Financial perspectives
Market news
Keep up to date with weekly market analyses, quarterly investment outlooks and other timely financial news.
Global Economic Health Check
Source: U.S. Bank Asset Management Group, April 19, 2024. The proprietary U.S. Bank Global Economic Health Check analyzes more than 1,000 data points across 22 major economies representing 80% of total global wealth to reflect our view of the strength of economic growth worldwide.
Weekly market analysis
The S&P 500 is down 5.5% so far in April, with 10 of 11 S&P 500 sectors negative, leaving investors with few places to hide during this period of consolidation. The index has given back more than half the gains posted in the first quarter and is now up 4.1% year-to-date as of Friday’s close on April 19.
Quarterly outlook
Q2 2024 Investment Outlook
The U.S. Bank Asset Management Group sees potential in sectors that have lagged Technology and Consumer Discretionary stocks. Earnings growth, capital expenditures on artificial intelligence and data management, and fiscal policy may offset the impacts of higher interest rates.
News and updates
Stay informed on key topics likely to impact markets, the economy and investors.
Geopolitical conflict and its impact on global markets
April 25, 2024
As the Russia-Ukraine war drags on in Europe, other geopolitical conflicts have emerged in the Middle East that threaten to impact global markets.
Is the economy at risk of a recession?
April 26, 2024
The Federal Reserve is focused on fighting inflation with monetary policy intended to slow consumer demand. Does this put the economy at risk of a recession?
Stock market under the Biden administration
April 26, 2024
Explore how capital markets have fared so far under the Biden administration and learn what to expect in the runup to this year’s presidential election.
Is a market correction coming?
April 26, 2024
Does the stock market dip in April signal a turning point for this bull market?
The impact of U.S. national debt on investments
April 25, 2024
As the national debt continues to grow, investors should take into account long-term considerations potentially impacting interest rates, capital markets and the economy.
Energy sector stocks: Is now the time to invest?
April 25, 2024
Investors focus on evolving dynamics in the stock market’s energy sector.
The fluctuating value of the U.S. dollar and what it means for investors
April 18, 2024
Taking measure of global currency trends as you position your investment portfolio.
Federal Reserve focuses monetary policy on fighting inflation
April 15, 2024
The Federal Reserve appears to have reached a peak in its current cycle of interest rate hikes and is expected to begin cutting rates later this year.
How changing interest rates impact the bond market
April 11, 2024
With the Federal Reserve maintaining higher interest rates for longer to get inflation under control, what opportunities does this create for bond investors?
Analysis: Assessing inflation’s impact
April 11, 2024
Persistently higher prices continue to weigh on consumers and policymakers alike.
How presidential elections affect the stock market
April 9, 2024
U.S. presidential elections naturally affect policy — but do they affect the market? Here’s a look at the impact election cycles have historically had on capital markets and what to watch for in 2024.
Investing in tech stocks: Is now a good time?
April 5, 2024
Tech stocks are up to start 2024 – continuing last year’s trend of outpacing the broader S&P 500.
The effect of the job market on the economy
April 5, 2024
Set against the backdrop of persistent inflation, the strong job market continues to draw the attention of the Federal Reserve as it calibrates monetary policy to help curb inflation.
Analysis: China’s economy and its influence on global markets
April 4, 2024
What should investors consider when seeking emerging market exposure to the world’s second-largest economy?
How do supply chain disruptions contribute to inflation?
April 2, 2024
Could the tragic collapse of Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key bridge, combined with other shipping bottlenecks around the globe, contribute to supply chain disruptions that slow inflation’s retreat?
Healthcare stocks in 2024
April 2, 2024
How to balance the opportunities and risks associated with investing in the healthcare sector.
How to invest in today’s market
April 2, 2024
With inflation retreating and interest rate cuts likely coming later this year, how should investors position their portfolios to capitalize on potential opportunities, while guarding against risks?
How do changing interest rates affect the stock market?
March 29, 2024
As interest rates change, learn what the ripple effects across capital markets may mean for investors.
The impact of today’s higher interest rates on the housing market
March 27, 2024
2023 was the slowest year for existing home sales in nearly 30 years. Where’s the housing market headed in 2024?
How does consumer spending impact the health of the economy?
March 26, 2024
In a delicate balancing act with a Federal Reserve intent on slowing the economy to fight inflation, steady consumer spending has helped avoid a recession. But does record household debt threaten to tip the scales?
Treasury yields remain inverted as investors continue to weigh risk of recession
March 21, 2024
What does a persistently inverted yield curve say about the economy’s prospects for a recession?
Fed keeps interest rates steady but signals rate cuts later this year
March 20, 2024
The Fed held interest rates steady in a range of 5.25% to 5.50% on Wednesday and affirmed projections for three rate cuts this year, while increasing core inflation and economic growth expectations.
Cash management and investing strategies when interest rates are up
March 18, 2024
A fresh look at managing your cash and investments in today’s changing interest rate environment can help support your pursuit of the goals that matter most to you.
Investors focus attention on corporate earnings
March 12, 2024
What do the latest corporate earnings reveal about the direction of the economy and markets in 2024?
Tactical asset allocation in a changing market
February 8, 2024
Consider these tactical asset allocation strategies to help enhance your investment returns and manage overall portfolio risk in today’s dynamic market environment.
Media mentions
S&P 500 suffers worst day since January as inflation woes erupt
April 12, 2024 | CNBC | Article
“We’re getting further risk-off sentiment heading into the weekend. You’re seeing there’s a flight to safety trade, with the dollar stronger, and we’re seeing equities sell off,” said Rob Haworth, U.S. Bank Wealth Management senior investment strategist.
U.S. stocks inch to higher close as markets brace for CPI data, earnings
April 9, 2024 | Reuters | Article
“The financials kick off first-quarter reporting season and often set the tone,” said Bill Northey, senior investment director at U.S. Bank Wealth Management in Billings, Montana. “We are looking to the cyclical areas as an indicator of the health of corporate America.”
Oil steady, bolstered by lower supply concerns
April 4, 2024 | Reuters | Article
On Wednesday, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell was cautious about future interest rate cuts after recent data showed higher-than-expected job growth and inflation. The comments were positive for oil because they indicated solid U.S. economic growth, said Rob Haworth, senior investment strategist for U.S. Bank Wealth Management.
