Category: Investment Insights

The Artificial Intelligence trend, and receding inflation, catalyzed strong equity returns in the first half of the year. However, market concentration, diverging global monetary policy, and political uncertainty appear likely to heighten volatility through year-end.

U.S. equities bounced back sharply in May from April’s selloff.  While the Fed left interest rates unchanged, it announced plans to begin tapering its quantitative tightening program. Learn more in Element Pointe’s Monthly Market Insights…

As we cautioned in last month’s monthly outlook, equities pulled back in April as the narrative around yields, inflation, and Fed rate cuts changed. With sentiment more balanced and continued resilient economic activity, we expect the market to trade rangebound through the summer months.

The S&P 500 rose for the fifth consecutive month and is off to its best start since 2019.  Yet, we are becoming increasingly cautious regarding the near-term outlook for the market as yields, inflation, positioning, and sentiment are all key risks being overlooked by many investors.

The performance of the Magnificent Seven stocks, ongoing interest in Artificial Intelligence, and further indications of an economic soft landing have contributed to this year’s gains in the S&P 500. In our monthly market outlook piece, we share our thoughts on the current economic landscape and markets.

After experiencing some profit-taking to start the year, the S&P 500 made a new all-time high, and the Federal Reserve remains on track to start cutting rates despite strong economic growth. In our monthly market insights piece, we offer our analysis of the present economic environment and outlook for the markets.