FINANCIAL BLOG

Some of you reading this title might think this commentary is about September seasonality. Sure, seasonality is part of our playbook and is getting a lot of attention right now. We would not be surprised if volatility were to pick up some this month — even though seasonality isn’t as much of a concern during positively trending markets.

LPL Research provides its Weekly Market Performance for the week of September 2, 2025. U.S. equities kicked off September and the unofficial end of summer on a mixed note, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq edging higher while the Dow slipped below the week-to-date flatline. Monday’s Labor Day holiday didn’t stop a busy week of headlines with markets parsing key jobs data, corporate earnings, and fresh trade deal updates.

The winning streak for stocks continued in August, as the S&P 500 posted its fourth consecutive month of gains. It was an informative month for investors, as we learned that the labor market may not be as solid as expected, tariffs have had a minimal impact on inflation and margins thus far, corporate America and the consumer remain resilient, and the Federal Reserve (Fed) is likely ready to cut rates later this month.

LPL Research provides its Weekly Market Performance for the week of August 25, 2025. U.S. equities ended the week mixed, with major indexes slightly lower due to Friday’s declines, though the S&P 500 remained on track for a fourth consecutive monthly gain.

As central bankers, economists, and policymakers gathered last weekend in Wyoming’s Grand Teton National Park for the 2025 Jackson Hole Economic Symposium, the Federal Reserve (Fed) found itself at a critical juncture marked by political pressures, personnel changes, and internal divisions over monetary policy direction.

LPL Research provides its Weekly Market Performance for the week of August 18, 2025. U.S. equities closed the week in style, bouncing back from a broadly risk-off week to close mostly higher. Federal Reserve (Fed) Chair Powell lifted rate cut expectations for the mid-September Fed meeting during his speech from Jackson Hole, fueling a cross-asset rally.

Second quarter earnings season, which winds down this week and next, has met some of the highest expectations. Strong beat rates, big upside earnings surprises, and increases in estimates during the past four weeks were consistent themes that gave investors very little to complain about.

LPL Research provides its Weekly Market Performance for the week of August 11, 2025. U.S. equities held on to weekly gains amid a busy week on the economic calendar and relatively quiet news flow elsewhere. Federal Reserve (Fed) rate cut bets were the hot topic of the week as investors digested mixed signals on the American economy and consumer.

We’re all ready to put the tariff talk to bed. But don’t worry. While this commentary provides an update on the tariff situation, there’s more happening on the policy front than just tariffs. Whatever policy we highlight, it’s clear that the stock market is sailing through those choppy, even unprecedented waters.

LPL Research provides its Weekly Market Performance for the week of August 4, 2025. After ending last week with a thud, stocks clawed back losses and returned to positive territory with solid weekly gains. A fresh wave of dip buying, dovish remarks from Federal Reserve (Fed) officials, and sectoral tariff relief boosted market sentiment over the last five days, while Treasury yields also moved higher.

Last week was one for the ages in terms of the number and magnitude of events and data points for investors to digest. A Federal Reserve (Fed) meeting, the monthly jobs report, and the peak week of earnings season would be enough to qualify as a busy week.

LPL Research provides its Weekly Market Performance for the week of July 28, 2025. After a so-called ‘perfect week’ for the S&P 500 last week, U.S. equities closed a busy week for markets in the red. After hovering near the weekly flatline for much of the week, stocks dropped on Friday following fresh U.S. tariffs and negative surprises in July economic data.

We believe this more complex macro environment will force the Federal Reserve (Fed) to maintain its cautious stance on monetary policy for longer than markets originally expected. One factor adding to the complexity is the post-pandemic impact on economic and financial models. Another obvious factor is dynamic trade policy.

LPL Research provides its Weekly Market Performance for the week of July 21, 2025. The S&P 500 capped a record-setting week with another all-time high, gaining ground on all five days this week. The Nasdaq and Dow Jones Industrial Average also moved higher as investors analyzed a busy week for second quarter earnings.

Within fixed income markets, a tug of war has unfolded between two opposing forces, much like the classic tale of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. The benevolent Dr. Jekyll emerges when economic data suggests weakness, which leads to lower interest rates and relief for borrowers.

LPL Research provides its Weekly Market Performance for the week of July 14, 2025. Major U.S. averages traded mixed on the week, with technology names powering modest gains for the S&P 500 and growth-laden Nasdaq. Stocks broadly traded in a narrow range over the last five days as market participants digested corporate earnings alongside ongoing Federal Reserve (Fed) independence and trade concerns.

LPL Research provides its Weekly Market Performance for the week of July 7, 2025. Returning from the Fourth of July holiday weekend, U.S. stocks closed narrowly mixed as investors digested a range of tariff headlines and the passage of President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA).

LPL Research provides its Weekly Market Performance for the week of June 30, 2025. U.S. stocks capped the holiday-shortened week with fireworks of their own, extending weekly gains and scoring the third record high of the week of the S&P 500. A better-than-feared jobs report fueled risk on sentiment heading into the long weekend, underpinned by upbeat trade headlines.

With investor focus now squarely back on U.S. equities as new all-time highs are in sight, we dig into why strategic allocations should still consider, despite recent outperformance and multiple expansion, diversification into international equities.

LPL Research provides its Weekly Market Performance for the week of June 23, 2025. U.S. stocks printed a solid weekly advance, continuing to pad modest gains for the first half with just one trading session remaining. The S&P 500 climbed to fresh all-time highs Friday before paring gains after President Trump ended trade talks with Canada and threatened to impose new tariffs over the next seven days.