LPL Research

Third-quarter data showed the U.S. economy grew at an average pace for the economic expansion, with signs of weakening in manufacturing.

We discuss what the conflict with the Middle East might mean for stocks and assess ongoing risks.

The U.S. economy wrapped up 2019 with a batch of generally promising data as U.S-China trade tensions died down.

U.S. stocks weathered the Mideast conflict with the S & P 500 Index posting its 12th weekly gain out of the last 14 weeks.

2019 delivered a strong market performance, but we think additional market gains may be possible in 2020.

2019 delivered a strong market performance, but we think additional market gains may be possible in 2020.

U.S. stocks ended a volatile, holiday-shortened week little changed, capping off a very strong 2019 in which the S & P 500 Index returned more than 31%.

2019 was a difficult year to forecast after 2018 ended with the worst December since the Great Depression. While our positive stock market outlook proved too conservative, we are pleased to report we got more right than wrong for 2019.

The S & P 500 Index gained for the 5th straight week, the Nasdaq Composite and Dow Jones Industrial Average broke to new highs, and even fixed income rose.

We expect stocks to appreciate in line with earnings growth next year, which justifies benchmark-like equity allocations in our view.