About Tom Scanlon

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So far Tom Scanlon has created 28 blog entries.

Q4 2024 Market Insights

In the fourth quarter, the S&P 500® rounded the corner on its second straight year of 20%-plus gains––reaching 24.99% for 2024 with a 2.39% return––marking its best two-year performance since 1997-1998. In response to the election of Donald Trump, investors have embraced the prospects of deregulation, reductions in corporate taxes, and a renewed focus on [...]

Q4 2024 Market Insights2025-01-28T08:37:11-05:00

Q3 2024 Market Insights

This quarter, the S&P 500® Index finished September at a new all-time high, posting a return of 5.89% following the start of a rate-cutting cycle from the Federal Reserve. Although the 2024 presidential race has been nothing short of unprecedented, the upcoming election should have far less impact on market performance than key long-term drivers [...]

Q3 2024 Market Insights2024-10-22T17:00:59-04:00

Q2 2024 Market Insights

In the second quarter, the S&P 500® Index posted its strongest start for the first half of an election year since 1976, reaching a 15.29% gain despite stubborn inflation readings and a bumpy start for U.S. equities. Strong first quarter earnings from a select group of mega-cap companies bolstered market sentiment, propelling the S&P 500 [...]

Q2 2024 Market Insights2024-07-23T13:54:51-04:00

Q1 2024 Market Insights

In the first quarter of the year, U.S. equity markets were off to a robust start, marking the eighth time that the S&P 500 Index has posted consecutive double-digit quarterly gains since World War II. Strong corporate earnings and advancements in areas such as artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and digital transformation, helped propel stocks higher. [...]

Q1 2024 Market Insights2024-04-24T15:45:08-04:00

Q4 2023 Market Insights

In the fourth quarter, financial markets staged an impressive rally due to the Federal Reserve setting expectations for aggressive rate cuts. The year ended strong for U.S. stocks thanks to “the Magnificent Seven” companies, collectively returning 76%. As we head into 2024, there are many crosscurrents that need to be watched as volatility is expected [...]

Q4 2023 Market Insights2024-01-31T18:09:24-05:00

Q3 2023 Market Insights

In the third quarter, investors closely monitored economic data and Federal Reserve comments. While better-than-expected results reduced some recession concerns, there are worries about potential inflation and further rate hikes due to sustained U.S. growth. The surge in the budget deficit, fueled by increased government spending, supports short-term growth but poses challenges with rising interest [...]

Q3 2023 Market Insights2023-10-19T14:56:33-04:00

Q2 2023 Market Insights

The first half of 2023 has brought some much-needed relief to investors, with equity markets posting positive returns despite inflation concerns and aggressive rate hikes by the Federal Reserve (the “Fed"). However, the fact that the Fed appears committed to keeping interest rates higher for longer raises concerns about the increasing likelihood of a future [...]

Q2 2023 Market Insights2023-07-28T19:48:40-04:00

Q1 2023 Market Insights

Despite the sudden failures of Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank of New York, the government's quick response boosted confidence in the banking system, resulting in modest gains for both stocks and bonds. However, the unintended consequences of the Fed Reserve's actions have posed challenges in controlling inflation without causing economic slowdown, with potential risks [...]

Q1 2023 Market Insights2023-07-28T17:45:50-04:00

Q4 2022 Market Insights

The key to successful investing is creating and adhering to a thoughtfully constructed long-term investment plan based on your financial position, risk tolerance and investment timeline. Extended bouts of volatility like we have experienced over the past nine months should not alter an established, diversified approach designed to meet your long-term investment goals.   Read [...]

Q4 2022 Market Insights2023-03-02T19:29:23-05:00

Q3 2022 Market Insights

The key to successful investing is creating and adhering to a thoughtfully constructed long-term investment plan based on your financial position, risk tolerance and investment timeline. Extended bouts of volatility like we have experienced over the past nine months should not alter an established, diversified approach designed to meet your long-term investment goals.   Read [...]

Q3 2022 Market Insights2022-10-21T18:21:10-04:00