Markets pulled back in April, as all three major U.S. indices were down for the month. The S&P 500 declined 4.08 percent, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average was down 4.92 percent. The Nasdaq Composite dropped 4.38 percent during the month. The sell-off followed a strong first quarter for stocks and was largely due to rising interest rates in April.
Commonwealth
Economic Release Snapshot: Consumer Inflation Slows in April
Each week, we break down the latest U.S. economic reports, including what the results mean for the overall health of the economy. Here, you will find how economists’ forecasts compare with actual results, key takeaways to consider, as well as a list of what’s on tap for the week ahead.
The Shifting Sands of the Market: A Challenge for Asset Allocators
In our team meetings, we often discuss the shifting sands of the market. Not only is it an interesting topic, but it poses a challenge for asset allocators. We are in the midst of a multi-year outperformance cycle for large-cap growth. The companies that have driven this outperformance have all become household names: Alphabet, Amazon, Apple, Meta, Microsoft, Netflix, Nvidia, and Tesla. The top 10 names in the S&P 500 account for roughly 32 percent of the index compared to the average since 1990 of 20 percent. During the dot-com boom, the top 10 weightings peaked at 25 percent.
Economic Risk Factor Update: May 2024 [SlideShare]
April’s reports showed signs of continued slowing economic growth. Hiring slowed during the month, with 175,000 jobs added. Service sector and consumer confidence both fell in April, while the yield curve inversion narrowed.
Economic Release Snapshot: Consumer Sentiment Slides in May
Each week, we break down the latest U.S. economic reports, including what the results mean for the overall health of the economy. Here, you will find how economists’ forecasts compare with actual results, key takeaways to consider, as well as a list of what’s on tap for the week ahead.
Looking Back at the Markets in April and Ahead to May 2024
Markets pulled back in April, as high inflation and rising interest rates led to mid-single-digit declines for stocks during the month.
This result marked the first monthly decline for U.S. equities this year following a strong first quarter. International markets came in mixed, as developed markets were down in April while emerging markets saw a modest gain. Fixed income was also down for the month.