The equity markets, following three consecutive weekly gains, declined last week as concerns relating to trade, Federal Reserve policies and oil supplies weighed on market sentiment. The Russell 2000® Index fell 1.17%; losses for the other indices included the Dow Jones Industrial Average (-1.05%), Nasdaq (‑0.72%) and S&P 500® (-0.51%). The week began with news of drone attacks, purportedly by Iran, on Saudi Arabia’s production facilities; the impact on production, 5.7 million barrels … View More
Positive trade-related commentary from the U.S. and China provided momentum as markets rebounded from oversold conditions for many cyclical stocks. The Russell 2000® Index rose 4.85%, its best weekly gain since 2016. The Dow Jones Industrial Average (1.57%), the S&P 500® Index (0.96%) and the Nasdaq (0.91%) were also positive for last week. Some analysts note that a trade deal might provide a greater upside for value stocks over growth stocks; indeed, this week’s gains in the Russell 200… View More
Equity markets continued to rally last week as the U.S. and China announced plans to meet again in early October. The S&P 500® Index (1.79%) led the major indices, followed by Nasdaq (1.76%), Dow Jones Industrial Average (1.49%) and the Russell 2000® Index (0.69%). New tariffs went into effect on September 1st; and the markets, in the absence of progress in trade negotiations, reacted negatively. Also, the release of the July ISM Manufacturing Index, which fell below 50 for the first time … View More
The equity markets rebounded last week to close the month on a positive note. The Dow Jones Industrial Average (3.02%) led the major indices, followed by the S&P 500® Index (2.79%), Nasdaq (2.72%) and Russell 2000® Index (2.42%). Commentary from the U.S. and China seemed to suggest that both sides want to continue trade discussions; the previously scheduled September meeting has not been canceled. Also, China has not responded to the latest tariff increases from the U.S.; and Chin… View More
The U.S./China trade war continued to dominate headlines last week as China announced tariffs of 5% to 10% on $75 billion of goods, including autos and oil, effective September 1st and December 1st. The action was in response to President Trump’s previously announced tariffs scheduled for September 1; they may also reflect China’s displeasure over the decision to sell $8 billion of F-16 fighter jets to Taiwan. Markets closed lower for the fourth consecutive week: the Russell 2000® Inde… View More