Weekly Review for week ending 10-4-2024
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The major U.S. stock indexes made small forward and backward oscillations throughout last week before a modest rally on Friday, ending with slight gains overall. This rally was just enough to push the S&P 500 above the record highs set the previous week, while the NASDAQ remained 2.7% below its record high from three months ago (FactSet).
On the economic front, the U.S. economy added 254,000 new jobs in September, far exceeding most economists' forecast of 140,000 and marking the strongest gain in six months. July and August jobs figures were also revised upward by a combined 72,000. The unemployment rate slipped to 4.1%, down from 4.2% in the previous month. It’s amazing to me to see such strengths in the jobs market given how nervous we were about it a few months ago (BLS.gov).
The U.S. stock market's performance in September resembled August's trend, with stocks experiencing sharp declines early in the month but ultimately recovering to finish positive. The S&P 500 ended September at a record high, delivering a total return of 2.1%—its tenth positive month out of the last eleven (FactSet).
Looking Ahead
Following the U.S. Federal Reserve's recent interest rate cut, we will be watching the upcoming Consumer Price Index (CPI) report scheduled for release on Thursday. This report will reveal whether the cooling trend for inflation continued into September. The latest CPI report, covering August, showed an annual inflation rate of 2.5%, down from July's 2.9% and marking the lowest level since February 2021.
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Keep in mind that individuals cannot invest directly in any index, and index performance does not include transaction costs or other fees, which will affect actual investment performance. Individual investor's results will vary. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Future investment performance cannot be guaranteed, investment yields will fluctuate with market conditions.
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The views expressed herein are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Steward Partners or its affiliates. All opinions are subject to change without notice. Neither the information provided, nor any opinion expressed constitutes a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.
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