As we begin the fourth quarter, it’s a good time to take a fresh look at what’s happening in the world of commodity trading advisors (CTAs)—systematic strategies that use futures contracts and other derivatives to identify and capture trends across global markets.

Stocks were higher last week. The S&P 500 rose 1.11%, the Dow Jones Industrial Average increased by 1.11%, the NASDAQ Composite gained 1.33%, and the Russell 2000 advanced 1.78%.

U.S. equity markets posted gains in all three indexes last week. The S&P 500 climbed 1.11%, the NASDAQ Composite rose 1.33%, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average added 1.11%.

Last week, the gold spot price increased by 3.37%, while the U.S. Dollar Index declined by 0.44%. The Gold Bullion Strategy Fund (QGLDX) added 3.09% for the week.

The “core” portion of an investment portfolio is often underappreciated, but it is the central portion of the portfolio. Like the core of an apple—which contains the seeds for future harvests—it provides the foundation for growth.

Stocks were lower last week. The NASDAQ Composite fell 0.64%, the Russell 2000 decreased by 0.58%, the S&P 500 declined 0.30%, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 0.15%.

U.S. equity markets posted losses in all three indexes last week. The S&P 500 slipped 0.30%, the NASDAQ Composite fell 0.64%, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 0.15%.

Last week, the gold spot price rose 2.03% and the U.S. Dollar Index gained 0.52%. The Gold Bullion Strategy Fund (QGLDX) increased by 2.15% for the week.

The calendar tells us fall begins this week. But anyone who has lived through the changing of the seasons knows the date is only part of the story. We’ll still get warm afternoons well after the equinox.

Stocks were higher last week. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 1.1%, the S&P 500 rose 1.25%, the Russell 2000 advanced 2.19%, and the NASDAQ Composite added 2.22%.

U.S. equity markets posted gains in all three indexes last week. The S&P 500 rose 1.25%, the NASDAQ Composite gained 2.22%, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average increased by 1.10%.

Last week, the gold spot price rose 1.16% and the U.S. Dollar Index increased by 0.1%. The Gold Bullion Strategy Fund (QGLDX) gained 1.01% for the week.

Whether you are talking to portfolio managers, researchers, financial advisers, or marketing experts in the financial-services industry, the conventional wisdom seems to be that investors are motivated primarily by two emotions: greed and fear.

The major indexes hit multiple record highs last week. The S&P 500 gained 1.60%, the NASDAQ advanced 2.05%, the Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 0.97%, and the Russell 2000 small-cap index added 0.27%.

U.S. equity markets posted gains in all three indexes last week. The S&P 500 was up 1.60%, the NASDAQ Composite increased by 2.05%, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 0.97%.

Last week, the gold spot price rose 1.57% and the U.S. Dollar Index fell 0.22%. The Gold Bullion Strategy Fund (QGLDX) increased by 1.06% for the week.

A few weeks ago, I wrote about the broad attributes from sports that apply to investing principles. With the beginning of a new football season, I want to focus more specifically on what investors can learn from that sport.

The major market indices finished mixed last week. The Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 0.32%. The S&P 500 Stock Index rose 0.33%, while the NASDAQ Composite climbed 1.14%. The Russell 2000 small capitalization index gained 0.97% last week.

U.S. equity markets posted gains in two of the three indexes last week. The S&P 500 increased by 0.36%, the NASDAQ Composite gained 1.16%, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 0.26%.

Last week, the gold spot price gained 4.02% and the U.S. Dollar Index returned 0%. The Gold Bullion Strategy Fund (QGLDX) rose 3.8% for the week.

In investing, we’re often told that there are no guarantees. When it comes to future returns, that’s true. But from my perspective, there are at least three things you can count on.

Stocks ended mixed last week as markets balanced optimism about growth with ongoing tariff concerns. The NASDAQ Composite slipped 0.18%, the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.11%, the S&P 500 edged down 0.08%, while the Russell 2000 gained 0.22%.

U.S. equity markets posted losses in all three indexes last week. The S&P 500 was down 0.08%, the NASDAQ Composite fell 0.18%, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 0.11%.

Last week, the gold spot price was up 2.26% and the U.S. Dollar Index gained 0.06%. The Gold Bullion Strategy Fund (QGLDX) was up 2.93% for the week.

Markets have been anything but quiet lately. Policy changes, uncertainty around interest rates, and global tensions continue to push things around—sometimes for good reason, sometimes because headlines demand a reaction.

A Friday rally sparked by Fed Chair Powell’s dovish remarks helped offset earlier weakness, leaving equities mixed.

U.S. equity markets posted gains in two of the three indexes last week. The S&P 500 gained 0.30%, the NASDAQ Composite decreased by 0.55%, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average was up 1.59%.

Last week, the gold spot price rose 1.07% and the U.S. Dollar Index fell 0.14%. The Gold Bullion Strategy Fund (QGLDX) gained 1.07% for the week.

Stocks are making new highs again. But when I look at the stretched valuations and softening return outlook, I can’t help but wonder: Are investors really being rewarded for the risks they’re taking?

Stocks advanced last week, with the NASDAQ Composite gaining 0.83%, the S&P 500 rising 0.99%, the Dow adding 1.79%, and the Russell 2000 returning 3.12%.

U.S. equity markets posted gains in all three indexes last week. The S&P 500 advanced 0.99%, the NASDAQ Composite added 0.83%, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 1.79%.

Last week, the gold spot price decreased by 1.81% and the U.S. Dollar Index went down 0.33%. The Gold Bullion Strategy Fund (QGLDX) fell 2.09% for the week.

I have always been a big sports fan, something I share with millions of Americans. Beyond the entertainment value, the lessons from the playing field often mirror those in investing: preparation, teamwork, adaptability, and perseverance through wins and losses.

Indexes rallied last week. The S&P 500 gained 2.4%, the NASDAQ shot up 3.9%, and the Russell 2000 rose 2.4%.

U.S. equity markets posted gains in all three indexes last week. The S&P 500 went up 2.44%, the NASDAQ Composite gained 3.88%, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 1.37%.

Last week, the gold spot price rose 1.02% and the U.S. Dollar Index fell 0.97%. The Gold Bullion Strategy Fund (QGLDX) was up 1.45% for the week.

Flying has always fascinated me. My dad served in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II, flying gliders and B-17s, and serving as a flight engineer on the B-29 for 18 missions over Japan.

The major market indexes finished in the red as weak jobs data and rising uncertainty weighed on markets. The S&P 500 fell 2.34%, the NASDAQ Composite lost 2.16%, the Dow Jones Industrial Average declined 2.92%, and the Russell 2000 small-capitalization index decreased by 4.16%.

U.S. equity markets posted losses in all three indexes last week. The S&P 500 fell 2.34%, the NASDAQ Composite went down 2.16%, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 2.92%.

Last week, the gold spot price was up 0.78% and the U.S. Dollar Index increased by 1.53%. The Gold Bullion Strategy Fund (QGLDX) gained 0.43% for the week.

There’s something about casting a line into the lake after a long day that resets everything. I live on a lake here in Michigan, and in the summer months, there’s hardly a better way to unwind.

The second quarter of 2025 reminded investors just how quickly tides can turn.

U.S. equity markets posted gains in all three indexes last week. The S&P 500 gained 1.47%, the NASDAQ Composite increased by 1.02%, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average was up 1.28%.

Last week, the gold spot price fell 0.38% and the U.S. Dollar Index decreased by 0.85%. The Gold Bullion Strategy Fund (QGLDX) lost 0.39% for the week.

The Greek poet Archilochus wrote, “The fox knows many things, but the hedgehog knows one big thing.”

The major market indexes finished mixed this week. The NASDAQ Composite climbed 1.51%, the S&P 500 Stock Index rose 0.59%, the Russell 2000 small-capitalization index gained 0.23%, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 0.07%.

U.S. equity markets posted gains in two of the three indexes last week. The S&P 500 gained 0.61%, the NASDAQ Composite rose 1.51%, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.05%.

Last week, the gold spot price fell 0.17% and the U.S. Dollar Index rose 0.64%. The Gold Bullion Strategy Fund (QGLDX) decreased by 0.47% for the week.

June ETF Deathwatch contains 743 zombie ETFs and ETNs.

Like many others, I am always interested in what drives the equity and fixed-income markets on a daily basis.