Recap of the Week Stocks continued trading in a tight range last week. The range expanded on Friday, however, as Janet Yellen and other Federal Reserve members spoke. Because of their comments, the odds of an interest rate hike went up in the futures markets. This caused stocks and bonds to end the week with modest losses. [...]

Recap of the Week Listless trading continued last week. The major indices barely moved, except for a modest rally in the Russell 2000 (small-cap stocks). Trading volume remained low. Economic Data Initial jobless claims, housing starts and industrial production were better-than-expected. On the negative side, mortgage applications and the NY manufacturing index came in below their estimates. [...]

Recap of the Week It was another uneventful week for the stock market. The major U.S. indices continued to trade in narrow ranges with very little volume. The Dow, S&P 500 and Nasdaq had very small gains, while the Russell 2000 ended the week with a fractional loss. Economic Data On the positive side, jobless [...]

Recap of the Week Stocks fell early last week. However, they ended the week with a gain thanks to a strong employment report on Friday. Economic Data As mentioned, the employment report was better-than-expected. On the negative side, initial jobless claims and the ISM services index were worse-than-expected. TSP Funds The C Fund moved up [...]

Recap of the Week Stocks had mixed results last week. Trading was choppy and mostly non-eventful. The Nasdaq had a nice gain and the Russell 2000 did reasonably well. The S&P 500 was flat, however, while the Dow Jones had a loss. Economic Data The Chicago purchasing manager's index, consumer confidence and new home sales were [...]

Recap of the Week The stock market moved up once again. Trading was choppy and uneventful, however. The major indices had gains between 0.3% (Dow Jones) to 1.4% (Nasdaq). Corporate earnings continued to be the major driver of the markets. Economic Data Existing home sales, initial jobless claims and housing starts came in better-than-expected. On [...]

Recap of the Week Stocks moved up for the third straight week. The S&P 500 reached an all-time high for the first time since May 2015. Second-quarter corporate earnings reports began last week. This was the main driver of stock prices. Economic Data Retail sales, jobless claims and industrial production came in better-than-expected. Consumer sentiment [...]

Quick Recap of the Week Stocks moved up last week. Trading was choppy and uneventful until Friday, when the employment numbers were released. The data showed an increase in jobs, pushing the S&P 500 close to an all-time high. Economic Data As mentioned, the number of new jobs was better-than-expected, as was the ISM services [...]

Quick Recap of the Week When the markets opened last week, Brexit fears continued. Stocks fell Monday, giving the S&P 500 a two-day loss of 5%. After that, stocks bounced up sharply. The major indices ended the week with solid gains. Economic Data ISM manufacturing, the Case/Shiller home price index and consumer confidence all increased [...]

Recap of the Week The stock market had a roller coaster ride. It began with a mild rally early in the week. Then on Thursday, the final Brexit polls showed the "remain" voters with a lead. The rally accelerated and the S&P 500 closed near its yearly high. However, the result of the vote shocked the market--and [...]