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.

July was a mixed month for markets, as investors rotated away from larger technology companies and took a more diversified approach during the month. The S&P 500 and Dow Jones Industrial Average both posted positive returns in July, but the Nasdaq Composite declined modestly. International markets were up for the month, while falling interest rates led to positive returns for bonds.

It has been quite a couple of days in the financial markets. Today marks the latest in a sharp drawdown around the world. Japan has been hit particularly hard, but the pullback is global. Here in the U.S., for example, the S&P 500 is down about 3 percent for the day (as of this writing) and just shy of 8 percent off its all-time highs. The Nasdaq is doing even worse, down almost 4 percent for the day and 14 percent off its all-time highs.

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.

July was a mixed month for markets, as investors rotated away from tech companies in favor of a more diversified approach. The tech-heavy Nasdaq had a weak month, the S&P 500 ended up a bit, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average did best of all, up by almost 5 percent. On the economic front, we are still in a relatively familiar place as we head into August. Despite some slowing, the economy is healthy and inflation is down.

The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) met this week and voted unanimously to hold rates steady for the eighth consecutive meeting, leaving its policy range at 5.25 percent to 5.5 percent. This decision came as no surprise, with the futures markets pricing in a near-zero percent chance of a rate cut leading up to the meeting.

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.

“Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.”
— Ferris Bueller

June was a solid month for markets, with all three major U.S. equity indices up for the month. The S&P 500 gained 3.59 percent, the Dow Jones Industrial Average grew 1.23 percent, and the Nasdaq Composite was up 6.03 percent. Solid earnings growth and a healthy economic backdrop supported equity markets during the month.