LPL Research

U.S. economic and earnings growth continue to stand out globally and support our positive view of U.S. equities.

In this latest client letter, we look back on the strong growth and stock gains from the third quarter, and discuss key factors to watch as we kick off the last three months of the year.

We’ve just wrapped up the best quarter for the S&P 500 Index since the fourth quarter of 2013, despite a variety of challenges.

While the Fed raised its policy rate last week, the more important meeting outcome was the Fed’s guidance on future policy.

When the Dow hits a fresh record high after a long drought, as it did last week, it tends to be followed by above-average performance.

The Federal Reserve’s monetary policy meeting will be a focal point for markets this week.

Positions maintained (no changes); updates on LPL Research’s views on equity, equity sectors, fixed income, and alternative asset classes.

Beige book suggests continued moderate economic growth.

Policy uncertainty surrounding the upcoming midterm elections may lead to an increase in near-term market volatility.

Overall, economic reports released in August—mostly reflecting economic activity in July—indicated solid U.S. economic growth without significant inflationary pressures, even though evidence grew of some cooling from trade concerns.