U.S. Performance Dashboard – November 2025
A record-long government shutdown, concerns over elevated Big Tech valuations, and hawkish sentiment from the Fed initially rattled U.S. equity markets in November. Consumer sentiment fell to its lowest level since 2022 and VIX® soared to its highest reading since April. But there was plenty to be thankful for, most prominently a sharp rise in expectations for a December rate cut, which led to a strong turnaround for the S&P 500® in the last week of the [...]
U.S. Performance Dashboard – October 2025
U.S. equities finished October on a strong note, with the S&P 500® up 2%, thanks to blockbuster earnings from Big Tech on the final trading days of the month. Optimism surrounding a potential trade deal between the U.S. and China and anticipation of the Fed's recent rate cut propelled risk-on sentiment through the month, although Fed Chair Powell's recent hawkish remarks spooked markets. Gains were powered by mega-cap strength, with the S&P 500 Top 50 up [...]
U.S. Performance Dashboard – September 2025
U.S. equity markets closed out the final trading day of the quarter with a slight gain amid government shutdown concerns. It was a stellar Q3, thanks to optimism surrounding Fed rate cuts, Big Tech strength and robust consumer spending, with the S&P 500® up 8%. Despite ongoing trade negotiations coupled with inflation and labor market worries, The 500™ notched 23 record closing highs, also marking its best September performance in 15 years. Bolstered by the tailwind [...]
U.S. Performance Dashboard – August 2025
Despite a sharp sell-off on the final trading day of the month, U.S. equities finished their fourth consecutive month of gains, with the S&P 500® up 2% in August. While tariff-related uncertainty and geopolitical tensions continued to weigh on the market, optimism surrounding potential upcoming Federal Reserve rate cuts and Big Tech strength helped propel The 500™ to a new all-time closing high on August 28. The rally broadened in August, with mid and small caps [...]
U.S. Performance Dashboard – July 2025
Despite ongoing tariff-related trade tensions and macroeconomic uncertainty affecting markets, U.S. equities maintained their upward momentum in July, with the S&P 500® increasing by 2%. Propelled by strong corporate earnings and renewed consumer sentiment, The 500™ reached 10 all-time highs, demonstrating resilience amid economic challenges. However, as the month ended, the rally lost momentum as the tariff deadline neared and the Fed's post-meeting commentary hinted at potential challenges ahead. The market rally extended beyond large caps, [...]
U.S. Performance Dashboard – June 2025
Shrugging off inflation concerns, trade tensions, and geopolitical risks, U.S. equities staged a dramatic recovery in Q2, with the S&P 500® rebounding by over 20% since the tariff-related tumult experienced in early April. Fueled by robust corporate earnings from Big Tech and recent optimism surrounding potential upcoming tax cuts, The 500™ reached another all-time closing high on the last trading day of the month, closing the quarter up 11%. Implied volatility remained low, with VIX® closing the quarter [...]
