Market Memo

For the month of February, Cupid’s arrow certainly wasn’t needed to help investors fall in love with the stock market. There are a variety of factors pushing the US stock market higher, including growing GDP, low employment, and an uptick in manufacturing to name a few.

With the geopolitical tensions in the world and an upcoming election, the market continues to be influenced by rate cut expectations more than anything else.

November gave investors reasons to give thanks. Now they are left wondering if Santa came early this year, or if there are gifts still to be delivered.

October provided mostly tricks, with a hint of treats toward the close of the month. Twice during the month, the 10-year Treasury bond reached or exceeded 5%, a rate that has not been seen since 2007.

June continued a run of surprising stock market returns for 2023. One month does not make a trend, but it's comforting to see stocks perform positively.