For the period November 1 – November 30, 2024.  Executive Summary  With the US presidential election in the rearview mirror, US equities climbed higher in November and bond yields declined. Risk assets continue to be supported by a positive macroeconomic backdrop, solid earnings growth, and an accommodative Fed. 

For the period September 1 – September 30, 2024. Executive Summary Despite recent bouts of volatility, equity markets marched higher, ending the third quarter at all-time highs. The Fed began a recalibration of interest rates with a 50-basis point cut, as they see balanced risks to both inflation and employment.

In this episode of “Investment Management Foundations,” Gary Quinzel, Vice President of Portfolio Consulting at Wealth Enhancement, discusses the significance of monetary policy, highlighting its impact on interest rates, economic stability, and investment market behavior.

Stocks have been particularly strong in 2024 as volatility has been near multiyear lows. That trend has reversed in recent days, following the most recent labor data releases.

For the period June 1 – June 30, 2024. Executive Summary Positive returns in the Growth and Technology sectors helped cap off another strong quarter for the market, but they have further intensified the high concentration of market leadership. Investors appear content with modest rate cut expectations, while growth and inflation have moderated.

Written by: Ben Popken With interest rates at record highs and inflation eating away at investment returns, alternative investments have taken on a new luster for the richest of the rich.

For the period April 1 – April 30, 2024. Executive Summary Equity markets pulled back in April amid hawkish repricing of rate expectations. Inflation has proven to be stickier than most believed at the start of the year, but following the most recent Fed meeting, it still seems that the next interest rate move will be lower.

For the period January 1 – January 31, 2024. Executive Summary U.S. equity markets hit new all-time highs in January, even as market expectations for interest rate cuts from the Fed were recalibrated. The Fed wants to be confident that inflation is stemmed prior to their first rate cut, so all eyes will focus on economic data, which currently supports their decision.