Stock market news

Stocks logged another record high, with the S&P 500 rising for the third straight week. European equity markets were mostly lower, while Asian markets were mixed. Signs of inflation pressures led bond yields higher, but investors remained focused on the brighter economic-recovery outlook. The consumer discretionary and health care sectors outperformed, while energy lagged. Oil prices, along with other commodities, were under some pressure today as the U.S. dollar moved higher. 

Stocks largely ran in place last week, with the S&P 500 edging out a slight gain. A slightly wider aperture reveals that equities are up 6% so far this year, while the one-year figure is still the show-stopper, with the S&P 500 gaining more than 75% since its March 23, 2020 low.¹  Each of these periods are part of the new bull market that began almost exactly one year ago as stocks bottomed following the sharpest 30% bear market in history¹. At the same time, each of these periods highlight the progress occurring in the investment environment – progress that we think will produce a favorable but different path ahead. 

^{Sources: 1. Bloomberg}

The Quarterly Market Outlook offers our perspective on recent activity in the capital markets. The Edward Jones Investment Policy Committee offers its viewpoints on the U.S. economy, stocks, the bond market, international markets and asset classes, as well as a special topic of interest to investors each quarter.

These aren’t short-term predictions. Rather, this is Edward Jones’ perspective on market and economic topics, designed to help you make decisions affecting your long-term financial strategy. As you read through each topic, you'll find specific actions you can discuss with your financial advisor.