U.S. Equity Investment Environment The S&P 500 reached several all-time highs in the fourth quarter, finishing higher by 2.4%, and extending its 2024 gains to 25.0%. Donald Trump’s re-election and a Republican “Red Sweep” of Congress fueled expectations for tax cuts, deregulation, and pro-growth policies in 2025. In December, however, previous optimism was met with […]
Category: Castle Wealth Management
Steps to Protect Yourself Against the Five Most Common Types of Fraud
Fraud prevention involves proactive strategies to detect, stop, and respond to various forms of fraud. By staying informed and vigilant, you can protect your personal and financial information from common fraud threats. Fraud can take many forms, including identity theft, phishing, credit card fraud, and online scams. Effective fraud prevention requires awareness, vigilance, and the […]
Summary of Market Performance of First Quarter Ended March 31, 2024
U.S. equity markets registered strong gains once again despite the Federal Reserve leaving interest rates unchanged in March. The unemployment rate reached the highest level in two years in February at 3.9% but is still historically low. The S&P 500 recorded a 10.6% first quarter gain, setting a record-closing high, as the U.S. economy remains resilient and ongoing enthusiasm around Artificial Intelligence continues. The “Magnificent Seven” which led last year’s gains have been reduced to the “Fab Four” as Apple Inc., Alphabet Inc., and Tesla Inc. posted disappointing quarters.
Summary of Market Performance Fourth Quarter Ended December 31, 2023
In this fourth-quarter summary, we review the key market highlights of the quarter, discussing factors that contributed to the performance of U.S. and international equities, fixed income, and commodities. Actions by the Federal Reserve to shift monetary policy late in the year along with the dramatic performance of the “Magnificent Seven” was the icing on the cake for 2023.
Summary of Market Performance Third Quarter Ended September 30, 2023
U.S. Equity Investment Environment U.S. equity markets saw consecutive declines in August and September as investors grappled with ongoing inflation, fear of a government shutdown, rising interest rates, and the potential for a “higher-for-longer” rate environment. The S&P 500 experienced a disappointing quarter falling 3.3%, though remains up 13.1% year to date due to the […]