FEATURED MARKET DATA
Stocks Gain From Early April Lows
Returns for U.S. stocks were mostly lower in April and volatility was high, particularly early in the month. Headlines, largely related to evolving tariff policy, broadly drove stock prices up and down as correlations across stocks were high. The S&P 500 closed below 5,000 on April 8th as uncertainty and market volatility peaked.
by Laura Fox FEATURED MARKET DATA
Longer Treasuries Outperforming Money Market Returns
Monthly returns for the 3-Month Treasury Bill, often a benchmark for money market returns, have slowly declined over the past year as the Federal Reserve cut short-term interest rates. Meanwhile, evolving economic conditions have created volatility in longer term Treasury yields and returns.
by Laura Fox The PMA Companies and Public Trust Advisors, LLC have combined to create an integrated financial services firm serving over 12,000 local governments and other public entities across 26 states.
The combined company, PTMA Financial Solutions (“PTMA”), which is led by Todd Alton, will honor the rich history of the merging companies, reflecting the values and traditions that have shaped their journey together.
by Laura Fox FEATURED MARKET DATA
Sentiment Weakens in February
U.S. Economic data reported in February generally weakened as shown by the Citigroup Economic Surprise Index turning negative during the month. At the same time, consumer confidence softened, led by a decrease in the Expectations component of the index.
by Laura Fox Sheila Coss Joins the SD FIT and PMA Team
PMA, a premier full-service provider of financial and advisory services to local governments, is pleased to announce that Sheila Coss has joined the South Dakota Public Funds Investment Trust (SD FIT) team as Relationship Manager.
by Laura Fox FEATURED MARKET DATA
Stocks Turn Higher in January
U.S. equities ended higher in January following December declines as markets expressed relief from no immediate actions on tariffs. However, news on possible Mexico, Canada and China tariffs was quickly developing near month-end and in the first days of February.
by Laura Fox While we expect U.S. economic growth and inflation to moderate in the year ahead, the probability of a recession has increased somewhat in our view. The market was overly concerned last year that
by Laura Fox FEATURED MARKET DATA
Steepening Yield Curve
The Federal Reserve cut rates by 0.25% as expected in December to a range of 4.25-4.50%, yet longer-term yields rose for the month. The shift up in longer term yields was due in part to a hawkish tone from the Federal Reserve.
by Laura Fox FEATURED MARKET DATA
Bond Market Volatility
The Federal Reserve cut rates by 0.25% as expected on November 7th, yet 2-year Treasury yields began the month with a continuation of rising yields. Higher yields reflected the market’s belief that the Fed would cut rates less than previously anticipated as well as U.S. Fiscal worries.
by Laura Fox FEATURED MARKET DATA
Election Unease?
While the Fed did not meet in October, Treasury yields rose across the curve. The 5-year Treasury rose 60 basis points in October to close at 4.16% as market-based inflation expectations also increased.
by Laura Fox 