LPL Research

Stocks endured significant volatility last week but showed some resilience Wednesday, August 7.

Investors endured another volatile five-day stretch as the combination of trade uncertainty, plunging global bond yields, and conflicting messages between the United States and global economies further pressured stock prices.

Gross domestic product (GDP) increased 2.1% in the second quarter, bolstered by consumer spending’s 2.9% contribution to growth.

Last week’s stock market slide begs the question whether this August will fit its historical pattern of seasonal weakness.

The Fed cut interest rates for the first time in 10 years

The Fed cut interest rates even though the economy is still growing, albeit slowly.

The Fed is expected to cut rates this week for the first time in 10 years.

The Federal Reserve (Fed) is likely to start an easing cycle this week, which has several investment implications.

We’re encouraged by the strength in consumer spending, but economic growth needs to be broader.

We are maintaining our year-end fair value target of 3,000 even though the index is very close to that level.