• 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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  • Andy Hipple Speaks @ Virtua Hospital

    Andy presenting to the Virtua Medical Group on the topic of Financial Wellness.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

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  • Looking Beyond Politics

    Markets went for a wild ride last week—especially on Friday. In fact, on December 1, the S&P 500 had its largest fluctuations since the day after the 2016 presidential election.[1]

    Nonetheless, two of the major domestic markets hit new record highs on Thursday and ended the week with sizable gains. The S&P 500 added 1.53% and the Dow gained 2.86%.[2] Meanwhile, the NASDAQ lost 0.60% and international stocks in the MSCI EAFE gave back 0.95%.[3]

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  • Black Friday Brings Gains

    Last week was a relatively quiet time in the domestic markets. We did not receive a tremendous amount of economic data, and trading halted Thursday for the Thanksgiving holiday. Nonetheless, all 3 of the major domestic indexes experienced sizable gains in only 4 trading days.[1] By Friday, the S&P 500 added 0.91% and closed above 2,600 for the first time in its history.[2] The Dow was also up 0.86%, and the NASDAQ gained 1.57%.[3] International stocks in the MSCI EAFE had a 5-day trading week and grew by 1.85%.[4]

    A variety of factors contributed to this performance—from growth in the tech sector to increasing crude oil prices. But a specific event also helped push stocks higher: Black Friday.[5]

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