Market Blog

August 14, 2020

The S&P 500 Index has been flirting with a new all-time high the past few days and is currently less than half a percent away from exceeding the last all-time high set on February 19. Continue reading →

Economic Blog

We continue to follow high-frequency data to assess whether the US recovery remains on track or if it has been derailed by COVID-19 outbreaks in parts of the country. Here we look at 5 charts that illustrate that the economic recovery remains on track and help explain why stocks continue to do so well despite such difficult economic conditions (we discussed that disconnect in our latest Weekly Market Commentary and on this week’s LPL Market Signals podcast). Continue reading →

DAILY INSIGHTS
Stocks edging lower after Wednesday’s record. In the last hour of trading Wednesday, the S&P 500 Index traded above its all-time record closing high of 3386 set on February 19 before fading in the closing minutes to end a bit below it. Stocks are not moving much this morning as market participants remain focused on negotiations—or lack thereof—in Washington, DC. Asian markets were mixed with little movement in China’s Shanghai or Hong Kong’s Hang Seng, while Japan’s Nikkei rallied 1.8%. European stocks are slightly lower in midday trading. Continue reading →

Market Blog

The S&P 500 Index is a few points away from a new all-time high, completing one of the fastest recoveries from a bear market ever. But this will also seal the deal on the shortest bear market ever. Remember, the S&P 500 Index lost 20% from an all-time high in only 16 trading days back in February and March, so it makes sense that this recovery could be one of the fastest ever. Continue reading →

DAILY INSIGHTS

Markets higher. US markets opened higher with the S&P 500 Index within striking distance of an all-time high, its first since COVID-19’s emergence. In the midst of Washington gridlock, strained US-China relations, and the pandemic’s challenges, the markets have shown solid resilience. Major Asian markets were mixed while European markets are higher during midday trading. Continue reading →

Market Blog

As election season heats up, we are often presented with questions regarding market returns based on the political party composition of the White House and Congress. In our Election Preview Weekly Market Commentary, we took a closer look at equity returns under various political scenarios. Here we provide the data for the other side of a standard asset allocation by investigating bond returns under various congressional makeups. Continue reading →

DAILY INSIGHTS

New highs are close. Stocks opened higher in the United States as the S&P 500 Index could reach new all-time highs today, with Europe up big and gains in Asia as well. It’s a quiet news day, with hope that Congress will deliver on the next stimulus bill, better trends showing for COVID-19, and earnings season wrapping up one of the better seasons relative to expectations ever. Continue reading →

Market Blog

Gold continues to move higher and higher, making new all-time highs along the way. As we discussed in Calendar Concerns and Gold Gains, we see many fundamental reasons to expect this rally in gold to continue. Continue reading →

DAILY INSIGHTS

Stocks opened little changed. Market participants will remain focused on whether lawmakers in Washington, DC, can agree on a fifth coronavirus relief package. Meanwhile, several executive actions taken by the White House to provide relief without involving Congress sparked debates about the legality and logistics of the move. LPL Research continues to expect an agreement soon. US-China tensions remain high, with TikTok, Tencent, and tit-for-tat Hong Kong sanctions grabbing headlines. China’s Shanghai Composite rose 0.8%, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng dipped 0.6%, and Japan’s markets were closed for holiday. European stocks were slightly higher in midday trading. Continue reading →

Market Blog

Index Performance

S&P 500 Index: 2.5%

Dow Jones Industrial Average: 3.8%

Nasdaq Composite: 2.5%

Continue reading →