Markets rallied to start the year, with international stocks outperforming U.S. companies. Rising long-term interest rates weighed on bond returns; however, investment-grade and high-yield bonds were still able to post modest gains for the month. Looking forward, continued economic growth and market appreciation remain the most likely path in 2026.
December was a mixed month for markets due to a late month sell-off. Despite the volatility to end the period, 2025 was still a strong year for investors, as most major stock indices notched double-digit returns for the year. Looking ahead, continued economic growth and market appreciation are expected in 2026.
Stocks were mixed as a late-November rally helped offset earlier losses stemming from worries about AI.
Markets continued their rally in October, driven by improving fundamentals and supportive monetary policy.
Markets continued their upward climb in September, with U.S. stocks reaching new record highs despite the month’s historically weak reputation.
August was another strong month for markets, with major U.S. stock indices reaching new highs despite some early volatility.
July brought continued gains for U.S. stocks, driven by strong corporate earnings and easing trade tensions.
Markets wrapped up June on a strong note, extending the rally that began in late spring.
Markets rebounded strongly in May, helped by cooling trade tensions between the U.S. and China.
April was a challenging month for stocks, as markets experienced large swings throughout the month due to political uncertainty.
Investors pulled back from most U.S. stocks due to concerns over rising interest rates and economic uncertainty.
February was a challenging month for U.S. markets, as stocks sold off at the end of the month due to rising growth and geopolitical concerns.
Markets rallied to kick off the new year but tech stocks faced headwinds.
Investors pulled back from most U.S. stocks due to concerns over rising interest rates and economic uncertainty.
The streak of positive months for bond investors ended in October as rising interest rates hit bond prices.
Stocks rallied in September to cap off a strong third quarter, supported by higher-than-expected earnings growth.
Stock returns were positive in August despite a brief sell-off at the start of the month.
Markets continued to rise, with all three major U.S. indices growing in June. The S&P 500 gained 3.59 percent in June and 4.28 percent for the quarter. The Dow Jones Industrial Average increased 1.23 percent in June, but weakness in April caused the index to fall 1.27 percent during the second quarter. The technology-heavy Nasdaq Composite led the way with a 6.03 percent gain in June and an 8.47 percent increase in the second quarter. Solid fundamentals and an improving economic backdrop helped support equity market returns in June.
Markets rallied in May, with all three major U.S. indices up for the month. The S&P 500 gained 4.96 percent, the Dow Jones Industrial Average grew 2.58 percent, and the Nasdaq Composite soared 6.98 percent. Equity markets were supported by solid earnings growth and lower interest rates.
All three major U.S. indices tumbled in April. The S&P 500 lost 4.08 percent, the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 4.92 percent, and the Nasdaq Composite dropped 4.38 percent. The sell-off, which was the first monthly decline this year after a strong first quarter for stocks, was primarily due to rising interest rates during the month.