• Stocks add to the rally on optimism that the end of the war is near - Major equity indexes begun the new month and quarter on a higher note, adding to yesterday’s S&P 500 rally, the strongest since May 2025. The move has been supported by President Trump’s comments suggesting that the war with Iran could be over within two to three weeks, with the U.S. potentially stepping away regardless of whether a deal is reached with the current regime. The president is scheduled to deliver a national address tonight focused on Iran. While details remain unclear, markets appear to be pricing in a degree of de-escalation. WTI crude oil prices dropped slightly below $100 per barrel, down about 1.8% from yesterday on the news, although traffic through the Strait of Hormuz remains near a standstill. Meanwhile, bond yields slightly rose after recent U.S. economic data surprised to the upside.
   
• Economic data highlight solid trends heading into the energy price spike - February retail sales rose 0.6% month-over-month, exceeding consensus expectations for a 0.5% gain and accelerating to the highest pace since July 2025. Control group retail sales, which better capture core consumer spending trends and feed directly into GDP, also increased a strong 0.5%. Together, the data help reinforce the narrative of a resilient consumer heading into the March headwind from sharply higher gasoline prices. On the employment front, U.S. companies added more jobs than expected last month, with private payrolls increasing by 62,000 versus expectations for 40,000, suggesting the labor market may be stabilizing. Most of the private sector hiring was still led by the education and health services sectors, which have been responsible for the majority of job creation in the last year. Pay growth for job-stayers was unchanged for the third month at 4.5%, while pay growth for job-changers accelerated to 6.6% from February's 6.3%.
   
• Diversification helped portfolios better weather first-quarter volatility - Most major U.S. indexes declined in the first quarter, a period marked by headline-driven volatility and shifting market leadership. Early in the quarter, stocks traded within a narrow range before breaking down amid escalating conflict in the Middle East and the resulting energy supply shock. The S&P 500 posted a quarterly decline after three consecutive quarters of gains. Notably, however, the equal-weight S&P 500 finished the quarter in positive territory, as did small- and mid-cap stocks. International equities also outperformed, with emerging-market stocks ending the quarter flat. Beneath the surface, key themes included continued AI-driven disruption, a rotation away from mega-cap technology stocks, and a reduction in expectations for Federal Reserve rate cuts. Energy and materials led the market, while financials and consumer discretionary sectors lagged. As we turn the page to the second quarter, much of the headline uncertainty remains. That said, we believe relatively steady economic growth and rising earnings can provide support, with diversification continuing to help smooth periods of market volatility.

Angelo Kourkafas, CFA ;
Investment Strategy

^{Source for all data: Bloomberg.} 

• Stocks trade higher on hopes for an off-ramp to the conflict in Iran – U.S. equity markets closed higher on Tuesday, supported by reports that President Trump stated he is willing to end U.S. military operations in Iran, even if the Strait of Hormuz remains closed. From a leadership perspective, most sectors finished the day in positive territory, led by technology and communication services, which each gained over 4%. Strong performance in these sectors led to a 3.8% gain in the Nasdaq, while the S&P 500 and Dow notched gains of 2.9% and 2.5%, respectively. Bond yields were modestly lower, with the 10-year Treasury yield at 4.32% and the 2-year yield at 3.79%. While optimism around a potential off-ramp to the conflict provided support for equity markets, oil prices were only modestly lower and remain above $100 per barrel, reflecting continued uncertainty surrounding the timing and path to reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
   
• Markets remain headline-driven – Developments related to the conflict in Iran continue to be the primary driver of market performance. Most recently, reports suggest the U.S. may be willing to end its military operations in Iran, even if the Strait of Hormuz remains largely closed. Equity markets have responded positively on optimism around a potential near-term off-ramp, while bond yields have moved lower. However, uncertainty persists following reports that Iran struck an oil tanker off the coast of Dubai. In addition, oil tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has slowed to a crawl, and the timeline and path for reopening remains uncertain. Reflecting these risks, oil prices were only modestly lower on Tuesday, with crude oil still holding just above $100 per barrel. We expect markets to remain sensitive to conflict-related headlines in the coming weeks, and volatility may persist. That said, we believe the recent pullback in equity markets could create attractive opportunities for long-term investors. In our view, U.S. large- and mid-cap equities appear well positioned, supported by healthy profit growth, continued investment in artificial intelligence, and resilience in the U.S. economy. We also see opportunities in international developed small- and mid-cap equities, which we believe offer relatively attractive valuations, as well as in emerging-market equities that could benefit from sustained enthusiasm around AI.
   
• Labor-market data in focus – Labor-market data will be in focus for investors for the remainder of the week, with JOLTS job openings for February in line with expectations this morning, ADP employment data for March due Wednesday, and the March nonfarm-payrolls and unemployment report scheduled for Friday. Labor-market conditions have eased from the historically tight levels seen in the immediate post-pandemic period but remain healthy, in our view. Conditions are characterized by modest job growth and limited signs of elevated layoffs. Reflecting this trend, nonfarm-payroll growth slowed to a three-month average of roughly 6,000 jobs as of February. However, indicators of job losses remain contained, with the unemployment rate holding at 4.4% and initial jobless claims averaging 213,000 in 2026—well below the 30-year average of more than 300,000. We expect modest job growth to persist through 2026. Coupled with low levels of layoffs and slowing labor-force growth—potentially reflecting tighter immigration policy—we believe the unemployment rate is likely to remain contained around 4.5%. In our view, this backdrop should remain broadly supportive of household spending.

Brock Weimer, CFA ;
Investment Strategy

^{Source for all data: FactSet.} 

• Markets start the week lower on higher energy prices – Equity markets gave back earlier gains to close lower on Monday, as weakness in technology and industrials weighed on performance. In international markets, Asia was down overnight, while Europe rose as economic and consumer confidence data for March came in roughly in line with estimates. The U.S. dollar strengthened, likely supported by its liquidity and perceived stability as the global reserve currency. While we acknowledge near-term geopolitical uncertainty and market volatility, we see opportunities across markets and asset classes. Within equities, we favor U.S. large- and mid-cap stocks, which we believe should benefit from their quality, technology exposure and broadening leadership. We also see potential in international developed small- and mid-cap equities, supported by global economic resilience and relatively attractive valuations. Emerging-market equities may also offer opportunity, as they have historically performed well during Fed easing cycles and can offer meaningful exposure to technology innovation. At a sector level, we favor cyclical sectors that can provide opportunities with the U.S. economy growing in line with trend, such as industrials and consumer discretionary. These can be offset by underweight positions in consumer staples and utilities, which tend to perform well if the economy is headed toward recession, an environment we do not see as a base-case scenario. Within fixed income, international bonds can add diversification through exposure to different economic and interest-rate cycles, while emerging-market debt may also enhance income.
   
• Oil prices extend their rise – In energy markets, WTI oil climbed above $104 per barrel for the first time since 2022 amid ongoing disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. Despite the recent rise, U.S. and Canadian rig counts have dropped in recent weeks*. That likely reflects producer caution and reluctance to materially increase drilling activity in response to what could still prove to be a short-term shock. Energy futures imply WTI oil prices may retreat toward the mid-$70 range by year-end, potentially reinforcing this concern.
   
• Bond yields edge lower – Bond yields declined from recent highs, with the 10-year Treasury yield near 4.35%. Most of the increase since the February lows has been tied to the prospect that higher inflation — partially influenced by rising oil prices — could delay Fed rate cuts. Markets have pushed back the implied timing for the next rate cut out to late 2027**, a materially slower pace of easing than the Fed's latest projections, which indicate one cut this year, followed by another next year***. A smaller portion of the recent rise reflects higher inflation expectations, a key component of bond yields. We think the Fed remains in its easing cycle, though the path will likely be more gradual. In our view, the steady labor backdrop should allow policymakers more time to confirm that the Fed's preferred inflation gauge — the personal consumption expenditures (PCE) price index — is easing sustainably toward the 2% target before proceeding with additional cuts. On a positive note, higher yields improve income potential, the primary driver of bond returns. In addition, any easing in inflation expectations could lift bond prices, which move inversely to yields.

Brian Therien, CFA;
Investment Strategy

^{Source for all data not cited: FactSet. Source for data cited: *Baker Hughes **CME FedWatch ***U.S. Federal Reserve}

Friday, 3/27/2026 p.m.

• Markets close lower as oil prices extend their rise – Equity markets finished weaker on Friday, led lower by consumer discretionary and financials stocks. Energy was again the top-performing sector, continuing its leadership from the start of the year, boosted by higher oil prices. In international markets, Asia was mixed overnight, while Europe was down. In energy markets, WTI oil traded higher amid ongoing disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. Despite near-term volatility, we continue to see opportunities across markets and asset classes. Within equities, we favor U.S. large- and mid-cap stocks, which we believe should benefit from their quality and broadening leadership. We also see potential in international developed small- and mid-cap and emerging-market equities, supported by global economic resilience and relatively attractive valuations. At a sector level, we favor the industrials and consumer discretionary sectors, offset by underweight positions in consumer staples and utilities as part of our opportunistic equity sector guidance. Within fixed income, international bonds can add diversification through exposure to different economic and interest-rate cycles, while emerging-market debt may also enhance income.
   
• Consumer sentiment softens – The final University of Michigan consumer sentiment index for March was revised down to 53.3, below expectations of 54.0. Survey responses indicated that rising gas prices and volatile financial markets were key factors behind the dip*. Sentiment was pressured by inflation expectations over the next year, which rose to 3.8%, from 3.4% the prior month*, suggesting consumers may be concerned that price pressures could persist over the near term. That said, long-term consumer inflation expectations edged down to 3.2%*, likely indicating that households believe that higher inflation will not become entrenched.
   
• Bond yields move higher – Bond yields extended their recent rise, with the 10-year Treasury yield near 4.44%. Most of the increase since the February lows is tied to the prospect that higher inflation — partially influenced by rising oil prices — could delay Fed rate cuts. Markets have pushed back the implied timing for the next rate cut out to December 2027**, a materially slower pace of easing than the Fed's latest projections, which indicate one cut this year, followed by another next year***. A smaller portion of the recent rise reflects higher inflation expectations, a key component of bond yields. We think the Fed remains in its easing cycle, though the path will likely be more gradual. In our view, the steady labor backdrop should allow policymakers more time to confirm that the Fed's preferred inflation gauge — the personal consumption expenditures (PCE) price index — is easing sustainably toward the 2% target before proceeding with additional cuts. On a positive note, higher yields improve income potential, the primary driver of bond returns. In addition, any easing in inflation expectations could lift bond prices, which move inversely to yields.

Brian Therien, CFA;
Investment Strategy

^{Source for all data not cited: FactSet. Source for data cited: *University of Michigan **CME FedWatch ***U.S. Federal Reserve}

• Stocks close sharply lower as oil prices rise – U.S. equities were notably weaker today, with the Nasdaq leading the decline at about -2.4%, compared with roughly -1.7% for the S&P 500 and -1.0% for the Dow. The move lower was driven by a renewed rise in oil prices and worsening sentiment around Middle East negotiations, as mixed signals on a possible ceasefire and tougher rhetoric toward Iran revived concerns about supply disruption, inflation pressure, and a longer period of policy caution. Treasury yields moved higher alongside that shift in sentiment, with the 10-year Treasury yield rising about 0.1% to 4.43%, reflecting reduced optimism on de-escalation and lingering inflation worries. Abroad, global equity markets also reflected a more defensive tone, with Europe’s Stoxx 600 closing 1.2% lower, while Asian markets were mixed overnight as investors weighed the same geopolitical and energy-related risks. Stepping back, the broader backdrop still suggests an oil-driven shock that is likely to be growth-negative and inflation-positive, but not necessarily a repeat of past energy crises given a less oil-intensive economy and relatively solid underlying fundamentals. Overall, volatility may remain elevated in the near term, but if energy prices eventually stabilize, we think the larger picture still points to modest slowing rather than a deeper downturn, with resilience in the underlying economy helping to cushion markets over time.
   
• Why this is not a 1970s-style energy crisis – While the Iran conflict has created a major oil shock, today’s backdrop is fundamentally different from the one that produced the stagflation of the 1970s for several reasons. Energy is a smaller drag on consumers than it used to be — energy spending as a share of total consumer spending is materially lower than it was during the 1970s and early 1980s (roughly 2% today versus about 6% then), suggesting that the direct hit to household purchasing power from a given oil shock is smaller today. The U.S. is far more insulated on the supply side — The U.S. has been a net exporter of oil since 2019, and domestic natural-gas prices have remained relatively insulated from the disruption, even as Europe and Asia face a supply crunch. U.S. shale producers stand to benefit from higher prices, even if that support does not fully offset the drag from weaker consumer spending. Oil still matters, but less in a services-based economy — large oil-price moves still hurt, but the global economy is less oil-intensive than it was during the original energy crisis. Since 1950, the amount of energy required to produce one unit of GDP has fallen by roughly 70%, reflecting efficiency gains and the growing importance of the services sector.
   
• Broadening leadership a key theme of the first quarter – After three consecutive years of outperformance by technology and growth-style stocks, market leadership has broadened in the first quarter of 2026. Year-to-date, the energy sector has been the top performer, rising more than 35%. Industrials, materials, utilities, and consumer staples have also posted gains of more than 5%. Meanwhile, technology, communication services, and consumer discretionary have been among the laggards, each declining more than 5%. From a style perspective, the Russell 1000 Value Index has gained more than 2% this year, while the Russell 1000 Growth Index has declined by roughly 9%. Despite this year’s underperformance, earnings growth expectations for growth stocks remain strong, with estimates calling for earnings growth of more than 20% in 2026, supported by robust anticipated growth in the technology sector. In our view, diversification will be critical for investors over the remainder of the year. We recommend maintaining balance between growth and value stocks. We also favor the industrials and consumer discretionary sectors, offset by underweight positions in consumer staples and utilities as part of our opportunistic equity sector guidance.

Mona Mahajan ;
Investment Strategy

^{Source for all data: FactSet.}