SPX

Inflation Declined In March, But Remains High

Inflation Declined In March, But Remains High. Inflation remains well above the Fed’s 2-percent average inflation target. Core inflation, which excludes volatile food and energy prices, also remained elevated. The latest numbers will do little to sway members of the Federal Open Market Committee.

Retail Sales Data Suggests A Strong Consumer, Or Does It

March retail sales data suggests a robust consumer, leading economists to become more optimistic about economic growth this year. Retail sales data was extraordinarily weak from October to January, the traditionally strongest shopping months of the year. Lance Roberts says to remain cautious about economic exuberance. He says the March retail sales report was NOT adjusted for inflation.

Is The Hot Inflation Data In Q1 Noise Or Signal?

Should You Buy the 3 Highest-Paying Dividend Stocks in the S&P 500?

Altria, AT&T and Healthpeak Properties have huge yields. Altria has a 9.3% dividend yield, but the company's business is in long-term decline. Most investors will be better off avoiding Altria's high yield and slowly dying business. Healthpeak is a real estate investment trust that owns medical properties.

SA Analyst Roundtable: When will the Fed cut rates?

SA Analyst Roundtable: When will the Fed cut rates? The Federal Reserve Open Market Committee meets this week. Lawrence Fuller, Michael Kramer, Logan Kane and James Kostohryz say the first rate cut will likely come in May 2025. The SA analysts say they don't expect the Fed to cut interest rates in 2024.

Earnings drive Vertiv to top industrial gainer of week, trucking stocks among losers

The Industrial Select Sector (XLI) rose +1.82% for the week ending April 26. All 11 S&P 500 sectors ended the week in the green, with trucking stocks among the decliners. Vertiv was the top industrial gainer of week, with its stock climbing +24.64%. Top five gainers in the industrial sector all gained more than +17% each this week.

Some country-themed ETFs are outrunning SPY ETF in 3Y returns - Bespoke

Some country-themed ETFs are outrunning SPY ETF in 3Y returns - Bespoke Investment Group. IShares MSCI Mexico has been the biggest winner with a return of 54%. IShares Russell 2000 is down +9% on a 3-year total return basis.

SDY: S&P 500 High Dividend Stocks Continue To Lag, A Higher P/E Today

S&P 500 has returned 22% in the past six months, led by large-cap growth stocks and some value niches. SPDR® S&P Dividend ETF (SDY) has underperformed and has become more expensive, now more than 18 times earnings. SDY has a high concentration in value stocks and lacks growth exposure, with resistance at $130 to $135.