It Passed! Financial Markets Investors were highly relieved when the debt ceiling agreement finally passed Congress.  While most experienced analysts expected an eventual resolution, cutting it so close to the “X date” was harrowing nonetheless. The financial markets began to rally as the passage of the bill became more assured.  The Dow finished the week…

A Changing World Financial Markets United States equity markets have remained in a trading range for some time.   Part of the reason is investors are being asked to analyze not just the normal economic and investment cycle but a host of political and global issues as well.  This past week the Dow closed up 0.38%,…

A Well Deserved State of Confusion Financial Markets United States equity markets closed mixed on Friday, with both the Dow and the S&P 500 falling for the second straight week.  The Dow fell 1.11%, the S&P 500 fell 0.29% and the NASDAQ rose 0.40%.  This is the 6th week in a row where the S&P…

A Confused Market! Financial Markets Equity markets were buffeted this past week, as investors had conflicting reactions to major news events.  The Dow fell 1.24%, the S&P 500 fell 0.80%, and the NASDAQ gained 0.10%.  While the weekly returns look somewhat immaterial, they don’t adequately capture the day-to-day volatility that occurred.  Investors spent the first…

Yes, Biden is running! Financial Markets In a market that dislikes uncertainty, investors now know one more piece of information—the President is running for a second term, and he is sticking with his vice president.  This may not be a market moving announcement, but it is certainly one investors care about. Although a bit volatile,…

Investors Remain Cautious Financial Markets Investors were cautious last week as earnings season ramped up and more companies reported.  Recognizing that market movements reflect the accumulated knowledge and fears of the investing public, this past week seemed to indicate a concern about future earnings.  Equity markets ended the week in the red.  The Dow fell…

Banks, Earnings, the Fed, and the Dollar Financial Markets U.S. equity markets closed an unexciting week with gains. The Dow closed up 1.20%, the S&P 500 gained 0.79%, while the NASDAQ gained 0.29%. Market participants were clearly focused on bank earnings, and, thus far, the takeaway has been so far so good. The focus for…

A Confused Market Financial Markets We do hope our readers are enjoying the springtime holiday season.  The United States equity markets closed the holiday-shortened week mixed.  Although, had the market remained open through Friday, the results may have been different.  Friday’s jobs report was received as a positive by many investors. The Dow closed up…

The Nexus of Politics and Economics Financial Markets It was a good week, month, and quarter for financial markets, as investors appeared to shrug off all of the unpleasant news that came their way.  Major headlines have been both economic and political—a former president was indicted, bank failures caused a scare, and the Fed raised…

An Odd Market Indeed! Financial Markets Equity markets are reacting to every piece of news that comes out and with very little consistency.  This past week was an excellent example given the constant news flow regarding ongoing issues in the banking sector and the Fed moving forward with another 25 basis point rate hike.  As…