The U.S. stock market reported lower-single-digit gains in January, while international and emerging markets lagged behind. The economy performed well, as strong retail sales, a healthy jobs market, and consumer confidence drove the fourth-quarter growth.

Markets around the world were up from 3 percent to 6 percent last month and up by double digits across the board for the year. The lack of a recession drove these positive results, with job growth and consumer confidence remaining healthy.

Markets roared back in November, as interest rates dropped to September levels. U.S. indices were up from 8 percent to 11 percent, with the Nasdaq performing best. Fixed income showed surprising gains, and international markets rose sharply.

U.S. indices were down for the third consecutive month, with the Nasdaq doing the worst. International markets also pulled back, and fixed income was down. Despite the market performance, job growth remained healthy, consumer income and spending grew, and retail sales increased.

U.S. indices were down for the second consecutive month, with the Nasdaq doing the worst. International markets pulled back, and fixed income was also down. That said, job growth remained healthy, consumer confidence and spending grew, and business investment came in strong. 

U.S. indices were down by low single digits in August, with the Nasdaq doing the worst. International markets pulled back, and fixed income was down. This market performance reflected the underlying economy. Business and consumer confidence slowed, while inflation showed signs of ticking up again.

U.S. indices were up by low single digits in July, with the Nasdaq doing best as tech stocks continued to rally. International markets also did well, but fixed income was weaker. This market performance reflected the underlying economy. Strong job creation pushed consumer confidence up significantly, supporting income and spending growth. Inflation continued its decline, although the Fed raised rates again as expected.

U.S. stocks were up for June and the quarter while gains in international markets last month left them flat for the quarter. Fixed income didn’t fare as well. Market performance reflected positive economic news, with continued strong job creation, income and spending growth, and improving consumer confidence. But while inflation is down, it may not stay that way.

After a mixed April, markets pulled back in May. The exception was the Nasdaq, which was up by just under 6 percent. Other U.S. markets were flat or down, and international markets declined. The primary headwinds were the debt ceiling debate (which may soon be solved) and signs that inflation is picking up again. Still, job growth beat expectations, and consumer and business confidence ticked up.

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.