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Monthly Market Updates

Posted April 1, 2022

Worst Quarter in 2 Years

After back-to-back down months to start the year, March began with more of the same.  Rising oil prices, rising interest rates and the war in Ukraine created a high level of uncertainty.  We did expect interest rates to move higher as the Federal Reserve tightened monetary policy in their fight against inflation, but the uncertainty […]

Posted February 28, 2022

Ukraine Tensions

February is the only month of the year that has, on average, showed a return of 0%. The month was a busy one for earnings reports and we saw many of the highflyers from 2021 experience sharp declines.  The correction that began in January continued into February and at one point 40% of the companies […]

Posted January 31, 2022

Worst Monthly Performance Since March 2020

Coming off a strong year like 2021 we expected to see some selling in the early going this year, but we didn’t expect the worst January in 14 years for the S&P 500 and the worst overall monthly performance for the tech heavy NASDAQ since 2008!  Technology stocks are the growth engine for the market […]

Posted December 31, 2021

Omicron Fears Ease

Last month we pointed out that December is the best month for the market, closing in positive territory 73% of the time, far more than any other month.  The reasons are not clear, so we will just chalk it up to the Holiday Spirit with both traders and money managers being in good moods.  2021 […]

Posted November 30, 2021

Another Covid Variant

November is historically a good month for the market and begins a 90-day period that has traditionally been the best for stock market performance.  However, we wondered if the 7% gain in October may have used some of the fuel that would normally propel the market in November and that seems to be the case.  […]

Posted October 29, 2021

Best Month of the Year

Earnings are the fuel that drives the train and the S&P 500 dropped 4.8% in September on concern the Delta variance may have slowed economic activity during the 3rd quarter.  This slowdown could translate into reduced revenue and net income for corporations that would weigh on the market.  By the end of October nearly 50% […]

Posted September 30, 2021

End of the Winning Streak

Over the past few months, we have been pointing out stock valuations are stretched and in need of a period of consolidation.  September has historically been a tough month for stock market performance, and we suggested last month that this seasonally weak period could be a place to see a pullback.  After the market decline […]

Posted August 31, 2021

7 Month Winning Streak

The S&P 500 was on a 6-month 18% winning streak coming into August.  We thought a continued increase in Covid cases could weigh on the market, but cases continued to increase during the month and the S&P 500 continued to push into record territory.  Strong earnings reports, good economic numbers, and the prospect of trillions […]

Posted July 30, 2021

Six Straight Months of Gains

July has historically been the best month of the year for stock market performance and this July was true to form.  We saw the majority of Q2 earnings reports during the month, but we also saw a flair up in COVID cases as the Delta variance of the virus attacked mostly the unvaccinated.  Corporate earnings […]

Posted July 1, 2021

Best First Half Since 1998

Monthly Market Recap – June June is traditionally a very average month for the market, with a typical gain of .8% and a positive close 60% of the time. At the end of May, the S&P 500 had risen for 3 consecutive months and was 12% higher for the year. Keep in mind, the average […]

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