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Stocks edged higher in August as investors monitored economic reports for the Fed's next move with short-term interest rates

Monthly Market Insights | August 2024 Stocks edged higher during a volatile month of trading as investors monitored economic reports about the Fed’s next move with short-term interest rates.

The stock market rallied in Q2 around AI and hopes that the Fed will manage interest rates with inflation trending lower.

Quarterly Market Insights | Q2 2024 Following a rocky start, stocks finished the second quarter higher as investors remained optimistic the Fed will manage interest rates with inflation trending lower.

Stocks rallied in May as investors welcomed upbeat Q1 corporate reports and signs of a Goldilocks economy - not too hot, not too cold. The Dow crossed 40,000 for the first time after cooler inflation data raised hopes for a potential rate adjustment.

Monthly Market Insights | June 2024 Stocks rose in May as investors cheered upbeat Q1 corporate reports and signs that the economy was still strong while not overheating.

April's stocks took a hit due to rising inflation and mixed economic news, despite a late-month rally fueled by strong Q1 reports from two mega-cap tech stocks.

Monthly Market Insights | May 2024 Despite a late-month rally, stocks fell in April as investors struggled with a hotter-than-expected inflation report and mixed news about the economy.

The stock market saw solid gains this quarter, with AI news, soft landing signs, and dovish comments from the Fed fueling investor confidence.

Quarterly Market Insights | Q1 2024 Stocks notched solid gains in the first quarter as enthusiasm about artificial intelligence, signs of a soft landing, and dovish talk from the Fed buoyed investor confidence.

February saw modest gains thanks to upbeat corporate reports and investor enthusiasm regarding artificial intelligence.

Monthly Market Insights | March 2024 Stocks notched solid gains last month as upbeat corporate reports and investor enthusiasm surrounding artificial intelligence overshadowed the Fed’s next move with interest rates.

January's markets saw modest gains thanks to positive economic data and upbeat Q4 corporate reports which helped support prices.

Monthly Market Insights | February 2024 The Dow Jones Industrial Average advanced 1.22 percent, while the Standard & Poor's (S&P) 500 Index gained 1.59 percent. The Nasdaq Composite, which led throughout 2023, rose 1.02 percent.1

Despite a challenging start to Q4 due to rising bond yields and monetary policy concerns, optimism surged with new inflation data and Fed Chair Jerome Powell's encouraging remarks, leading to a market rally.

Quarterly Market Insights | Q4 2023 Stocks moved higher in the final three months of the year as bond yields trended lower in growing anticipation of a potential Fed easing.

The fears that dragged on the stock market since August evaporated in November as fresh inflation data reaffirmed continuing progress in the fight against rising prices.

Monthly Market Insights | December 2023 The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 8.77 percent, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index advanced 8.92 percent. The Nasdaq Composite, which has led all year, picked up 10.70 percent.1

Investors faced challenges as stocks moved lower due to multiple headwinds, including rising bond yields and geopolitical tensions. However, many remain confident as they look for initial indications of consumer strength by gauging early holiday shopping levels.

Monthly Market Insights | November 2023 Rising bond yields, geopolitical tensions, sticky inflation, and mixed earnings reports combined to push stocks lower last month.

Stocks faced headwinds in Q3 as bond yields rose, impacting investor sentiment. With inflation data and interest rates in focus, market watchers anticipate a potential rate hike.

Quarterly Market Insights | Q3 2023 Stocks lost a portion of their first-half gains in the third quarter as a continued tight monetary bias from the Federal Reserve sent bond yields higher, unsettling stock investors throughout August and September.

Despite challenges from rising yields and credit downgrades, stocks staged a late-month rally. All eyes are now on the Fed's upcoming meeting, while National Preparedness Month reminds us to get equipped for unexpected challenges.

Monthly Market Insights | September 2023 After sliding for much of last month on rising yields, credit rating downgrades, and economic weakness out of China, stocks staged a late-August rally to help trim losses.

August may be a hot and busy month for economic news, with investors closely monitoring Fed Chair Powell’s monetary policy remarks in the upcoming Economic Policy Symposium in Jackson Hole. In the meantime, here are the latest labor market stats, inflation data, international market performance, sector trends, and more.

Monthly Market Insights | August 2023 Stocks added to their strong year-to-date gains in July as investors cheered decelerating inflation, better-than-expected corporate earnings, and healthy economic data.

In Q2, the stock market continued its upward trend, driven by cooling inflation, a potential shift in monetary policy, and growing excitement around artificial intelligence (AI).

Quarterly Market Insights | Q2 2023 Stocks extended their rally in the second quarter, boosted by cooling inflation, the prospect of a shift in monetary policy, and enthusiasm over artificial intelligence.

Don’t forget to review and refresh your insurance policies this spring! Make sure your home, life, and auto policies are up to date. Then, ensure you’re getting the best deal by comparing premiums.

It’s Time to Spring Clean Your Insurance Policies As you are organizing and refreshing for the warmer months ahead, take time to review your insurance policies.

With the Federal debt ceiling fight resolved and the potential of further artificial intelligence innovations on the horizon, stocks had a mixed month in May. For more, check out the Monthly Market Insights for June 2023 for a comprehensive overview of stock prices and market trends.

Monthly Market Insights | June 2023 Stock prices were mixed as enthusiasm over the economic potential of artificial intelligence was offset by concerns about the federal debt ceiling.

Spring cleanup is a great time to dust off old account statements and check for any missing money. Is there an old 401k or HSA you forgot to roll over? Follow these steps to check for unclaimed funds.

You may be 'missing' thousands of dollars: Here's how to find forgotten 401(k) money Tracking down 401(k) accounts you left behind can mean adding more money to your nest egg.

Market Update! April saw a tech stock rally despite recession fears and mixed earnings reports. Dow Industrials led with a 2.5% gain, while S&P 500 gained nearly 1.5%, and Nasdaq was flat. In May, the focus is on the Fed's next move, economic data, and bank lending activity. Stay up-to-date with our monthly market report.

Monthly Market Insights | May 2023 The Dow Jones Industrial Average led, picking up 2.48 percent. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index rose 1.46 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite was flat (+0.04 percent).1

Spring cleaning your finances with a spruced-up budget is a great way to get your fiscal house in order! Budget techniques are not one-size-fits-all. Check out these five variations and decide which would best suit your needs.

We Tested 5 of the Best Budgeting Methods. Here’s What We Found The winning approach is the one you’re actually going to stick to, month after month.

This spring, put some money back in your wallet by ditching any unnecessary, recurring subscription costs! Then, use one of these automated apps to track and manage them for you moving forward.

Here are the best subscription trackers to help you stay on top of recurring payments These top subscription trackers reviewed by Select are for app lovers and certain credit card users.

Investors were forced to navigate a tricky first quarter of 2023, having to contend with corporate earnings, shifting monetary signals, and troubles in the banking sector.

Quarterly Market Insights | Q1 2023 Stocks posted solid gains in the first quarter as investors navigated corporate earnings, shifting monetary signals, and troubles in the banking sector.

An important item to polish-up each spring is your retirement account beneficiaries. It’s surprisingly easy to do, yet quite often gets overlooked. Here’s why you should ensure yours are up to date!

Who's Inheriting Your IRA? Why Beneficiaries Should Be Up-to-Date Retirement account beneficiaries should be reviewed and updated regularly as circumstances change and your heirs don't need confusion.

Investors maintained an anxious eye on the Fed over worries it would maintain its tight monetary posture due to ongoing inflation.

Monthly Market Insights | March 2023 Stock prices stumbled in February owing to growing worries that the Fed would maintain its tight monetary posture in the face of continuing inflation.

In the spirit of spring cleaning your finances, now is a great time to request your credit report for its annual review! Make sure you scrutinize all accounts and balances and report any discrepancies or fraud. https://www.annualcreditreport.com/requestReport/requestForm.action

At Financially Fluent Advisors, we are committed to lifelong learning. We are excited to host this special event to help our clients better understand brain health and optimize longevity! Join us on Wednesday, March 15th at 12pm ET/11am CT for a webinar presented by Dr. Marc Milstein, PhD, author of "The Age-Proof Brain" to discuss new strategies to improve memory, protect immunity, and fight off dementia. The first 25 people to RSVP will receive a complimentary copy of his
book: "The Age-Proof Brain"! https://www.financiallyfluentadvisors.com/events/financially-fluent-advisors-client-appreciation-event

Investors showed a buying mood in January with stocks rallying due to moderating inflation, a better-than-feared earnings season, and healthy economic data.

Monthly Market Insights | February 2023 Stocks rallied in January as moderating inflation, a better-than-feared earnings season, and healthy economic data put investors in a buying mood.

Stocks ended a volatile fourth quarter with a slight gain, helping to repair some of the damage since the beginning of the year. Read more to dive into the details of how the final quarter of 2022 ended.

Quarterly Market Insights | Q4 2022 Stocks ended a volatile fourth quarter with a slight gain, which helped repair some of the damage since the beginning of the year.

Stocks surged higher in November on rising optimism that the Fed would slow down future interest rate hikes. Will we see a change in December?

Monthly Market Insights | December 2022 The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 5.67 percent, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index picked up 5.38 percent. The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite rose 4.38 percent.1

Stocks posted big gains in October as “old economy” names reported solid earnings while mega-cap techs struggled.

Monthly Market Insights | November 2022 The Dow Jones Industrial Average led, gaining 13.95 percent. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index tacked on 7.99 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite added 3.90 percent.1

Stocks closed lower in Q3 after a hopeful rally followed by renewed caution thanks to the Fed’s latest moves to fight inflation.

Quarterly Market Insights | Q3 2022 Stocks took investors on a roller coaster ride in the third quarter, with an early summer rally coming to an abrupt end after the Fed pledged to continue fighting inflation.