Equity Insights

Markets were a mixed bag in June. Optimism about the Federal Reserve ending or at least slowing its rate-rising program pushed up the equity markets, with the Large Cap Core Equity category delivering a 6.4% return for the month. Nevertheless, inflation remained persistent, albeit at a lower annualized rate, and the Core Fixed Income category responded with a -0.3% return in June.

Roughly 4 billion Millennials and Gen-Z globally offer massive tailwinds to certain brands.

Roughly 4 billion Millennials and Gen-Z globally offer massive tailwinds to certain brands.

We know intuitively, buying great merchandise on sale is something consumers love. Ironically, in the investment business, when great stocks go on sale, investors tend to freeze or sell. That’s a mistake.

Investment advisors face challenges in managing portfolios amidst a dynamic market. One notable trend is the flat performance of Russell 1000 value, coupled with suppressed volatility in a range-bound market. Concerns arise from the concentration of gains within a few names, particularly in the tech sector, within the S&P 500.

Aggregate spending is a bit above the long-term trend, so we expect the spending dynamic to change as consumers continue to make important choices. As personal income goes positive as inflation cools over time, positive spending and saving dynamics will emerge.

Aggregate spending is a bit above the long-term trend, so we expect the spending dynamic to change as consumers continue to make important choices. As personal income goes positive as inflation cools over time, positive spending and saving dynamics will emerge.

Key Points: Johnson & Johnson has spun out a portion of its consumer brands division Stable, predictable brands should thrive as the economy decelerates ...