David Bennett, Author at Unify Financial Advisors

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 ...

Weekly Market Update – 9.3.2024

The S&P 500 posted gains for the third consecutive week, helped by positive GDP revisions and tamed inflation(PCE). Nvidia(NVDA) beat earnings estimates but experienced margin contraction partly due to production issues with its next-generation Blackwell chips. Thursday, NVDA shares declined 6.4%, highlighting that high expectations for future profits leave little margin for error. Today, ISM’s purchasing manager’s index(PMI) for August came in ...

Weekly Market Update – 8.26.2024

Last week, Jerome Powell’s Jackson Hole speech marked a definitive turning point toward less restrictive monetary policy. Fed futures show a cumulative rate cut of 1% by their December meeting. Investors should consider locking in higher yields for the longer term, anticipating lower rates. The S&P 500 gained 1.47% on the week, with a two-week cumulative return of 5.46%. Inflation data from Personal Consumption Expenditures(PCE) and Nvidia ...

Weekly Market Update – 8.19.2024

Last week, investors embraced positive economic data. July’s CPI was 2.9% compared to one year ago. Following the upbeat CPI report, the probability of the Fed cutting rates at their September meeting remained 100%. Strong retail sales and lower initial Jobless claims comforted investors after the disappointing jobs reported two weeks ago. Stocks posted their best week of the year, with the S&P 500 gaining 3.99%. The real estate sector ...

Market Jitters: Recession On or Off?

Recent market fluctuations have investors on edge, with many wondering if a recession is looming. While headlines may scream doom and gloom one day and optimism the next, it’s crucial to remember that economic speculation should not dictate your financial strategy. Market volatility is a natural part of the economic cycle. Whether a recession is imminent or not, your long-term financial goals remain the same. A well-diversified portfolio and a solid financial strategy are designed to ...

Blog

Author: David Bennett

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

Weekly Market Update – 9.3.2024

Weekly Market Update – 8.26.2024

Weekly Market Update – 8.19.2024

Market Jitters: Recession On or Off?

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