Index Performance

U.S. Markets Lower

The major equity markets finished the week lower as concerns about inflation and higher interest rates continue to weigh on investors’ minds. A weaker than expected December retail sales report along with mixed big bank Q4 earnings did not help the market’s case for going higher. Energy led all sectors for the second straight week on the back of gradual OPEC supply production boosts that will, most likely, not keep up with worldwide demand.

International markets finished in the green this week. Emerging Markets, which were last year’s laggard o

Lately we’ve seen two things swirling that some investors think could hurt them down the road. The idea that higher yields and rate hikes are bad is all over the place, but it all might not be so simple. In fact, looking back at history, neither are necessarily true.

First up, the 10-year Treasury yield has soared to start this year, with many high flying tech stocks falling as a result. But is this bad for all stocks? “Higher yields usually mean the economy is growing, not slowing,” explained LPL Chief Market Strategist Ryan Detrick. “For this reason, when yields go higher, stocks tend to do quite well, q

Corporate America has been on quite a run. Coming into 2021, S&P 500 Index companies were expected to generate less than $170 in earnings per share. As 2022 begins, it looks like that number may end up higher than the latest LPL Research estimate of $205, one of the biggest earnings upside surprises ever and a big reason why stocks did so well last year. But 2021 earnings are not yet fully in the books. We have one more quarter to go, which we preview here.

Big Banks Kick Us Off

Fourth quarter earnings season kicks off this week with earnings from several big financials, including BlackRock, Citigroup, JPMorgan Chase, a

Index Performance

U.S. and International Equities

Equities finished December on a strong note as both the S&P 500 Index and the Dow Industrials rose over 4%. These markets took in stride higher COVID-19 cases, inflation concerns, and the Federal Reserve’s (Fed) evolved hawkish sentiment. The growth-laden Nasdaq Composite lagged but managed a gain of 0.7%.

Developed international market (MSCI EAFE) and emerging market (MSCI EM) stocks reversed course from November in December, finishing the month higher. Amid concerns about an increase in COVID-19 rates worldwide, China property giant Ever