David Bennett, Author at Unify Financial Advisors

Weekly Market Update – 11.11.2024

Last week, investors reacted to the election results and the FOMC’s 0.25% rate cut, driving U.S. stocks to new record highs. The S&P 500 gained 4.69% on the week. ForecastEx contracts accurately predicted the outcome of the presidential election and various other races. This week, we will get the latest inflation data for October, which includes the Consumer Price Index (CPI)and Producer Price Index (PPI). CPI is expected to remain unchanged ...

Weekly Market Update 11.4.2024

Stocks kicked off November on a positive note after being spoked on Halloween. Thursday’s close saw equities lower for October, the first down month since April. The October Employment Report revealed nonfarm payrolls grew by only 12,000. The disruptive forces of hurricanes and the Boeing Labor strike are blamed for the weak employment data. Earnings reports from major technology companies fell short of investors’ high expectations. However, Amazon’s ...

Weekly Market Update – 10.21.2024

Last week’s mixed corporate earnings and strong retail sales drove the S&P 500 to another record close on Friday. Analysts expected year-over-year growth in Q3 earnings per share(EPS) for the S&P 500 of 1.9%. Information technology leads the way at 15%, with energy coming in last at -30%. Prudent portfolio rebalancing across sectors could position portfolios in 2025 to benefit from expected double-digit earnings growth in materials, industrials, and energy (JPM Weekly ...

Weekly Market Update – 10.14.2024

On Friday, the S&P 500 notched its 45th all-time high this year, gaining 1.13% for the week. Inflation measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI) reached its lowest level in three years, with year-over-year CPI at 2.4%. JP Morgan and Wells Fargo helped kick off Q3 corporate earnings season by beating their earnings estimates. This week, earning seasons get into full swing, especially with Financials. Other notable non-financials reporting this ...

Weekly Market Update – 10.7.2024

Stock and bond markets fluctuated last week due to heightened tensions in the Middle East, ongoing port strikes, and positive employment data. A strong employment report drove stocks higher on Friday, with the S&P 500 gaining 0.26% for the week, while bond prices declined by 1.24%. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) report will be released this Thursday. The September Core CPI is anticipated to decrease by 0.10 from the previous month. As Hurricane Milton ...

Weekly Market Update – 9.30.2024

Last week, the S&P 500 posted record highs and gained 0.64%. Personal Consumption Expenditures(PCE) for August rose 2.2% from one year ago. With PCE being the Fed’s preferred inflation gauge, there is currently a 100% probability of at least a 0.25% rate cut on November 7. I was recently asked how stocks can set record highs in the face of political uncertainty and wars. In short, the Fed has more influence over the current US economy than elections and ...

Weekly Market Update – 9.23.2024

Last week, the Fed made a big move by cutting the policy rate by 0.50%. The Federal Open Market Committee’s quarterly Summary of Economic Projections showed decreases in expected inflation and policy rate and an increase in unemployment compared to their June projection. Stocks rallied on the news, with the S&P 500 gaining 1.39%. This week, stocks look to post a monthly gain in September for the first time since 2019. Friday, the Personal Consumption ...

Weekly Market Update – 9.16.2024

Stocks bounced back, with the S&P 500 gaining 4.06% and the Tech Heavy NASDAQ gaining 5.98% for the week. Bonds also added value as rates decreased in anticipation of a Fed cut. The aggregate bond index (AGG) gained 5.68% for the year through Friday. Bonds are on pace for their first positive calendar year of returns since 2020. This week’s focus is on the Fed, as a 0.50% rate cut seems appropriate. The probability of the FOMC cutting the Federal Funds Rate by ...

Weekly Market Update – 9.9.2024

September got off to a rough start for Wall Street. The S&P 500 declined 4.22% last week on fears of a waning labor market from the fresh jobs data. The downward revisions to the June and July payrolls have investors on edge that the Fed might have waited too long to cut rates. There is a 100% probability of a 0.25% cut at the September 18th Fed meeting. A normalizing labor market, low inflation, and an accommodative Fed could help the Fed to navigate a “soft ...

Driving Change

Understanding market trends can help you make more informed financial decisions With Labor Day behind us, the end of summer vacation time has officially arrived. Children have gone back to school and routines are shifting back to work mode, with the autumnal equinox just around the corner. As we make this transition, you may have noticed that fewer young people are getting their driving licenses—a shift that is influencing their spending and lifestyle preferences. The increasing ...

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Author: David Bennett

Weekly Market Update – 11.11.2024

Weekly Market Update 11.4.2024

Weekly Market Update – 10.21.2024

Weekly Market Update – 10.14.2024

Weekly Market Update – 10.7.2024

Weekly Market Update – 9.30.2024

Weekly Market Update – 9.23.2024

Weekly Market Update – 9.16.2024

Weekly Market Update – 9.9.2024

Driving Change

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