An upbeat economic outlook may be edging out elevated downside risks in the Federal Reserve’s (Fed) decision-making.

Minutes from the Fed’s October meeting showed policymakers discussed both dynamics at length, as they have at several meetings this year. The Fed ended up reducing the fed funds rate by 0.25%, citing low inflation and downside risks as reasons to lower the policy rate for a third time this economic cycle.

The Fed’s evaluation of the economy and risks in October largely mirrored past meetings, but participants agreed to remove the “act as appropriate” language in the post-m

“Be fearful when others are greedy, and greedy when others are fearful.” – Warren Buffett

The S&P 500 Index has trended higher in an unusually persistent fashion recently. The benchmark has notched 10 record-high closes over the past four weeks, including four straight through November 18.

It’s human nature to get nervous when market conditions are too calm, especially with an uncertain outlook and an aging bull market. However, we urge investors not to lose sight of their goals.

As shown in the LPL Chart of the Day, the S&P 500 has consistently powered past record highs.

“We’re going streaking!” Frank The Tank in Old School

As the bull market continues to make new highs, the past few weeks have seen some amazing market streaks. Here are three that have caught our attention.

• The S&P 500 Index hasn’t had back to back losses for 29 consecutive days. As the LPL Chart of the Day shows, this is the longest such streak without back to back down days since March 2005. It is worth noting that the S&P 500 gained another 5.8% three months after the March 2005 streak ended.

• The S&P 500 hasn’t closed below its 10-d

Why would we write a report about recession with the S&P 500 at record highs? Consider it a check-up. Just because you feel good doesn’t mean you skip your annual physical at the doctor. We check in on some of our favorite leading indicators to see if any cracks are forming in the economic expansion and its accompanying bull market. 

No Sign of Immediate Recession or Bear Market

With stocks setting more new record highs last week, why are we concerned about watching for recession? While our outlook is still optimistic, we don’t want to be complacent. We expect steady growth in the U.S. economy and corpor