Heading into the New Year, the markets are facing a confusing mix of currents. The pace of inflation is dropping, but prices remain high. Interest rates remain high, but there’s hope that the Fed will start cutting back sooner rather than later. Unemployment is low and corporate profits are up, but sales numbers show that the profits are coming from higher prices rather than higher demand. Which way things will go is still up in the air. There is still a chance of recession – or of a strong rebo
Dow Jones futures rose overnight, along with S&P 500 futures and Nasdaq futures. MongoDB (MTP) and Dole Brothers (TOL) headline earnings after the close,
Dow Jones futures fell after hours, along with S&P 500 futures and Nasdaq futures. MongoDB (MTP) and Dole Brothers (TOL) Principal earnings after closing.
This has been a good year for stocks, no doubt about that. The S&P 500 has gained 19% year-to-date, after a gangbusters November, and the outlook for December, while more moderate, remains positive. The markets have made these gains despite a strong set of headwinds, including the Federal Reserve’s turn to a policy of aggressive monetary tightening and interest rate hikes; the ongoing war in Ukraine; and now the flare-up of war in the Middle East. This stock rally is showing real strength, and t