Premier Private Wealth

12/03/2025

After declines in early November, a late-month rebound brought the S&P 500 and Dow Jones to positive territory, although the technology-heavy Nasdaq ended the month down 1.45 percent. Turning to the economy, a delayed employment report showed a rebound in hiring in September, following modest job losses in August. But the unemployment rate rose to 4.4 percent, marking the highest level since late 2021.

With consumer confidence also hitting a seven-month low, will consumer spending take a hit? Stay tuned to find out.

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11/11/2025

The S&P 500, Dow Jones, and Nasdaq posted positive returns in October, with falling short-term interest rates and strong corporate earnings supporting markets. In fact, the average Q3 earnings growth rate for the S&P 500 stood at nearly 10.7 percent at the end of October, above analysts’ 7.9 percent estimate at the end of September.

Turning to the economy, the government shutdown continues to delay some economic reports. Still, the September Consumer Price Index report showed inflation remained stubbornly high, as year-over-year consumer inflation rose to 3 percent. Consumer confidence also continued to cool in October.

With both major measures of consumer sentiment falling, are there other risks on the horizon for investors? Stay tuned to find out.

Commonwealth’s Chris Fasciano recaps October’s market and economic news. The S&P 500, Dow Jones, and Nasdaq posted positive returns during the month,…

10/16/2025

There was a noticeable shift in Q3.

Markets steadied, investor attention turned to economic data (not headlines) and the Fed stepped in with its first interest rate cut of the year.

That decision had an immediate impact. Small-cap stocks rallied, mortgage rates and long-term yields declined and equity prices rose globally on improved expectations.

But with the S&P 500 now up +13.7% YTD after two strong years, we're also watching valuations carefully and maintaining a diversified stance.

Our latest market commentary explains the drivers behind Q3's strength, and how we're thinking about the path forward.

Full Q3 commentary here: https://premierprivatewealth.financial/market-commentary-q3-2025/

10/14/2025

September was another positive month for markets, as the S&P 500, Dow, and Nasdaq set new record highs. The international story was similar, with developed and emerging markets gaining for the month. Short-term interest rates also fell in September, as the Fed resumed cutting rates at its mid-month meeting. Markets anticipate one or two additional rate cuts by year-end.

Turning to the economy, second-quarter GDP growth was revised up from earlier estimates of 3.3 percent to 3.8 percent, driven by increased personal consumption growth. But there has been a slowdown in hiring over the past few months, and the unemployment rate has ticked up to its highest level since August 2021.

So, what other risks should investors be aware of? Stay tuned to find out.

Commonwealth’s Chris Fasciano recaps September’s market and economic news. September was another positive month for markets, as the S&P 500, Dow,…

09/09/2025

Despite volatility early on, the S&P 500, Dow, and Nasdaq were up low- to mid-single digits for August. These results brought markets to record highs and indicated continued investor demand for U.S. stocks. International stocks also ended the month in positive territory, as risk assets rallied. Even bonds were up, as falling interest rates supported bond prices.

On the economic side, the July jobs report revealed hiring slowed notably during the summer. Further, the job estimates from May and June were revised down sharply. Will potential stress for the labor market foreshadow a shift in consumer spending? Stay tuned to find out.

Commonwealth’s Chris Fasciano recaps August’s market and economic news. Despite volatility early on, the S&P 500, Dow, and Nasdaq were up low- to…

08/12/2025

The market rally continued in July, as strong corporate earnings growth and optimism on trade lifted stocks. The S&P 500, Dow Jones, and Nasdaq were all up low single digits for the month. The story was mixed internationally, with developed international stocks down while emerging markets rallied for the third straight month. Turning to the economy, the news was broadly positive. The economy grew at an annualized rate of 3 percent in the second quarter, beating expectations and signaling a healthy economic backdrop.

Will surprises on policy issues serve as a headwind in the months ahead? Stay tuned to find out.

Commonwealth’s Chris Fasciano recaps July’s market and economic news. The market rally continued last month, as strong corporate earnings growth and…

07/17/2025

The days can be long, but the years are short, especially in investing. And Q2 reminded us why we stay the course.

Markets dropped 19% in March and April, then roared back to new highs by June. Even as trade policy headlines dominated the news cycle.

What drove the initial selloff? How did concerns that seemed serious in April prove overblown by June? And what does this mean for the second half of 2025?

Our Q2 Market Commentary breaks down the quarter's wild swings, international market outperformance and what we're watching as we move forward.

Full Q2 commentary here: https://conta.cc/3TJ5rVx

07/15/2025

Markets continued to rally in June, capping off a solid quarter for investors. The S&P 500, Dow, and Nasdaq were up for the month and the quarter, supported by the continued cooling of trade war rhetoric. The story was similar internationally, as a solid June contributed to a positive quarter for both developed and emerging market stocks. On the economic front, updates released in June were broadly positive. The May jobs report showed continued solid hiring during the month, and consumer sentiment surged to a four-month high.

Despite this positive backdrop, will geopolitical risks and policy uncertainty cause volatility ahead? Stay tuned to find out.

Commonwealth’s Chris Fasciano recaps June’s market and economic news. The S&P 500, Dow, and Nasdaq were up for the month and the quarter, supported…

06/10/2025

Markets rallied in May, with the S&P 500, Dow, and Nasdaq up low- to mid-single digits for the month on solid fundamentals and reduced policy worries. Further, the average earnings growth for the S&P 500 during the first quarter was 13.5 percent, more than twice the initial estimates. The economic updates were also broadly positive. The April job report revealed continued solid hiring, and inflation showed signs of improvement, as consumer prices rose by less than expected.

But will risks like policy uncertainty and budget battles affect the economy and markets in the months ahead? Stay tuned to find out.

Commonwealth’s Brad McMillan recaps May’s market and economic news. Markets rallied in May, with the S&P 500, Dow, and Nasdaq up low- to mid-single…

05/20/2025

April saw significant market fluctuations driven by tariff and interest rate concerns, with the Nasdaq showing a small gain while the S&P 500 and Dow Jones finished lower. Internationally, foreign stocks rebounded after initial sharp declines, resulting in positive overall performance for developed and emerging markets. Bond markets also experienced volatility, but the 10-year Treasury yield ended slightly lower, supporting bond prices for the fourth consecutive month. While there was earnings growth for the S&P 500, declining business and consumer sentiment raised concerns about future spending.

Given these mixed signals, how can we navigate the uncertainty ahead? Stay tuned to find out.

Commonwealth’s Brad McMillan recaps April’s market and economic news. April saw significant market fluctuations driven by tariff and interest rate concerns,…

05/12/2025

We're proud to share that Michael Comstock CFP®, AIF® has once again been recognized on the Forbes/SHOOK Research 2025 Best-In-State Wealth Advisors list, for the seventh year in a row.

This recognition reflects the steady, thoughtful approach Michael brings to each client relationship. It's not about headlines or rankings, it's about earning trust year after year and helping families plan with clarity and confidence. We are grateful for how Michael's leadership continues to guide the way we walk alongside the families we serve.

Congratulations, Michael!

Read more here: https://conta.cc/4kdlkhV

2025 Forbes Best In State Wealth Advisors, created by SHOOK Research. Presented in April 2025 based on data gathered from June 2023 to June 2024. Not indicative of advisor’s future performance. Your experience may vary. For more information, visit: https://conta.cc/3ZgO9SD

04/15/2025

March was a tough month for U.S. stocks, as all three major indices were down for the month and quarter. Bonds performed better, as falling interest rates supported prices, and developed and emerging markets both ended the quarter positively. Hiring and inflation also improved, and the solid economic backdrop should keep driving earnings growth. Despite this, we continue to face uncertainty—including tariff concerns and weakening consumer confidence.

Will these risks rattle the markets? Stay tuned to find out.

Commonwealth’s Brad McMillan recaps March’s market and economic news. March was a tough month for U.S. stocks, as all three major indices were down for…