by Dan Zalipski, CFA & Scott Rosenquist, CFA
Market Update
The U.S. equity markets moved higher over the past month. They found support in economic reports on expanding manufacturing and service sector activity, strong retail sales, and a positive employment report. Fixed income trimmed their year-to-date losses as investors sought out safety from trade related headline risk. International markets continue to struggle this year as trade-related concerns and a stronger dollar continue to weigh on the space. The trade issue has also spilled over in to commodities, which have suffered a recent price collapse as fears of a global slowdown continue to build.