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Q3 2018: Economic Commentary

Posted By Lineweaver Financial Group
July 06, 2018 Category: Q3, 2018, Economic Commentary, Market Review

Global financial markets posted mixed results during the second quarter of 2018 as investors balanced strong earnings, an improving labor market and better economic growth here in the U.S. with political turmoil in Europe and deteriorating trade relations worldwide. We present a few highlights from the 2Q18 below: Despite heightened geopolitical rhetoric, the S & P 500, the Dow Jones Industrial Average, and the technology-heavy Nasdaq Composite continued to trade near record highs amid positive economic data and strong corporate earnings. On the economic front, the Federal Reserve raised interest rates by 25 basis points in June to a range of 1.75% to 2%, and upgraded their assessment of U.S. economic growth. Consequently, the FOMC now anticipates raising interest rates four times in 2018.   Developed international equity markets produced mixed results during the second quarter on political turmoil in Spain and Italy, and rising trade tensions with the U.S. Gains came out of Europe, while the Pacific region lagged. On the political front, the prospect of new elections in Italy and a vote of no confidence against Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy renewed fears of a Eurozone breakup. In the emerging markets, returns were held back by weak performances from Latin America heavyweights Brazil and Mexico.   Within fixed income, results were mixed as the Fed raised interest rates and the U.S. dollar rose sharply against most major currencies. The 10-year U.S. Trea