Geopolitics, Uncertainty, and Resilient Fundamentals
For the third consecutive year, the S&P 500 index delivered investors double-digit returns.
Resilient Economy and Corporate Earnings Deliver Third Straight Year of Strong Returns
For the third consecutive year, the S&P 500 index delivered investors double-digit returns.
Third Quarter Defies Historical Trends as Investor Optimism Persists
Historically, investors have braced for the third quarter to be the most challenging stretch of the year. That familiar pattern did not hold in 2025.
Second Quarter Ends Strong Despite Early Volatility
Investor emotions catalyzed one of the most remarkable quarters in recent memory. On the surface, the second quarter of 2025 was strong, with the S&P 500 gaining nearly 11%.
Despite the Market’s Fixation on Tariffs, Long-Term Outlook for U.S. Markets Remains Positive
Markets can handle good news, and markets can handle bad news, but markets hate uncertainty. This adage, long recognized on Wall Street, accurately describes current investor sentiment.
S&P 500 Achieves 57 Record Closes Despite Volatility and Election Uncertainty
Catalyzed by a strong economy, cooling inflation, and excitement around artificial intelligence, the equity market posted an impressive year, returning nearly 25%. 2024 marked the second consecutive year of 20%+ returns—the first such streak since the late 1990s.
Market Dynamics Shift: Small Caps Regain Leadership as the Fed Cuts Rates Aggressively
The oft-treacherous summer months could not dampen investors’ spirits in the third quarter of 2024. All major indices advanced—closing at or near record highs—propelled by continued impressive corporate earnings and a larger-than-previously-expected interest rate cut by the Fed.
S&P 500 Achieves Record Start in Early 2024, Driven by AI Optimism
On the surface, the first six months of 2024 were a utopia for investors. The S&P 500 returned more than 15% with very little volatility. This advance occurred despite the Fed not cutting interest rates and with inflation remaining stubbornly elevated.
How 2023’s market strength continued into the new year
Whether the markets will continue ascending for the remainder of the year will likely be predicated on corporate earnings. Additionally, investors will need to navigate potential volatility caused by the timing of rate cuts by the Federal Reserve, a presidential election, and the overall health of the consumer.
The Importance of Earnings Power Amidst Changing Market Expectations
Against the backdrop of low expectations, 2023 helped wash away the sour taste of 2022. The S&P 500® index returned more than 26 percent and all major indices posted handsome advances.