At the beginning of the week, stocks surged, anticipating fourth-quarter corporate updates from tech companies and the Federal Reserve's two-day policy meeting; this led to the S&P 500 Index reaching a new record high on Monday.
Powell reiterated that he doesn't think the Fed will cut rates at its March meeting, signaling that mid-year would likely be a better time to introduce a cut, citing the need for more data to illustrate that recent gains in controlling inflation aren't transitory.
The Fed's recent actions have led to a reevaluation of what it means to 'fight the Fed,' and it's crucial for investors to understand the difference between a trading opportunity and an investable rally.
The IRS has announced new income tax brackets for 2024, with changes that could save households with stagnant income a lower tax bill.
The expansion marks the first month of growth in nine, with business confidence being a key driver, propelling the positive change as retailers briskly increased inventories in anticipation of improved future performance.
The market appears to be rewarding the cost-cutting measures, with many tech giants repositioning themselves with AI in mind, and some analysts inferring that this emphasis on efficiency may encourage investors.
The overarching outlook for fixed income in 2024 is centered on rate cuts, but we still haven't solved the timing and magnitude questions, which will continue to create an elevated volatility quotient for Treasuries until some clarity comes into the picture.
The market's current state is reminiscent of the early 2000s, with a focus on cryptocurrency companies and their advertisements during the Super Bowl.
For over a month, I've been concerned that markets have been pricing in a pair of conflicting economic scenarios. We first laid out the paradox in early December: equity investors say that they are hopeful for a soft landing for the economy yet seem to relish signals of more overt weakness.
The 2024 US presidential election will likely have a significant impact on markets, with the potential for policy changes and increased political volatility. The current macroeconomic backdrop favors President Joe Biden more than what political polls suggest, with most macroeconomic indicators pointing towards an improving economy.
The market share for EVs in the light- duty vehicle segment could grow from an estimated 17% in 2023 to more than 60% by 2035, driven by a range of factors, including government targets for partial or complete bans on sales of new internal combustion engine vehicles.
Despite the ups and downs, the start of earnings season brought mixed results from a handful of major banks, and investors are cautiously optimistic about the market's trajectory going forward.