The equity markets struggled in the week ending Thursday, August 8, weighed down by currency related trade uncertainty after China retaliated against new tariffs by devaluing the yuan. Several central banks cut interest rates, adding pressure on the Federal Reserve...
ECONOMY: CONSUMERS PROPEL U.S. ECONOMY IN JULY Consumers showed signs of strength in July’s U.S. economic data. Leading indicators fell month over month for the first time in 2019. Still, the Conference Board’s Leading Economic Index (LEI) rose 1.6% year over year in...
KEY TAKEAWAYS Last week’s stock market slide begs the question whether this August will fit its historical pattern of seasonal weakness. With the latest escalation of trade tensions, investors should be prepared for more market volatility this month. Other keys for...
We hope you have had an enjoyable summer! Thus far, temperatures have been at a maximum for much of the country, while typical summer storms have been at a minimum. A parallel can be drawn for the financial markets: Major stock indexes are hovering near record levels,...
KEY TAKEAWAYS We would recommend tilting equity allocations slightly toward value because of the duration and magnitude of the growth rally, but we recognize growth may get a boost from the Fed. Small cap underperformance experienced over the past year may continue as...