Eric Cooper - Financial Planner, CEPA

11/07/2025

October marked the sixth straight month of gains for U.S. markets, with the Nasdaq gaining 4.70% and the S&P 500 climbing 2.27%, powered by strong Q3 corporate earnings that overcame government shutdown concerns and trade tensions. The Fed delivered a quarter-point rate cut on October 29, though Chair Powell signaled a December adjustment wasn't a "foregone conclusion." As families prepare for Thanksgiving, last year's feast for 10 averaged \$58.08, with the turkey alone representing 43% of the total cost at \$25.67.

10/07/2025

U.S. markets surged in Q3, with the S&P 500 up nearly 8% and the Nasdaq leading with double-digit gains. Strong corporate results, resilient consumer spending, and a long-anticipated Fed rate cut all fueled momentum. Globally, the MSCI EAFE Index rose over 4%, with China, Korea, and Japan posting standout performances. European markets were mostly positive, though Germany lagged.

Stocks powered ahead in the third quarter as solid economic data, strong corporate results, and a positive shift in Fed policy drove market momentum.

09/05/2025

August ended strongly for U.S. markets, with the S&P 500 closing above 6,500 for the first time. A mix of slowing job growth and cooling inflation put the Fed’s next move in the spotlight as investors look ahead to the September meeting. And with football season kicking off, fans and advertisers are spending big to be part of the action.

The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index advanced 1.91 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite rose 1.58 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial Average led, picking up 3.20 percent.1

08/07/2025

July delivered big wins for U.S. markets as trade agreements and stellar Q2 earnings pushed the Nasdaq above 21,000 for the first time. While the Fed held rates steady, consumer spending powered the economy to 3% growth. Back-to-school season is here - families are expected to spend nearly \$39 billion getting kids ready for the new academic year.

Stocks rode the wave of trade developments and Q2 corporate results to advance last month, pushing market averages to multiple record highs.

07/08/2025

U.S. markets soared in Q2, driven by new trade policies. Globally, the MSCI EAFE Index continued its winning streak, with Korea and Japan excelling. European markets had mixed outcomes, with Germany and Spain leading. Economic signals were mixed: GDP contracted, job growth slowed, but durable goods orders surged while inflation trended lower.

Markets rose in the second quarter as investors witnessed the new U.S. trade policy's impacts unfold, while tensions continued in the Middle East.

06/05/2025

Strong earnings and renewed trade momentum helped push stocks higher in May, with the S&P 500 flipping back into positive territory for the year. Even a Fed pause and a credit downgrade couldn't stall the rally. The latest Market Insights explores the trends behind the gains and what could influence the second half of 2025.

Stocks notched solid gains in May as investors cheered progress on trade deals and upbeat first-quarter corporate reports.

05/07/2025

Despite solid corporate numbers and unexpected trade reports, buyers remained cautious thanks to April's mercurial markets. This month's Market Insights breaks down what drove performance and what investors are continuing to watch in 2025.

The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index declined 0.76 percent while the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite rose 1.26 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial Average lagged, however, falling 3.17 percent.1

04/04/2025

From evolving trade policy to further Artificial Intelligence news, Q1 wrapped up an interesting year for markets. Our April Quarterly Market Insights breaks down what moved markets and what investors are watching in 2025.

Stocks fell in the first quarter as investors contended with economic uncertainty, inflationary concerns, and evolving tariff talks.

03/07/2025

Stubborn inflation and mixed economic signals continue to shape markets. This month's Market Insights breaks down what drove performance and what investors are continuing to watch in 2025.

Stocks stumbled in February as stubborn inflation, mixed economic signals, and an evolving trade policy weighed on investors’ minds.

02/07/2025

Steady Fed policy and unexpected tech news shaped February's markets. This month's Market Insights breaks down what drove performance and what investors are continuing to watch in 2025.

Stocks rallied in January on upbeat Q4 corporate reports and solid economic news that quieted talk of an inflationary comeback.

01/08/2025

From Fed rate cuts to record highs, Q4 wrapped up a strong year for markets. Our January Quarterly Market Insights breaks down what drove performance and what investors are watching in 2025.

The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index rose 2.07 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite surged 6.17 percent. By contrast, the Dow Jones Industrial Average edged up only 0.51 percent.1

12/06/2024

Stocks notched solid gains in November as post-election enthusiasm and holiday-shopping fueled the advance.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average led, gaining 7.54 percent. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index picked up 5.73 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite added 6.21 percent.1