August 10, 2021 – Scott Rosenquist, CFA®

July’s employment data released by the Labor Department last Friday beat expectations while the unemployment rate fell to 5.4% from 5.9%.  Payrolls increased by 943,000 compared to 845,000 expected by economists.  The previous two months were also revised higher by a combined 119,000.  Job gains continue to be concentrated in the leisure and hospitality sector (+380K) as the economy reopens.  Next month’s report will be closely monitored for any impacts of the delta variant that may not have been captured in July. 

July 26, 2021 – Daniel Zalipski, CFA®

With markets bouncing around all-time highs, while concerns of delta variants and inflation continue to dominate the headlines, it is no surprise that some are beginning to expect a market correction in the near-term.  A market correction is defined by a 10% drop from the most recent peak.  They can happen quickly or be drawn out over several weeks. 

July 23, 2021 – Scott Rosenquist, CFA®

We have reached the half-way point in 2021 and the financial markets have performed well year to date. The economy continues to rebound from the pandemic while earnings estimates are increasing for the upcoming reporting period.

June 30, 2021 – Daniel Zalipski, CFA®

From an investor’s perspective, the coronavirus is in the rear-view mirror as the direct economic impairment from the pandemic fades away.  Attention has mostly shifted to the interconnected topics of the Fed, jobs, wages, and inflation.