Equity markets continued to rally in January, as all three major U.S. indices were up for the month. The S&P 500 gained 1.68 percent to start the year, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average was up 1.31 percent. The Nasdaq Composite lagged its peers, as the technology-heavy index gained 1.04 percent in January. While these were smaller gains than those at the end of 2023, this still marks three consecutive months of positive returns for all three indices.
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Economic Release Snapshot: Service Sector Confidence Improves in January
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.
Economic Risk Factor Update: February 2024 [SlideShare]
January’s reports showed solid economic growth to start the year. Hiring accelerated, as 353,000 jobs were added in January following an upwardly revised 333,000 new jobs in December. Consumer confidence and service sector confidence also improved to start the year.
Looking Back at the Markets in January and Ahead to February 2024
In general, markets edged up last month. U.S. markets continued their rally at a slower pace as interest rates bounced around, which also constrained fixed income returns. International markets were more mixed, with developed international markets roughly even and emerging markets down, primarily due to weak performance in China.
Economic Release Snapshot: Hiring Surges in January
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.
Market Thoughts for February 2024 [Video]
The U.S. stock market reported lower-single-digit gains in January, while international and emerging markets lagged behind. The economy performed well, as strong retail sales, a healthy jobs market, and consumer confidence drove the fourth-quarter growth.
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Ashley has been working in the customer service field since she started her first job at age 16. For the past ten years she worked in an office setting handling accounts payable and receivable as well as some receptionist work. She is very excited to learn more about the investment field.
Alec joined Riverstone after starting out his post college career on the operations side of an international logistics company working as an account executive. Graduating with a BA in Economics from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, he quickly developed a strong interest in the financial world. A lifetime resident of the Chicagoland area, Alec is an avid fan of his hometown sports teams. He is also an enthusiast of outdoor activities like fishing, camping, and hiking whenever possible.
Carol has a wide variety of experiences and has worked mainly with not-for-profit organizations. She spent 20 years in fundraising and 15 years teaching in the Illinois school system while she raised her younger children. Carol lives in Sugar Grove with her husband, Ron, and their Golden Retriever, Charley. She has four children and two grandchildren. When she’s not working, Carol enjoys spending time with friends and family, running, fishing, bible study, and watching her grandchildren play sports.
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