U.S. equities advanced in October, with the S&P 500 Index rising 2.3%, extending its year-to-date gain to 17.5%. Large Cap Growth stocks outperformed, gaining 3.6%, while Large Cap Value added just 0.4%. Major U.S. indices, including the S&P 500, Dow Jones, Nasdaq 100, and Russell 2000, all marked their sixth consecutive month of gains, with several setting new record highs.
Market Commentary 7/31/24
The market continued a recent rotation trade last week, with the Russell 2000 gaining more than 2% while the “Magnificent 7” weighed down the Nasdaq and the S&P 500.
The VIX Index remains well off its summer lows as the rotation leads to increased volatility.
In the bond market, Treasury yields moved slightly higher, causing bonds to trade lower.
During the second quarter, U.S. GDP grew 2.8%, an increase from the first quarter’s reading of 1.4%. The second quarter growth reflected increases in consumer spending, private inventory investment, nonresidential fixed investment, and government spending.
Compared to the first quarter, the acceleration in second quarter GDP primarily reflected increases in private inventory investment and consumer spending, partially offset by lower residential fixed investment.
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U.S. equities advanced in October, with the S&P 500 Index rising 2.3%, extending its year-to-date gain to 17.5%. Large Cap Growth stocks outperformed, gaining 3.6%, while Large Cap Value added just 0.4%. Major U.S. indices, including the S&P 500, Dow Jones, Nasdaq 100, and Russell 2000, all marked their sixth consecutive month of gains, with several setting new record highs.
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