Market insights and analysis

Investing is a marathon, not a sprint—but it’s easy to lose focus when markets seem to reward short-sighted moves. To stay on course, investors need a clear purpose, a disciplined process, and the ability to manage risk along the way.

The major U.S. stock market indexes were up last week. The NASDAQ Composite returned 1.63%, the S&P 500 returned 1.75%, the Dow returned 2.34%, and the Russell 2000 returned 3.58%. The 10-year Treasury bond yield rose from 4.29% to 4.35%. Spot gold closed the week up 1.58%.

U.S. equity markets posted gains in all three indexes last week. The S&P 500 increased by 1.75%, the NASDAQ Composite rose 1.63%, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 2.34%.

Last week, the gold spot price rose 1.58% and the U.S. Dollar Index fell 0.23%. The Gold Bullion Strategy Fund (QGLDX) was up 1.89% for the week.

This time of year, plenty of people pack up for a weekend escape and head “up north”—to a lake, a cottage, or just a change of scenery. It’s a familiar summer ritual, especially here in the Midwest. It’s also the time when many investors receive their quarterly performance reports. Naturally, the big question is: “How did I do?” But the answer depends on what you're comparing your results to.

The major U.S. stock market indexes were up last week. The Russell 2000 returned 3.01%, the S&P 500 returned 3.45%, the Dow Jones Industrial Average returned 3.83%, and the NASDAQ Composite returned 4.25%. The 10-year Treasury bond yield fell from 4.38% to 4.29%. Spot gold closed the week down 2.79%.

U.S. equity markets posted gains in all three indexes last week. The S&P 500 gained 3.45%, the NASDAQ Composite went up 4.25%, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 3.83%.

Last week, the gold spot price decreased by 2.79% and the U.S. Dollar Index was down 1.32%. The Gold Bullion Strategy Fund (QGLDX) fell 2.86% for the week.

There is little doubt that many Americans are underprepared to fund their retirement needs. A recent Newsweek article summed it up clearly:

Equity markets were mostly flat last week. The S&P 500 lost about 0.12%, the NASDAQ Composite edged up 0.22%, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 0.07%.

U.S. equity markets posted gains in two of the three indexes last week. The S&P 500 went down 0.12%, the NASDAQ Composite was up 0.22%, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average was up 0.07%.

Last week, the gold spot price fell 1.86% and the U.S. Dollar Index rose 0.53%. The Gold Bullion Strategy Fund (QGLDX) lost 1.98% for the week.

In May, 33 exchange-traded products (“ETPs”) were added to the ETF Deathwatch list and seven were removed, bringing the total to 788 ETPs.

Reading Dr. Edward Thorp’s 1967 book “Beat the Market” in the summer of 1968 changed my life. I had picked the book up as a summer read while home from college.

The major U.S. stock market indexes were down last week. The Dow fell 1.3%, the NASDAQ Composite lost 0.61%, the S&P 500 declined by 0.36%, and the Russell 2000 was down 1.45%.

U.S. equity markets posted losses in all three indexes last week. The S&P 500 fell 0.36%, the NASDAQ Composite lost 0.61%, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average decreased by 1.30%.

Last week, the gold spot price rose 3.68% and the U.S. Dollar Index fell 1.01%. The Gold Bullion Strategy Fund (QGLDX) advanced 3.59% for the week.

In April, 58 exchange-traded products (“ETPs”) were added to the ETF Deathwatch list and 37 were removed, bringing the total to 776 ETPs.

Figuring out your risk tolerance can be tricky. You may think it of it one way during a planning conversation with a financial adviser and another way when the market gets bumpy.

The major U.S. stock market indexes declined last week. The Dow Jones Industrial Average returned -2.43%, the NASDAQ Composite returned -2.45%, the S&P 500 returned -2.58%, and the Russell 2000 returned -3.45%.

U.S. equity markets posted losses in all three indexes last week. The S&P 500 declined 2.58%, the NASDAQ Composite lost 2.45%, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 2.43%.

Last week, the gold spot price rose 4.8% and the U.S. Dollar Index fell 1.96%. The Gold Bullion Strategy Fund (QGLDX) was up 5.28% for the week.

I’ve heard that phrase more than once this year. In my experience, whenever someone declares a long-standing investment approach finished, it’s usually just a matter of time before it springs back to life.

The major U.S. stock market indexes were up last week. The S&P 500 increased by 5.33%, the NASDAQ Composite was up 7.21%, the Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 3.50%, and the Russell 2000 small-capitalization index rose 4.51%.

U.S. equity markets posted gains in all three indexes last week. The S&P 500 rose 5.33%, the NASDAQ Composite gained 7.21%, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average increased by 3.50%.

Last week, the gold spot price decreased by 3.65% and the U.S. Dollar Index went up 0.75%. The Gold Bullion Strategy Fund (QGLDX) fell 4.27% for the week.

Faith-based investing has seen significant growth in recent years, driven by investors seeking to align their financial decisions with their religious and ethical values.

The major market indexes finished mostly down last week. The Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 0.16%, the NASDAQ Composite fell 0.27%, and the S&P 500 Index declined by 0.47%.

U.S. equity markets posted losses in all three indexes last week. The S&P 500 was down 0.45%, the NASDAQ Composite fell 0.26%, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 0.14%.

Last week, the gold spot price gained 2.61% and the U.S. Dollar Index went up 0.31%. The Gold Bullion Strategy Fund (QGLDX) rose 3.07% for the week.

In a market environment where trends are shifting quickly and uncertainty remains elevated, it’s no surprise that more investors looking for ways to navigate the chaos are asking me about active management.

Equity markets rallied last week, extending a nine-day winning streak—the longest since April 2009. The S&P 500 rose 2.94%, the NASDAQ Composite rose 3.43%, the Dow Jones Industrial Average advanced 3.00%, and the small-cap Russell 2000 added 3.24%.

U.S. equity markets posted gains in all three indexes last week. The S&P 500 gained 2.94%, the NASDAQ Composite rose 3.43%, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average increased by 3%.

Last week, the gold spot price fell 2.39% and the U.S. Dollar Index rose 0.56%. The Gold Bullion Strategy Fund (QGLDX) decreased by 2.25% for the week.

Markets have a way of reminding us that smooth sailing isn’t always the norm. We’ve recently seen one of those reminders.

The first quarter of 2025 took investors on a roller-coaster ride, marked by sharp reversals and heightened uncertainty.

U.S. equity markets posted gains in all three indexes last week. The S&P 500 increased by 4.60%, the NASDAQ Composite gained 6.74%, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 2.52%.

Last week, the gold spot price went down 0.21% and the U.S. Dollar Index gained 0.1%. The Gold Bullion Strategy Fund (QGLDX) fell 0.47% for the week.

In March, 94 exchange-traded products (“ETPs”) were added to the ETF Deathwatch list and 39 were removed, bringing the total to 765 ETPs.

In Michigan, the seasons change fairly predictably—spring, summer, autumn, and winter. But in the markets, the only predictable season right now is volatility.

The major U.S. stock market indexes were mostly down last week. The Russell 2000 returned 1.11%, the S&P 500 returned -1.49%, the NASDAQ Composite returned -2.62%, and the Dow returned -2.66%.

U.S. equity markets posted losses in all three indexes last week. The S&P 500 went down 1.49%, the NASDAQ Composite decreased by 2.62%, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 2.66%.

Last week, the gold spot price gained 2.76% and the U.S. Dollar Index went down 0.73%. The Gold Bullion Strategy Fund (QGLDX) increased by 2.7% for the week.

With economic and market uncertainty a prevailing theme this year, it’s fitting that April 2025 marks the 22nd anniversary of National Financial Literacy Month—“a time dedicated to promoting financial education and empowerment,” notes Money Fit.

The major U.S. stock market indexes were up last week. The S&P 500 increased by 5.73%, the NASDAQ Composite was up 7.30%, the Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 4.97%, and the Russell 2000 small-capitalization index rose 1.83%.

U.S. equity markets posted gains in all three indexes last week. The S&P 500 rose 5.73%, the NASDAQ Composite was up by 7.30%, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average went up by 4.97%.

Last week, the gold spot price gained 6.56% and the U.S. Dollar Index lost 2.84%. The Gold Bullion Strategy Fund (QGLDX) was up by 6.35% for the week.

Have you ever found a forgotten sandwich in the back of your fridge? Although it began as a delicious creation, over time, it transformed into something ... well, let’s say it wouldn’t make the cut on any cooking show.

Equity markets broadly retreated last week. The S&P 500 fell 9.05%, the NASDAQ Composite lost 9.99%, the Dow Jones Industrial Average declined by 7.82%, and the small-cap Russell 2000 dropped 9.64%.

U.S. equity markets posted losses in all three indexes last week. The S&P 500 fell 9.05%, the NASDAQ Composite decreased by 9.99%, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 7.82%.