Category: Economic Commentary

Stocks Look Past Higher Oil Despite a lack of a long-term resolution for the conflict in Iran and oil prices exceeding $100 per barrel, stock markets returned to an all-time high. The MSCI ACWI IMI index advanced more …

Energy Costs Spike Oil traded in New York advanced from $67 per barrel at the beginning of March to above $100 per barrel to close out the month, as traders assessed the implications of the Iranian conflict. The …

Software on Sale A sell-off in software stocks took another step lower in February, as investors reassessed the extreme prices placed on investments relying on artificial intelligence (AI) advancements. The S&P 500 …

2025: YEAR-IN-REVIEW Global equity markets exhibited another year of strong returns, but volatility returned to the forefront as global trade partnerships were redefined. The S&P 500 index, a collection of the …

Rate Cut Regime Paused The Federal Reserve decided to leave interest rates unchanged as an improvement in the U.S. economy was considered in its decision. Federal Reserve officials noted limited job gains and a …

U.S. Stocks Unchanged in December The S&P 500 index, a benchmark for the largest U.S. stocks, was essentially flat for the month, rising only 0.06% with returns being led by value stocks. In December 2025, the …

Consumers Lose Momentum A deluge of economic data delayed from the government shutdown were reported in November. One of the most important economic indicators, retail sales, was released last month and it provides …

NAVIGATING UNCERTAINTY Markets have come accustomed to the “Wall of Worry”, whether it is a change in global trade dynamics, a government shutdown, softening economic activity or the path of interest rates. Through …

Government Shutdown Affects Economic Data Releases The lack of usual economic data releases has left investors guessing on the health of the U.S. economy. Economic data has been mixed, with private labor market …