• Stocks Start 2018 With Jump

    The first week of 2018 is behind us, and across the globe, stocks experienced a strong start to the year. International stocks in the MSCI EAFE gained 2.44% last week.[1] In the U.S., our major indexes also leapt forward, hitting a number of records and milestones.[2]

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  • Special Update: 2017 in Review

    In the final trading days of a strong 2017, U.S. indexes lost some ground. During the holiday-shortened week, the S&P 500 dropped by 0.36%, the Dow lost 0.14%, and the NASDAQ gave back 0.81%.[1] A selloff toward the end of the day on Friday contributed to the domestic indexes’ weekly losses.[2] International stocks in the MSCI EAFE ended the week in positive territory, gaining 0.89%.[3]

    Despite the losses, all three major domestic indexes experienced their best year since 2013.[4] During 2017, the Dow hit 71 record highs, and the NASDAQ gained in all but 1 month for the first time ever.[5]

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  • A Tax Bill Before the Holiday

    As we headed into the long holiday weekend, the markets continued to climb as tax reform moved forward.[1] For the week, the S&P 500 closed up 0.29%, the Dow rose 0.43%, and the NASDAQ gained 0.35%.[2] International stocks in the MSCI EAFE increased by 1.23%.[3]

    Before leaving for his holiday vacation, President Trump signed a new tax bill and a measure to temporarily delay a possible government shutdown. Supporters of the $1.5 trillion tax cut, which dramatically reduces the corporate tax rate, believe it will encourage businesses to invest, hire more workers, and increase wages.[4] Some companies are already celebrating by offering bonuses to their employees and promising to improve infrastructure in the workplace.[5]

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  • Tax Plan Boosts Stocks

     

     

     

     

     

    Domestic markets were up last week as tax reform became more likely. On Friday, multiple previously undecided Senators announced they would back the combined House and Senate bill, and stocks reacted by hitting new record highs.[1] For the week, the S&P 500 gained 0.92%, the Dow added 1.33%, and the NASDAQ grew by 1.41%.[2] International stocks in the MSCI EAFE increased 0.13%.[3]

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  • Strong Markets for the Holidays

     

     

    As the holiday season progresses, the markets continue to impress. Last week, many energy, financial, and industrial sector stocks helped drive performance.[1] Hitting record highs yet again, the S&P gained 0.35%, and the Dow jumped 0.40% for the week.[2] Meanwhile, the NASDAQ fell slightly by 0.11%, and the MSCI EAFE rose 0.08%.[3]

    Solid labor market conditions and a rebounding retail climate are helping to support the economy as the year closes.[4] Here are some developments that stood out last week:

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