It’s embarrassing to admit this but in our earnings season preview on April 12, when the consensus estimate reflected a nearly 24% increase, we wrote that S&P 500 Index earnings growth for the first quarter could potentially exceed 30%. Fast forward to today and earnings growth for the quarter is on pace to double—yes, double—that 24% growth rate, which would mark one of the biggest upside surprises ever recorded. Here we look at how corporate America produced such a blowout earnings season and what it could mean for the outlook. 

Blowout Numbers 

To call this earnings season a blowout would

U.S. and International Equities

The major US markets were mixed this week, as strong gains in value-oriented sectors were partially offset by continued declines in the growth style. The Dow Jones Industrial Average had the best performance and, so far, have surpassed the S&P 500 Index for the year. Markets overseas finished higher, with both the developed international markets (MSCI EAFE) and emerging market equities (MSCI EM) gaining solid ground.

Energy Steams Forward For a Second Straight Week

Energy was again the top performing sector this week, completely reversing its position as the wo

U.S. and International Equities

This month provided another set of positive results for the U.S. major market indexes. The top performer was the Nasdaq, rebounding from last month’s lagging performance. International developed markets (MSCI EAFE) and emerging markets (MSCI EM) were also positive in April.

Real Estate Redux

The real estate sector is this month’s top performing sector. It has enjoyed a rebound this year and it is this year’s most improved sector. With added economic reopening on the horizon along with recent interest-rate stability, commercial real estate may cont

“Sell in May and go away”¹ is probably the most widely cited stock market cliché in history. Every year a barrage of Wall Street commentaries, media stories, and investor questions flood in about the popular stock market adage. We tackle this commonly cited seasonal pattern and why some seasonal weakness could make sense in 2021.

The Worst Six Months of the Year

“Sell in May and go away” is the seasonal stock market pattern in which the six months from May through October are historically weak for stocks, with many investors believing that it’s better to avoid the market altogether by se