LPL: Three Macro Factors Affecting Risk Appetite
Three Economic Factors Supporting Investor Confidence Investors continue to face a complicated economic environment shaped by inflation, geopolitical uncertainty, interest rates and government debt. Despite these challenges, several underlying economic conditions are helping support financial markets and investor confidence. Three factors in particular are contributing to a more constructive outlook: continued foreign demand for U.S. […]
Visual Capitalist: The World’s 30 Largest Companies By Revenue In 2026
The World’s Largest Companies by Revenue in 2026 The list of the world’s largest companies has a new leader in 2026. Amazon has moved ahead of Walmart to become the highest-revenue company globally, highlighting the continued growth of technology-enabled businesses and the significant role U.S. corporations play in the global economy. According to the latest […]
LPL: Yields On The Rise – Do Stocks Notice?
Rising Treasury Yields: What Higher Rates Could Mean for Stocks Treasury yields have moved higher this summer, creating another factor for investors to watch as equity markets navigate interest rates, inflation concerns, geopolitical uncertainty, and changing expectations for Federal Reserve policy. Historically, rising interest rates haven’t always been bad news for stocks. When yields increase […]
Visual Capitalist: Every U.S. State’s Economy, Matched To A Country
How Big Are U.S. State Economies? Comparing States to Countries When we think about the world’s largest economies, countries such as the United States, China, Germany, and Japan typically come to mind. But looking inside the U.S. economy reveals another interesting perspective: many individual states generate economic output comparable to entire countries. Comparing state economies […]
John Hancock: Weekly Market Recap Week Ended August 14
Moderating inflation Two reports reflected elevated but modestly easing inflationary pressures at the consumer and wholesale levels. The Consumer Price Index held steady at a 3.4% annual rate in July, slightly below June’s 3.5% figure. A subsequent report on producer prices showed inflation was little changed in July relative to the previous month. Robust […]
Visual Capitalist: Europe Was Once Bigger Than The U.S. Economy. What Happened?
The Growing Economic Gap Between the U.S. and Europe Over the past two decades, the economic paths of the United States and Europe have increasingly diverged. While both remain among the most important economic regions in the world, the U.S. has expanded at a considerably faster pace when measured by nominal gross domestic product (GDP). […]
John Hancock: Weekly Market Recap Week Ended August 7
Earnings juggernaut Profits continued to improve as earnings season entered its final stretch, with analysts now expecting the strongest growth rate since the second quarter of 2021. Second-quarter net income is expected to rise an average of 50.4% for companies in the S&P 500, based on reports already released as of Friday and forecasts for […]
PGIM: 2026 Mid-Year Market Outlook
Market Outlook: Key Themes Investors Are Watching in the Year Ahead Financial markets continue to navigate a complex environment shaped by evolving economic conditions, technological innovation, and global events. While uncertainty remains, investors may find opportunities by focusing on diversification, quality investments, and long-term strategies rather than reacting to short-term market swings. One of the […]
Visual Capitalist: America’s Fastest-Aging States
Which U.S. States Are Aging the Fastest? A Look at America’s Demographic Shift As the Baby Boomer generation continues to move into retirement, the age profile of the United States is changing rapidly. While every state is experiencing an increase in older residents, some are seeing much faster growth in their senior populations than others. […]
John Hancock: Weekly Market Recap Week Ended July 31
Earnings surge Earnings forecasts were sharply raised as the largest technology companies reported quarterly results and nearly two-thirds of S&P 500 companies had released their second-quarter numbers. As of Friday, analysts projected that earnings for S&P 500 companies rose an average 47.4% in the second quarter, up from a 38.0% forecast at the end of […]