Articles
Welcome to our research center! We've put together a library of information on important financial topics that we believe you'll find helpful.
Simply click on one of the general financial topics below and you'll find a selection of easy-to-understand information sheets about related financial concepts and strategies. This information is updated regularly to reflect the latest facts, figures, legislation, and economic trends.
Current Ideas from MGR
MGR Fall Newsletter
MGR October Market Update
HIGHLIGHTS:
• During the third quarter of 2024, the S&P 500 Index of the U.S.’s largest companies rose nearly 6%.
• Value-oriented companies generally outperformed growth stocks with the Russell 3000 Value Index rising over 9%, while its growth counterpart rose
only 3%. Small- and mid-caps stocks, on average, outperformed their larger peers by over 3 percentage points.
• Over longer time frames, stock performance has been exceptional. For the one-year period ending September 2024, the S&P 500 has increased 36%.
• It appears investors are more confident in the Federal Reserve’s ability to support the economy and job market and avoid a recession.1
• In September, the Fed cut the fed funds rate by 50 basis points, the first rate cut since 2020. Going forward, the market is expecting several more
rate cuts through 2026, although the Fed will be closely watching the jobs report and inflation print to determine their economic goals of maximum employment and stable prices.
A look in the rearview mirror offers some perspective on where the market could head as we close out 2024.
Historically, the fourth quarter has been the best quarter for the U.S. stock market. Over the past 40 years, the S&P 500 Index has gained nearly 5% on average, for the three-month period. Regardless of how this year ends, we encourage you to remain focused on your long-term financial goals.