My colleague Sam Millette, director, fixed income on Commonwealth’s Investment Management and Research team, helped me put together this month’s Economic Risk Factor Update. Thanks for the assist, Sam! Let’s take a closer look.
News
2023 Midyear Outlook: Asset Allocation Risks and Opportunities
What a year it has been for financial markets. There have been several negative factors in play, including a high-single-digit inflation print, the ongoing war in Ukraine, and several regional bank failures. Nonetheless, the S&P 500 finished the second quarter up 17 percent for the year. Go figure!
Economic Release Snapshot: Hiring Slows in June
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 June and Ahead to July 2023
June was a strong month and closed out a generally solid quarter, especially for U.S. stocks. The U.S. indices were up significantly for the month, and both the S&P 500 and the Nasdaq showed positive gains for the quarter, although the Dow lagged. International markets also did well in June but ended the quarter flat. Fixed income, on the other hand, was much weaker for both the month and quarter.
Financial markets were clearly in a risk-on mode, which benefited riskier investments like tech stocks at the expense of more boring ones.
2023 Midyear Outlook: Fixed Income May Offer Compelling Options
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.
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.
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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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