For the period July 1 – July 31, 2024. Executive Summary Volatility returned to markets as investors grappled with mixed economic data, political headlines, second-quarter earnings, and central bank policy meetings. Despite the challenges, the totality of data suggests that the U.S. economy is still expanding, as investors eagerly await the Fed’s next move.

For the period November 1 to November 30, 2023. Executive Summary U.S. equity markets bounced back with historically strong returns in November as yields on longer-dated Treasuries declined. If inflation has been tamed and rate hikes are in the rearview mirror, a recession may be averted—but the era of interest rates anchored near zero may also be behind us.

Executive Summary As the most aggressive interest rate-hiking cycle in recent history seemingly nears its final stages, economic activity is better than expected, bond markets are providing the opportunity to construct portfolios that generate higher yields, and equity markets are near all-time highs.

Executive Summary With the pandemic fading into the background, investors shifted their focus towards inflation, geopolitical conflicts, rising interest rates, and slowing economic growth. With increased uncertainty, market volatility has been elevated throughout the quarter, but we remain cautiously optimistic on our longer-term outlook for the U.S. economy.