Turbulence continued to plague U.S. markets in July, as stocks were buffeted by AI-related jitters and fluctuating oil prices stemming from the conflict in the Middle East. The Fed's decision to keep rates steady spooked investors, but subsequent positive reactions to Big Tech earnings results and easing inflation assuaged nerves. The S&P 500® made a comeback in the final two trading sessions, climbing more than 2% to finish the month flat. Smaller-caps and mega-caps underperformed their [...]

The rally in U.S. equities continued in May, as strong tech earnings and AI-related exuberance propelled the S&P 500® to eleven all-time closing highs, while declining oil prices and easing geopolitical concerns amplified the market's positive sentiment. The 500 finished the month with a 5% gain. Mid-and small-cap equities lagged large caps, with the S&P MidCap 400® up 2% and the S&P SmallCap 600® up 1%, weighed down by headwinds including rising Treasury yields and inflation worries. Sector [...]

U.S. equities rallied in April, shaking off geopolitical concerns, oil price volatility and inflation jitters, thanks to strong corporate earnings and robust economic growth. In a dramatic turnaround from approaching the precipice of correction territory to subsequently reaching seven record closing highs, the S&P 500® gained 10%, marking its best monthly performance since November 2020. The rebound was broad based, with the S&P MidCap 400® and S&P SmallCap 600® rising 8% and 10%, respectively. Large-cap sector performance reversed [...]

U.S. equities navigated a turbulent first quarter, buffeted by a trifecta of tariff-related anxiety, renewed AI concerns, and private credit worries. Jitters escalated in March as the conflict in the Middle East reignited stagflation fears, and hopes for Fed rate cuts dissipated. Optimism returned to the market on the final trading day of the quarter, accompanied by a strong relief rally. Still, the S&P 500® closed the quarter down 4%, the worst quarterly performance since Q3 [...]

February was a challenging month for U.S. equities as growing scrutiny of AI-related capital expenditures and their associated impact on business models took a toll on large-caps, leading to the third weekly decline for the S&P 500. A worse than expected producer-price reading on the final trading day created renewed inflation jitters and dampened hopes for Fed rate cuts, with The 500 closing down 0.8% for the month. Market leadership shifted toward smaller companies, with [...]