Strong equity market performance in the second quarter reflected better-than-expected economic data and increasing evidence that disinflation is gaining traction. Expectations surrounding accelerating innovations in artificial intelligence also contributed to very strong performance in the tech sector which propelled the NASDAQ to a 13% gain in the second quarter and contributed to the S&P’s impressive return. Fixed income returns were… Read More
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Q1 2023 Market Recap
Equities and bonds had a strong start to the year, with the Nasdaq having particularly strong performance, finishing the quarter up 17.05%. Broad strength in equities reflected positive economic reports, increasing hope in disinflation and a soft landing, the reopening of China’s economy following its Covid policy pivot, as well as warm weather in the U.S. and Europe that provided… Read More
Q4 2022 Market Recap
Despite a 4th Quarter rally (the S&P finished up 7.1%), major market indices finished the year down reflecting surging inflation, Fed monetary policy, economic fears, and geopolitical events that included the Russian invasion of Ukraine and China’s Covid-19 policies. The S&P 500 finished the year down 19.4% and the Nasdaq was down 33.1% as interest rate hikes particularly weighed on… Read More
Q3 2022 Market Recap
Further tightening by the Federal Reserve continued to pressure both equities and bonds in the third quarter. The market rallied over the first half of the quarter as investors anticipated the Fed may slow the pace of rate hikes or could pivot to rate easing in 2023, especially after a slightly better-than-expected July inflation report. However, the Fed quickly pushed… Read More
What You Need to Know About I Bonds
Interest in I Bonds has skyrocketed as inflation reached levels not seen since the 1970s, and investors look for safer vehicles to invest their money and hedge against inflation. At Prosperity – An EisnerAmper Company, we think I Bonds can be a valuable part of an investor’s broader portfolio. Below we answer our clients’ common questions about I Bonds. What… Read More
Q2 2022 Market Recap
Uncertainty about inflation, the path of rate hikes, and concerns about a cooling economy resulted in further volatility during the 2nd quarter, extending the market’s pullback. Yields surged in the quarter as the Federal Reserve accelerated the pace of rate increases with hikes of 0.50% and 0.75% in May and June. The 10-Year Treasury yield reached a peak of 3.49%… Read More
Q1 2022 Market Recap
Volatility is a key theme early in 2022 as the S&P finished down 4.6% in 1Q22, and the U.S. Aggregate Bond Index was down 5.93%, reflecting accelerating inflation, monetary policy tightening from the Federal Reserve, and heightened geopolitical tensions following the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The yield curve continued to flatten throughout the quarter, with short-term interest rates rising rapidly… Read More
Cost of Inflation: What Are the Effects of Inflation?
Over the past year, we have experienced continually rising inflation levels. Americans are left asking: What is the true cost of inflation? What are the effects of inflation? How high is inflation? How is it permeating through our economy? What is inflation? Inflation is the rise in prices of goods and services. Typically, inflation is caused by demand or supply-side… Read More
Q4 2021 Market Recap
The market finished 2021 strong, with the S&P up 11% in 4Q21 and up 28.7% overall in 2021. Despite growing concern about the rapidly spreading omicron variant, strong earnings results and positive underlying economic indicators fueled equity market gains. The yield curve flattened over the quarter, short-term interest rates rose as investors prepare for potential 2022 rate hikes, while longer-term… Read More
Q3 2021 Market Recap
The market had a mixed quarter as the S&P finished up only 0.58%. Strong performance at the end of July and in August reflected strong 2Q21 earnings that were broadly above expectations and economic data that showed continued progress despite concerns over the Delta variant. However, the market sold off in September as investor nervousness grew amid concerns over rising… Read More
Q2 2021 Market Recap
The market performed well in 2Q21 as the economy recovered and investors gained confidence that inflation will remain manageable for now. The yield curve flattened as investors expect the Federal Reserve will be ready and willing to address inflation if it doesn’t prove transitory, boosting short-term rates and modestly suppressing long-term economic growth and yields. Large cap outperformed small-cap stocks… Read More
Q1 2021 Market Recap
The market posted a solid gain in the first quarter of 2021, despite the 10-Year Treasury yield increasing over 0.8% in the quarter as investors contemplated the implications of another stimulus bill and whether the Federal Reserve may be forced to rein in inflation sooner-than-expected. Higher yields contributed to market volatility in the quarter but increasing confidence in the economic… Read More
Q4 2020 Market Recap
October’s election-related uncertainty resulted in the worst month for the stock market since March, but the market recovered throughout November and December leading the market to post overall gains for the year despite unprecedented economic pressure created by the coronavirus pandemic. Small-cap stocks outperformed large-cap stocks in 4Q20, likely reflecting increasing economic optimism as vaccination efforts progress, narrowing small-cap’s underperformance… Read More