The Markets (as of market close October 18, 2019) For the second week in a row, each of the benchmark indexes listed here (except for the Dow) posted gains last week. Stocks got a boost from some strong third-quarter earnings reports as several large financial institutions recorded strong earnings. The S&P 500 came close to reaching its record high earlier in the week, while the small caps of the Russell 2000 surged ahead by more than 1.50%. Long term Treasuries saw yields fa

The Markets (as of market close October 11, 2019) Last week, President Trump said the United States and China had reached a "substantial, phase-one" agreement to resolve the trade war between the economic giants. Essentially, the United States agreed to hold off on the imposition of additional tariffs on Chinese imports, while China agreed to ramp up the purchase of U.S. agricultural products. Buoyed by the prospects of a further trade accord, investors dove into the market,

The Markets (as of market close October 4, 2019) Stocks and long-term bond yields fell again last week as fears of an economic slowdown, both here and abroad, worried investors. Despite a solid labor report, unfavorable reports from domestic and global manufacturers, and an expanding trade deficit apparently shook investors. Of the benchmark indexes listed here, only the tech-heavy Nasdaq posted a weekly gain, bolstered by gains in information technology shares. The Global Do

The Markets (as of market close September 27, 2019) Each of the benchmark indexes listed here lost value for the second consecutive week, with the S&P 500, the Dow, and the Nasdaq sinking to levels not seen since August. Investors were hit with potentially worsening trade tensions between the United States and China, along with political uncertainty following the House's impeachment inquiry proceedings against President Trump. Small caps underperformed large caps as the Nasda

The Markets (as of market close September 20, 2019) Following three consecutive weekly gains, stocks closed down last week. Despite another drop in interest rates, news that a Chinese delegation involved in trade negotiations would be returning home earlier than expected worried investors and sent stocks spiraling downward. An attack on oil facilities in Saudi Arabia prompted a surge in crude oil prices, which had been falling over the past few weeks. By last week's end, each

The Markets (as of market close September 13, 2019) Stocks continue to rebound from their August declines, posting gains for the third week in a row. Each of the benchmark indexes listed here increased in value, led by the small caps of the Russell 2000, which climbed close to 5.0%. Trade tensions appeared to wane, at least for now, after China said that it wouldn't impose tariffs on imports of certain U.S. agricultural goods. The European Central Bank initiated several stimu

The Markets (as of market close September 6, 2019) Stocks climbed last week following positive rhetoric from high-ranking Chinese officials who plan to meet for another round of trade discussions in Washington next month. This is welcome news for investors who saw the United States and China impose additional tariffs on September 1, with the plan for more of the same in December if negotiations prove fruitless. Optimistic investors pushed stock prices higher as each of the be

The Markets (as of market close August 30, 2019) Stocks rebounded last week after China's Ministry of Commerce indicated that China had no immediate intention to respond to President Trump's latest threat of an additional round of tariff increases on imports of Chinese goods and services. The result was a surge in stock prices with each of the benchmark indexes listed here posted notable gains, led by the Dow, which eclipsed 3.0% in week-over-week gains. The Nasdaq, the S&P 5

The Markets (as of market close August 23, 2019) Stock gains enjoyed earlier last week were lost by week's end on ramped-up trade war rhetoric from the White House. Stocks surged earlier in the week on favorable earnings reports from some major retailers and a renewed commitment from the Federal Reserve to act accordingly in heading off a possible recession. Following China's announcement that it would raise tariffs on U.S. imports, including a 25% tax on American-made autos,

The Markets (as of market close August 16, 2019) Volatility is the best term to describe stocks last week. Despite a Friday surge, each of the benchmark indexes listed here fell for the third consecutive week. Wednesday proved to be the most tumultuous day, as stocks suffered a major pullback. Long-term bond yields plunged below that of the two-year note. This "inversion" has historical precedence as a warning of an impending recession. That, coupled with ramped-up trade war