Market Commentary
Money with Murphy: 4th Quarter Earnings Season
Corporate earnings grew by 4% compared to the previous year, with nearly 75% of companies reporting earnings that were better than expected. While those beat rates were more or less in line with historic averages, they also confirmed that corporate America is indeed growing again. Q4 marked the second quarter in a row of improved earnings after three consecutive quarters of earnings declines. Kara discusses what other trends stood out in this week’s Money with Murphy.
Markets in a Minute: Supply Chain Disruptions, Again?
Beginning in the early days of Covid, supply chains around the world became snarled, making it difficult to find everything from couches to computer chips for automobiles. While inventory levels of most manufactured goods have since returned to normal levels, some supply chains are threatened anew by geopolitical and environmental stress in key shipping channels such as the Red Sea and the Panama Canal. As the Fed continues to wrestle with inflation, how much impact could these shipping disruptions have on inflation and the global economy?
Money with Murphy: Why You Shouldn't Care About the Dow
The Dow Jones Industrial Average, or “The Dow”, is one of the oldest and most widely followed stock indices in the US. First published in 1886 by Charles Dow, the index consisted of 12 industrial companies. Since then, it has grown to 30 companies and has tilted further away from its industrial roots. But should you care about the Dow? Kara answers this and addresses the flaws of the Dow in this week’s Money with Murphy.
Markets in a Minute: The Magnificent 7
Over the course of 2023, seven of the largest stocks in the United States collectively doubled in value, earning the moniker “The Magnificent 7.” After such impressive performance, what comes next?
Money with Murphy: Can the Super Bowl Predict the Stock Market?
Can the Super Bowl predict the stock market? The Super Bowl indicator was first introduced in 1978 by sports reporter Leonard Koppett, arguing that a win by a team from the NFC meant the stock market would likely go up that year. The indicator had an impressive success rate of 95% for more than thirty years. More recently, however, the indicator has had a much less convincing track record of predicting market moves, including the last two times that the Kansas City Chiefs won.
Markets in a Minute: History Lessons: Market Performance in Presidential Election Years
One month into the new year, and one thing’s for certain: The presidential election will continue to grab headlines and grip the nation’s attention for the better part of 2024. How might this impact investors in terms of perceptions and actual market performance? We explore these questions, in the context of historical data, in this week’s Markets in a Minute.
Money with Murphy: The Evolution of Bitcoin
Let’s talk about bitcoin. On January 10, the SEC approved the long-awaited listing and trading of 11 spot bitcoin exchange traded products. What exactly does this mean for investors?
Money with Murphy: 2024 Market Outlook
2023 was full of surprises for investors. Some of the most heard predictions for the year actually never materialized at all: a recession in the US and other developed markets, the death of fixed-income as a valid asset class, sticky inflation and a rebound in China. Instead, investors enjoyed some positive surprises. Stocks rose handily, led by technology, communication services, and consumer discretionary stocks. Bonds also rose. So, after last year’s pretty exceptional performance, what can we expect for 2024?
We covered all of this and more in 2024’s first edition of Money with Murphy
Money with Murphy: Wrapping Up 2023- A Year-End Video Medley
2023 was an eventful year across many areas of the economy and the market. The Fed raised interest rates to the highest we’ve seen since 2001. Oil prices stayed in the conversation for much of the year. Fixed income performance was mixed after a really disappointing 2022, while equity indexes soared, albeit driven by just a handful of names. We covered all of this and more in our Money with Murphy videos produced over the course of the year.
In this week’s Money with Murphy, watch a medley of our top clips from the most discussed topics in 2023.
Money with Murphy: Santa Claus Rally Comes Ahead of Schedule
While not true with every turn of the calendar, September tends to have the worst equity returns and October tends to witness more market bottoms than any other month. The good news is that those disappointing returns are often followed by a more positive experience often referred to as the “Santa Claus Rally.” This year, holiday festivities appear to be starting a little early. Watch this week’s Money with Murphy to learn what brought Santa Claus to town ahead of schedule and whether he is likely to stick around.
Markets in a Minute: Real Estate Pulse Check
The recent bankruptcy filing of office-sharing company WeWork provided a stark example of the toll higher interest rates have taken on real estate, one of the most rate-sensitive sectors of the economy. Yet not all areas of this critical sector have performed the same way. Read on for a look at how residential and commercial real estate are faring in today’s higher-rate environment in this week’s Markets in a Minute.
Money with Murphy: Here We Go Again
Here we go again… a potential government shutdown AND a change to the outlook for US government credit. Kara reviews historical government shutdowns, last week’s Moody’s credit rating downgrade, and what this could all mean for markets in this week’s Money with Murphy
Markets in a Minute: The Impact of Rising Rates
Over a year and a half ago, the Federal Reserve began raising the fed funds rate in an effort to slow inflation, which had reached rates not seen in decades. Since then, inflation has subsided substantially, yet interest rates have continued rising. Learn what’s driving those rate increases and possible implications for consumers, businesses, and investors in this week’s Markets in a Minute.
Money with Murphy: Earnings Season: An Unusual Trend
Despite corporate earnings improving over the quarter, stocks are still getting punished. At the end of October, of the nearly 50% of companies in the S&P 500 who had reported quarterly earnings, nearly 80% of those reported better-than-expected results. Yet, those stocks haven’t enjoyed the lift that we would normally see.
Watch this week’s Money with Murphy to learn what this unusual phenomenon might foretell for market performance later this year.
Money with Murphy: Third Quarter Market Review and Outlook
After a surprisingly strong start to the year, the third quarter was a little less rosy. We saw an additional interest rate increase, lackluster performance by the Big 7, and disappointing returns across a variety of asset classes. For more detail on what happened in Q3 and where we are seeking opportunity in Q4, watch this week’s Money with Murphy.
Markets in a Minute: How the Israel-Hamas Conflict Might Impact the Markets
On Saturday, October 7, 2023, the world witnessed a dramatic turn of events as the militant group Hamas launched a coordinated attack on Israel by air, land, and sea. As of Monday, the toll of this conflict is already devastating, with more than 1,500 lives lost from both sides, and more than 2,200 people being injured, according to health authorities. Our hearts go out to those directly and indirectly affected by this conflict.
Markets in a Minute: Will Student Loan Re-Payments Weigh Down the Economy?
With the federally mandated pause on student loan repayments expiring this month, borrowers are now responsible for resuming payments on an astonishing $1.7 trillion in outstanding debt. Although one may assume these repayments will negatively affect the economy, several factors could help limit the impact.
Money with Murphy: What's Causing the Increase in Gas Prices?
The price of a gallon of gas has increased by 20% year-to-date. What’s driving the recent price increases, and what impact is costlier gas likely to have on the U.S. consumer, and consequently, the markets? Watch this week’s Money with Murphy for our view.
Markets in a Minute: Will the United Auto Workers Strike Impact the US Economy?
With car prices already high, energy prices climbing, and wages in aggregate already rising faster than the Federal Reserve is comfortable with, what impact will the United Auto Workers strike have on the broader economy?
Markets in a Minute: How Can Investors Benefit from AI?
With the introduction of ChatGPT and other tools that harness artificial intelligence, a new technological revolution has begun, like it or not. How might recent AI innovations impact the markets, for better or for worse? Read this week’s Markets in a Minute to learn more.
Money with Murphy: Recent Events in Russia
Over the weekend, Russian president Vladimir Putin faced a rebellion from one of his closest allies, Yevgeny Prigozhin. What does this mean for the global economy and markets? Hear Kara’s view in this week’s Money with Murphy.
Money with Murphy: Size and Sector Winners and Losers
A couple of weeks ago we talked about how size had become an important determinant of winners in the market, with mega caps leading the charge. Yet, this month, small caps have taken the stage. Watch this week’s Money with Murphy to learn about recent rapid market shifts and how to capture the benefits of holding top performers over time.
Markets in a Minute Fundamentals: How to Survive and Thrive During Financial Bubbles
Staying disciplined and sticking to a financial plan during a bubble's upswing can take extraordinary discipline - even Isaac Newton couldn't do it! Read this week's How to Survive and Thrive During Financial Bubbles, part of our Fundamentals of Investing series, to learn how discipline and consistency were rewarded during the previous two bubbles.
Money with Murphy: Time to Double Down on Large-Cap Winners?
Over the last three months, the ten largest stocks in the index have gained over 9% (percent) while the ten smallest have declined by 10% (percent) – an enormous disparity. What does this unusual market concentration mean for future returns? Should we double-down on recent winners? Get Kara’s take in this week’s Money with Murphy.
Markets in a Minute- Fundamentals of Investing: More Access Doesn’t Always Equal More Returns
Despite access to investment platforms and educational resources being easier than ever, many investors are finding themselves more anxious about their financial situations. Read (or share) this client-ready article to learn how to stick with tried-and-true investment principles.
Money with Murphy: Global Interest Rates & Central Bank Policy
With the Fed rate hiking cycle potentially over, what’s happening elsewhere in the world? Kara takes a look at developed and frontier markets in this week’s Money with Murphy.
Markets in a Minute: Debt Ceiling Debacle
Could this be the first time in history that the U.S. defaults on its payments and challenges Hamilton’s legacy? How does the economic landscape shift if we do default? Let’s find out in this week’s Markets in a Minute
Markets in a Minute: The Three Little Pigs
The stories we learned as children are still helpful in navigating the wild world of stocks and bonds. Last week we explored how “The Tortoise and the Hare” demonstrates the value of consistency and time, and so too can three charming little pigs show the importance of a diversified portfolio.
Markets in a Minute: What the Tortoise and the Hare Can Teach Us About Investing
Although the allure of making money overnight is incredibly hard to resist, in the long run, slow and steady wins the race. Read more about how time and patience are on investors’ side in this week’s Markets in a Minute.
Markets in a Minute: Crypo vs. Back to Basics
The recent failure of crypto-related business such as FTX has highlighted a void in regulatory oversight in the digital currency world. Read more about why a back to basics approach may serve investors best in our latest Markets in a Minute.
Markets in a Minute: Inflation, Goldilocks, and The Fed
Overshadowed by mid-term elections last week, the latest tabulation of inflation was released. Despite its relative absence from the headlines, inflation is by far the more important near-term driver of both stock and bond performance. With lower inflation, the Federal Reserve will be able to ease off the economic brakes—a bit—and potentially create a more hospitable environment for investors.
Markets in a Minute: Quarterly Review & Outlook
In the third quarter of 2022, the S&P 500’s bear market reached ten months old, the Fed continued to tighten monetary policy as inflation accelerated, and recession predictions filled news headlines. With stocks and bonds down more than 25% and 15%, respectively, so far this year, 2022 is shaping up to be one of the more painful years in recent memory. These down markets, though they feel treacherous, present disciplined investors with opportunities for long-term growth.
Markets in a Minute: The R-Word- Are we in a Recession?
Are we headed toward a recession? The answer is, we’ll get there… eventually. Read on for the “road signs” that can help us estimate when we might arrive and what we can do before we get there.
Markets in a Minute: Commodities & Housing
As the S&P 500’s bear market completes its ninth month, two areas of the economy have experienced rapid changes: commodity price spikes coupled with impending shortages and a housing boom that is quickly petering out. How serious are these risks to the global economy and markets? Let’s discuss in this week’s Markets in a Minute.
Money with Murphy - Corporate Earnings
Last week we got word that the U.S. economy had contracted for the second quarter in a row. With a weaker economy, the next question is, what will happen to earnings? In this week’s Money with Murphy, I talk about corporate earnings.