Key Economic Developments Highlight Fed Division, Labor Market Cooling, and House Action on Private-Market Access
Investors digested mixed signals from a divided Fed, signs of labor market cooling, and developments in private-market access as the rate outlook came into focus.
Volatility Rises as the AI Trade Matures and the Fed Weighs Delayed Data
Despite a jump in volatility, equities delivered another month of gains while investors reassessed the AI trade, digested delayed economic data, and looked toward a potential December rate cut.
Markets Adjust as Cooling Inflation, Softer Labor Trends, and Broad Earnings Strength Shape the 2026 Outlook
Equity Market Strength Continues Amid Steady Employment and Inflation
Broadening international equity leadership, consistent jobless claims and investment trends, and easing core producer prices contributed to a steady overall market backdrop.
Markets Navigate Cooling Labor Trends and Shifting Tech Momentum
Markets weighed upbeat NVIDIA results against signs of softening labor demand, while mixed Fed signals and limited new data drove mixed rate-cut expectations.
Markets Steady as Shutdown Ends, Volatility Rises, and Global Equities Continue to Perform
The government reopened after a record shutdown as markets stayed steady, volatility ticked up, and international equities – especially in Europe and emerging markets – continued a strong year driven by improving global growth.
Shutdown Tests Economy as Earnings and Jobs Data Hold Firm
Equity markets absorbed mixed labor signals, broadening earnings strength across sectors, and rising economic strain from the ongoing government shutdown.
Markets Reach Record Highs Again Despite Uncertainty
U.S. equity markets reached new all-time highs in October, marking six consecutive months of gains despite continued government gridlock and renewed trade tensions. The Federal Reserve’s second straight rate cut and muted inflation supported both stock and bond market performance, as investor optimism carries into year-end.
Fed’s Caution and Tech Results Shape Investor Outlook
The Fed’s quarter-point cut signaled caution, mega-cap tech results highlighted AI’s staying power, and Treasury yields reflected a wait-and-see market.
Markets Find Support in Earnings Strength, Softer Inflation, and Easing Bank Rules
Third-quarter earnings began on a strong note, highlighting market resilience amid a government shutdown, while softer inflation data and a more moderate Fed stance on bank capital rules reinforced optimism for continued economic stability and potential rate cuts ahead.