LPL Research

Recent Fed communication reinforced its view that gradual hikes were the appropriate response to a strong economy, near-target inflation, and balanced risks.

Second quarter earnings season was quite impressive, with S&P 500 Index earnings growing 25% year over year.

It has been a complicated year for emerging markets (EM).

We think emerging markets (EM) contagion fears resulting from the crisis in Turkey may be overdone.

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

The bull market continues to defy the skeptics and is now nearing a major milestone.

As the U.S. economic recovery moves into its later stages, inflation has emerged at a surprisingly slow and inconsistent rate.

Economic reports released in July 2018, largely reflecting economic activity in June, provided evidence of accelerating U.S. economic growth over the second quarter.

The Fed announced last Wednesday that it would keep interest rates unchanged, a decision that markets largely expected.

The Labor Department’s July jobs report, released on Friday, August 3, confirmed that the labor market remains healthy.