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From The Dodds Desk

Sunday, October 1, 2023

OVERVIEW Despite the markets' pullback during the month and quarter, the economic data was largely positive in September. The continued strength of the labor market helped support consumer income and spending growth. Additionally,...

Monday, September 4, 2023

With September upon us, we wanted to discuss something you may have heard about - the "September Effect." If you ask the average investor which month is the most volatile for the stock market, they will probably say October. And while...

Thursday, August 31, 2023

OVERVIEW Although several headline-grabbing events shook markets in the first half of the year, many of those risks have faded. For August, the headline story was slower growth throughout the month. Although expectations for slower...

Wednesday, August 23, 2023

OVERVIEW While the first half of the year saw several risks negatively impacting markets, the concerns around the debt ceiling standoff and the banking sector have cooled notably, and most of the initial impact has faded. July ended...

Tuesday, August 1, 2023

After a brief pause in its interest rate hike campaign, the Federal Reserve (the Fed) raised rates by a quarter of a percentage point (25 basis points) on July 26, 2023. This widely expected move brings the Federal Funds Rate to a...

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Monday, July 31, 2023

OVERVIEW Overall, the market and economic updates for Q2 were optimistic, with better-than-expected economic fundamentals supporting market gains to the end of the quarter. The market impact from the debt ceiling standoff was limited,...

Thursday, June 1, 2023

OVERVIEW Overall, economic and market updates in May were largely positive. The debt ceiling standoff highlighted the outsized impact that political developments could have on markets. Still, the agreement to suspend the debt ceiling...

Monday, April 17, 2023

Recently we launched an updated version of our website! Our revamped site provides quick and easy access to our information, services, and other unique features—from any device. Investor360° has never been easier to use! You...

Thursday, December 1, 2022

Through every high and low, all the challenges and newfound opportunities we have experienced during the last couple of years, it’s no surprise why we might be striving for more balance. In 2022, both stock and bond markets were...

Saturday, October 1, 2022

There is no doubt that 2022 has been a challenging year for households. High food and gas prices continue to stretch budgets, while higher interest rates have increased borrowing costs. As the third quarter ends, these challenges...

Friday, July 1, 2022

Markets don't like uncertainty, but they are getting a healthy dose this year. The first half of 2022 has been challenging worldwide for equity and bond markets. This year's main headline has been how to combat rising inflation, which...

Wednesday, June 1, 2022

Brad McMillan, managing principal and chief investment officer at Commonwealth Financial Network®, our Registered Investment Adviser–broker/dealer, recently recapped May's market and economic news in this video. Markets...