Our Commentary

Jodi Vleck Jodi Vleck

Market Update: April 12, 2021

Economic data for the week included historical strength in ISM services, coupled with strength in job openings, and an especially strong increase in producer prices.

U.S. equity markets gained ground last week, outperforming foreign markets, which also showed gains to a lesser degree. Bonds also fared well with interest rates falling back a bit. Commodities were mixed, with agriculture and metals offsetting a pullback in energy prices.

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Jodi Vleck Jodi Vleck

Market Update: April 5, 2021

On a holiday-shortened week, economic data included strong manufacturing data, as well as continued growth in home prices and consumer confidence. Jobless claims rose a bit, but the March employment situation report came in showing stronger-than-expected recovery.

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Jodi Vleck Jodi Vleck

Market Update: March 22, 2021

Economic data for the week included a drop in February retail sales and industrial production, as did several housing metrics. However, several regional manufacturing indexes showed strong gains.

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Jodi Vleck Jodi Vleck

Market Update: March 15, 2021

Economic data for the week included tempered increases in both the producer price index and consumer price index, which appeared to calm some fears about rising inflation. Consumer sentiment continued to improve, as did several labor metrics on the margin.

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Jodi Vleck Jodi Vleck

Market Update: March 8, 2021

Economic data for the week included improvements in manufacturing and construction spending, while services results fell back a bit. The February employment situation report came in stronger than expected, although still being negatively affected by winter weather during the month.

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Jodi Vleck Jodi Vleck

Market Update: March 1, 2021

Global equity markets fell, as rising interest rates, fears of inflation, and general profit-taking appeared to dominate sentiment. Bonds also lost ground, being affected by rising rates even more directly. Commodities gained on the heels of stronger crude oil prices.

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Market Update: February 22, 2021
Jodi Vleck Jodi Vleck

Market Update: February 22, 2021

Economic data for the week included positive surprises in retail sales and industrial production, while housing results were mixed for the past month—although the recovery trend remains in place.

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Jodi Vleck Jodi Vleck

Market Update: February 16, 2021

Economic data for the week included inflation that continued to rise slightly (due to commodity prices largely), but still tempered levels on a trailing year basis. Labor metrics improved a bit, but remain challenged relative to pre-Covid levels.

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