I hope you’re enjoying a fun and relaxing summer. 🌞
We’ve just crossed the halfway point of the year, and it’s time for a quick update on the markets and the economy. In our January outlook, we emphasized the importance this year of watching inflation, the Fed, and employment. Now, let’s see how these factors have played out so far.
Highlights:
- The Fed is now widely expected to deliver its first 0.25% rate cut in September.
- Inflation is showing signs of easing, with the CPI rate declining for the first time since the pandemic began.
- Employment growth is slowing and the unemployment rate is rising as more people are entering the workforce.
- We also check in on our Asset Class Returns Quilt with year-to-date (June 30th) performance numbers. Some highlights:
- US Large Cap stocks (S&P 500) have surged by 15.29% year-to-date.
- A sample diversified balanced portfolio (60% stocks, 40% bonds) has yielded a solid 6.55% mid-year return.
For a deeper dive into these trends and what they mean for investors, watch our latest video: 2024 Mid-Year Market Update.
Stay informed and enjoy the rest of your summer!
Happy planning,
Brian