What’s the data saying about the economy and markets? Our updated Q3 Chartbook is here packed with dashboards, indicators, and timely insights from Cetera Investment Management. See what’s shaping the conversation this quarter!
Cetera also named a finalist in Practice Management category for its home-grown “Rise to Elite” program
We’re pleased to share the latest edition of Cetera Sector Insights — our monthly report offering timely, actionable insights into what’s driving equity performance across the S&P 500 sectors. By combining macro trends, fundamentals, valuations, and technicals, this new piece helps you stay ahead—whether you're managing portfolios or tracking market leadership.
U.S. equities finished narrowly mixed last week amid Friday’s weakerthan-expected August job gains (+22K versus +77K expected), prompting concerns about a slowing economy. The significantly lower pace of hiring and an increase in the unemployment rate virtually assures a Fed rate cut at next week’s FOMC policy meeting. All three major U.S. equity averages were at intra-day record highs ahead of the jobs data, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite preserving small gains for the week.
In our new commentary, Shifting Gears Through Economic and Market Cycles, we draw a parallel between the Tour de France and the journey of the economy and markets—both marked by steep climbs, sharp turns, and long stretches of endurance. The commentary explores the evolution of economic cycles and highlights how recessions, bear markets, and recoveries shape investor behavior and long-term strategy. Read now to stay ahead of the curve!
Cetera Investment Management is pleased to release its 2025 Mid-Year Outlook: "Risks Recoil as Stocks Rebound". In our Mid-Year Market Outlook, we explore how markets have staged a sharp rebound—despite headwinds from rising tariffs, persistent inflation concerns, and global tensions. While some risks have receded, we also spotlight where we see opportunity on the horizon.
From driverless cars to declining demand for entry-level tech roles, artificial intelligence is reshaping the labor market faster than ever. In our latest commentary, we explore how AI, demographics, and productivity trends are transforming the workforce—and what it means for investors.
This coming year could end up being known as the “Great Moderation” as we predict we’ll see inflation, interest rates, labor market, economic growth, and stock and bond returns all moderating. Rising volatility is also present heading into the new year, along with the chance of a stock market correction – although this is not a bold prediction, as corrections typically happen most years. Diversification will be a key strategy toward navigating through 2025.
U.S. stocks posted solid gains during the month and quarter, setting record highs amid signs of progress in trade tariff talks. After falling over 19% to an April 8 low from its previous all-time high in mid-February, the S&P 500 rose to new records just two months later as investors’ worst growth and inflationary fears associated with President Trump’s reciprocal tariffs mostly evaporated. It hasn’t been clear sailing however, as Wall Street has had to digest slowing consumer spending trends, artificial intelligence competition from China, and pronounced U.S.
U.S. stocks ended broadly higher in August, with the S&P 500 posting its fourth consecutive monthly gain and registering five new 2025 all-time highs during the month. Notably, the small-cap-focused Russell 2000 had its best month since last November, widely exceeding the S&P 500’s performance by over 5% in August. The small cap index also advanced for a fourth month, its longest winning streak since 2021.
