After a record June, U.S. equities continued to post gains, thanks to strong earnings and economic growth. Dovish sentiment from the Fed was short-circuited on the final trading day of the month. Despite a well-telegraphed 25 bps reduction in the target federal funds rate, the trajectory for future rate cuts remains uncertain. Large, mid and small-caps gained, with the S&P 500®, S&P MidCap 400® and S&P SmallCap 600® all up 1%.
- Enhanced Value was the top performing factor, and has outperformed the S&P 500 in 6 out of the past 12 months. Across sectors, Communication Services was the top performer, while Energy was the laggard.
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International markets posted losses, with the S&P Developed Ex-U.S. and the S&P Emerging BMI both down 1%, with headwinds including U.S. dollar strength.
