We are reposting this video in honor of Women's History Month and International Women's Day!

Despite concerns about inflation and overall preparedness, Americans are looking forward to retirement, according to new survey research* we conducted this year.   77% of Americans expressed positive emotions such as happiness (45%) and gratitude (37%) when asked how they feel when they think about retirement, according to the study of 1,000 U.S. adults. For those already in their golden years, 90% don’t regret retiring when they did and 33% say it’s even better than expected.  

For the period November 1 – November 30, 2024.  Executive Summary  With the US presidential election in the rearview mirror, US equities climbed higher in November and bond yields declined. Risk assets continue to be supported by a positive macroeconomic backdrop, solid earnings growth, and an accommodative Fed. 

For the period September 1 – September 30, 2024. Executive Summary Despite recent bouts of volatility, equity markets marched higher, ending the third quarter at all-time highs. The Fed began a recalibration of interest rates with a 50-basis point cut, as they see balanced risks to both inflation and employment.

For the period July 1 – July 31, 2024. Executive Summary Volatility returned to markets as investors grappled with mixed economic data, political headlines, second-quarter earnings, and central bank policy meetings. Despite the challenges, the totality of data suggests that the U.S. economy is still expanding, as investors eagerly await the Fed’s next move.

In this episode of “Investment Management Foundations,” Ayako Yoshioka, Wealth Enhancement Senior Portfolio Manager, breaks down how investment markets fluctuate during presidential election years and how markets respond to Democratic and Republican presidents. VIDEO TRANSCRIPT BELOW

For the period May 1 – May 31, 2024. Executive Summary Equity markets rebounded in May as first-quarter earnings surpassed expectations. Despite strength in the corporate sector, weaker consumer spending and the overall moderating pace of growth suggest that inflation pressures will gradually subside.

In the May 2024 edition of Markets Monthly: Strategies & Perspectives, Wealth Enhancement Group specialists Ayako Yoshioka and Gary Quinzel share economic highlights, market updates, and more.

For the period March 1 – March 31, 2024. Executive Summary Equity markets continue to march higher despite the historic duration of the inverted U.S. Treasury yield curve. Inflation has moderated and stabilized, while growth expectations have modestly improved, indicating that risks between inflation and economic growth are well-balanced.

For the period January 1 – January 31, 2024. Executive Summary U.S. equity markets hit new all-time highs in January, even as market expectations for interest rate cuts from the Fed were recalibrated. The Fed wants to be confident that inflation is stemmed prior to their first rate cut, so all eyes will focus on economic data, which currently supports their decision.