Achieve a Higher Understanding

August 2, 2018

At the beginning of 2018 we published our long-term capital markets outlook along with relevant long-term themes we deem important to frame our expectations. As we round the corner into the second half of 2018 we provided a mid-year update and insight into how our thoughts are evolving.

July 8, 2018

The U.S. economy gained 4.1% during the second quarter according to the first estimate of GDP by the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA). Personal consumption was the largest contributor to the overall gains. This was the highest rate of growth since the third quarter of 2014.

June 7, 2018

The Federal Reserve maintained interest rates in the target range of 1.50% - 1.75% during their May meeting. They noted during their statement and minutes that inflation continues to trend closer to their 2% target over the medium term and growth in the country remains positive and the labor market relatively tight.

June 6, 2018

The Federal Reserve increased their target range for interest rates by 25 bps to a range of 1.75% to 2.00%. The move comes as Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) excluding food and energy rose to 2.0%, in line with the Fed’s stated target. This is the first time that the core inflation measure has reached 2.0% since April 2012.

May 24, 2018

Minutes from the Federal Reserve’s March meeting revealed a more hawkish tone. In addition to raising the target Fed Funds Rate by 25 bps (which was announced during the meeting), it was learned that all participants now expect the economy to strengthen and inflation to rise throughout the course of this year.

April 24, 2018

The final estimate of fourth quarter US GDP was reported at 2.9% by the Bureau of Economic Analysis. This was spurred by gains in consumer spending. Inflation remained at 1.8% just below the Federal Reserve’s target of 2.0%

March 7, 2018

Jerome Powell gave his first testimony as Federal Reserve chairperson. He emphasized a more optimistic view on the U.S. economy for 2018 and that the central bank will continue on its path of gradual rate increases.

March 6, 2018

The Senate voted to confirm Jerome Powell as the 16th chairman of the Federal Reserve in January. The U.S. government experienced a 3-day shutdown this month, yet the market seemingly shrugged it off. The Dow Jones and the S&P 500 surged to record highs following the Senate vote to end the shutdown.

February 1, 2018

Following a few delays, both the Senate and the House of Representatives passed the GOP’s Tax Reform Bill in December which was subsequently signed into law by President Trump.