Throughout 2022, high levels of volatility across all major asset classes created a difficult environment. Fixed income investors were hit especially hard, as rising yields—brought on by surging inflation—weighed heavily on bond prices. Although not ideal, this helped set the stage for a more positive start to 2023.
Commonwealth
Market Thoughts for July 2023 [Video]
U.S. stocks were up for June and the quarter while gains in international markets last month left them flat for the quarter. Fixed income didn’t fare as well. Market performance reflected positive economic news, with continued strong job creation, income and spending growth, and improving consumer confidence. But while inflation is down, it may not stay that way.
Economic Release Snapshot: Consumer Confidence Improves
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.
What Mattered This Week? No Slowdown Here
Unlike last week, when there really wasn’t much news, we did get quite a bit of data this week. And it was all positive.
Will the S&P 500 Keep Rising After Hitting a 52-Week High?
Brad here. We just published our Midyear Outlook, and as you saw yesterday, we remain cautious about the market for several reasons. At the same time, over the longer term, the market does tend to go up—and even in the shorter term, there are alternative possibilities to consider.
For most people, that means focusing on the risk, and that’s fine—but it misses half, and possibly more, of the big picture. So, for a look at the potential upside, here’s a great piece from my colleague Tom Logue on why the market may well keep rising, especially over the next year.
2023 Midyear Outlook: Do Equity Markets Warrant Caution Ahead?
1969 is often remembered as one of the biggest years in pop culture history. Broadway Joe Namath guaranteed his upstart AFL Jets would win the Super Bowl—and then went out and did just that. The Beatles played together in public for the last time on a London rooftop. Neil Armstrong took one small step for man and one giant leap for mankind. About 400,000 people descended on a farm in New York for the Woodstock Music Festival. And finally, the Miracle Mets won the World Series.