-
Stocks Up as Shutdown Looms
We’re only a few weeks into 2018, and stocks are showing quite a strong performance so far. Last week, major domestic indexes posted gains yet again, with all 3 up at least 5% this year. By Friday, the S&P 500 had added another 0.86%, and both the Dow and NASDAQ were up 1.04%.[1] All 3 indexes hit new record highs at least once during the week.[2]
In addition to the solid performance for U.S. equities, we’re also experiencing synchronized global growth. European and Asian stocks grew last week, and China’s growth data was more positive than expected.[3] Overall, international stocks in the MSCI EAFE added a healthy 1.24% last week. Year to date, the MSCI is up 4.95%.[4]
-
Equities and Inflation Climb
Domestic markets continued their strong start to 2018, posting gains across the board for their 2nd week. The S&P 500 added 1.57% and closed at a new record high on Friday. The index just posted its best 10-day beginning to a year since 2003, with a 4.2% gain so far this year.[1] The Dow also hit a new record on Friday and gained 2.01% for the week.[2] The NASDAQ increased by 1.74%,[3] while international stocks in the MSCI EAFE joined last week’s gains, adding 1.20%.[4]
By week’s end, we didn’t receive a tremendous amount of economic data. However, the economy did provide details that reveal it continues to pick up speed. In particular, both corporate earnings and inflation appear to be on the rise.[5]
-
Choosing The Right Advisor
-
Social Security Planning for Couples – Maximizing Survivor Benefits
Social Security Planning for Couples – Maximizing Survivor Benefits PDF
-
Creative Social Security Claiming Strategies