Interesting developments emerging
U.S. equity indices completed the first full week of 2026 in positive territory as investors reacted to softer-than-expected labor market data. The S&P500 and Nasdaq Composite indices each gained more than 1.5% while equal-weight and value themes continued to outperform.
S&P500 index posted its third consecutive year of above-average returns
Despite ending on a four-day losing streak, the S&P500 index posted its third consecutive year of
above-average returns, rising 16.4% in 2025. The U.S. equity benchmark closed the year within
about 1% of its all-time high. The Nasdaq Composite gained 20.4% while the Russell 2000 rose
11.3%
Crowded macro agenda to end final full trading week
The Federal Reserve lowered its benchmark interest rate by 25 basis points while signaling a
pause in further reductions as they look for clearer signals on inflation and the labor market. U.S.
equity indices delivered mixed performance that culminated in Friday’s sharp sello
Interest rate decision takes center stage
.S. equity indices posted modest gains as investors’ expectations for an interest rate cut this
month continued to rise. The Nasdaq Composite and Russell 2000 indices each rose nearly 1%,
while the S&P500 added 0.3%. Sector performance was mixed…
Small caps leading the charge
U.S. equity indices and other risk assets rebounded sharply in a holiday-shortened week as rising
hopes for a December rate cut and a recovery in technology shares buoyed sentiment. The
Nasdaq Composite
Government open for business – Fresh jobs data awaits
Despite a sense of relief from the longest government shutdown in U.S. history finally coming to
an end, equity indices finished with mixed performance as technology stocks were pressured…
Strong Earnings and Rate Uncertainty
Strong earnings reports from some of the “Magnificent 7” technology companies boosted the
Nasdaq Composite index by 2.3%, while U.S. Treasury yields rose after the Federal Reserve
lowered interest rates
Interest Rates, Mag 7, & China…oh my!
U.S. equity indices ascended to new all-time highs after the delayed September inflation report
came in slightly lower than expectations. The S&P500, Nasdaq Composite, and Russell 2000
indices gained between 1.9% and 2.5%…
Big Earnings on Deck
U.S. equity indices managed to hold onto weekly gains despite macroeconomic headwinds,
including the ongoing government shutdown, trade tensions with China, and rising concerns
about private credit and regional bank loans.
US Government Shutdown = New Highs
U.S. equity indices recorded yet another weekly record close despite the government shutdown—the fifteenth such stoppage since 1981 and the first since late-2018. The release of the key September jobs report was a casualty…
