during the month, with 175,000 jobs added. Service sector and consumer confidence both fell in April, while the yield curve inversion narrowed.

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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.

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