The Markets (as of market close July 26, 2019) Strong earnings reports plus a favorable gross domestic product report were enough to boost stocks last week. The S&P 500 notched a new record high last week, as did the Nasdaq. The GDP expanded at an annualized rate of 2.1% in the second quarter as consumer spending (which accounts for about two-thirds of the economy) soared. Several large companies reported strong earnings, although Amazon's run of record earnings came to an en

The Markets (as of market close July 19, 2019) Each of the benchmark indexes listed here closed last week in the red. Energy stocks dropped as oil prices fell. Stocks in communication services and transportation also declined, impacting the large-cap indexes. Comments from the Fed pointed to signs of economic distress, and leaned toward a possible rate cut later this month. The small caps of the Russell 2000 dipped the most last week, followed by the S&P 500 and the Nasdaq, e

The Markets (as of market close July 12, 2019) Both the Dow and the S&P 500 reached new record highs last week. The Dow surged past 27000 for the first time, while the S&P 500 surpassed the 3000 threshold. Anticipated testimony from Fed Chairman Jerome Powell lent credence to the expected interest rate cut at the end of the month. Powell indicated that "uncertainties around trade tensions and concerns about the strength of the global economy continue to weigh on the U.S. econ

The Markets (as of market close July 5, 2019) Last week, June's labor report was strong enough to likely prompt the Fed to hold interest rates at their current level (and forestall a rate cut). Feeding off the latest labor figures, stocks pushed ahead during the holiday-shortened week as each of the benchmark indexes listed here posted gains. The Nasdaq led the way, gaining close to 2.0%, followed by the large caps of the S&P 500 and the Dow, each of which enjoyed a solid wee

Happy Independence Day! Hard to believe our republic, this grand experiment in democracy, turns a healthy 243 years old this July 4. That’s a long time removed from July 1776, when the first Independence Day celebration took place in Philadelphia. Back then, our newly independent nation had a population of 2.5 million. This year, our estimated population is over 328 million. We’ve grown a lot since 1776. But through it all, we’ve held on to the spirit that embodies our July F

The Markets (as of market close June 28, 2019) With a strong close last Friday, stocks recovered most of the losses endured earlier last week. Only the Russell 2000 posted a weekly gain, and has climbed over 16% year-to-date. The other benchmark indexes listed here lost value, but not as much as it could have been. The Dow had the worst week, falling almost 0.50%, followed by the Nasdaq, the S&P 500, and the Global Dow, which fell 0.23%. Investors may be waiting for the meeti