Northstar Articles

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Market Update—Week of April 14, 2025

Inflation surprised to the downside in March, with Consumer and Producer Price indices showing a contraction of prices. Equities rallied sharply on Wednesday following news of a 90-day pause on tariffs for most countries. The move in the intermediate to long end of the yield curve is worth watching.

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Market Update—Week of March 31, 2025

Consumer confidence continued to struggle; the Conference Board’s gauge of future expectations fell to a 12-year low. U.S. equities moved lower amid tariff concerns and a hotter-than-expected inflation report. The focus this week will be...

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Market Update—Week of March 24, 2025

Although lower rates supported home sales, home builder sentiment continued to sour. U.S. equities snapped a four-week streak of declines as the quarterly blackout period led to more muted market action. Releases this week include...

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Market Update—Week of March 17, 2025

Consumer and producer inflation moderated in February. Equities continued to display volatility as bonds held steady. The focus this week will be on...

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Market Update—Week of March 3, 2025

Consumers’ short-term outlook for income, the business environment, and the labor market fell sharply. The so-called Magnificent Seven led equities lower. The market seemed concerned about tariffs, falling consumer confidence, and inflation. The focus this week will be on...

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Market Update—Week of February 24, 2025

Home builder confidence fell notably in February, signaling headwinds for the housing industry. Soft economic data and weak guidance from Walmart led equities lower last week. Economic data releases this week will cover...

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Market Update—Week of February 18, 2025

Consumer and producer prices rose more than expected, leading to questions about the potential reacceleration of inflation. In equity markets, technology (paced by Nvidia and Apple) and international stocks led the way. The Treasury yield curve was little changed. Quick Hits 1. Report releases: Consumer and producer prices rose more than expected. 2. Financial market data: Led by Nvidia and Apple, technology stocks bounced back. 3. Looking ahead: Economic releases this week will focus on housing and the Federal Reserve (Fed). Keep reading for an in-depth look.

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Market Update—Week of February 10, 2025

Although hiring slowed in January, the previous month’s job totals were revised up and the unemployment rate fell to 4 percent. International equities outperformed as a weaker dollar offset...

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Market Update—Week of February 3, 2025

In part because of lower inventory levels, gross domestic product (GDP) growth slowed to 2.3 percent in the fourth quarter. International markets fared better than their U.S. counterparts; AI competition from China led to...

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Market Update—Week of January 27, 2025

Economic data was mixed, with stronger-than-expected existing home sales and a softer-than-expected Purchasing Managers Index (PMI). International markets fared well, thanks to...

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Market Update—Week of January 21, 2025

The core Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose 3.2 percent year-over-year; this softer-than-expected inflation fueled a rally in stocks and bonds. Many major banks released earnings, most of which were strong, and some...

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Market Update—Week of January 13, 2025

Minutes from the latest Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting and worsening consumer expectations hinted at...

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Market Update—Week of January 6, 2025

Manufacturer confidence improved more than expected in December. Equity markets remained risk-averse to start the year amid questions on policy and inflation. This week, we will...

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Market Update—Quarter Ending December 31, 2024

December was a mixed month for markets, as investors pulled back from most U.S. stocks due to concerns over rising interest rates and economic uncertainty. Despite the...

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Market Update—Week of December 23, 2024

Retail sales growth exceeded economist estimates in November. Stocks and bonds sold off as the Federal Reserve (Fed) issued guidance for higher-than-expected rates in 2025 and beyond. Data will be light this week because of the holidays; we expect...

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Week of December 16, 2024

Year-over-year inflation ticked up in November, matching economist expectations. The Nasdaq Composite led the way despite mixed performance from the so-called Magnificent Seven. The Federal Reserve (Fed) will...

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Market Update—Week of December 9, 2024

Hiring rebounded swiftly in November after a weather-driven slowdown in October. The so-called Magnificent Seven (Apple, Alphabet, Amazon, Nvidia, Meta Platforms, Microsoft, and Tesla) led the rally. The yield curve was little changed, with very modest steepening. The focus this week will be...

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Market Update—Week of December 2, 2024

Consumer confidence improved more than expected. Equity markets continued to show signs of broadening beyond Nvidia and Tesla. We expect several important...

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Market Update—Week of November 25, 2024

Housing data was mixed; home builder confidence and existing home sales fared better than expected but new home starts disappointed. A strong dollar increased market breadth beyond the so-called...

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Market Update - Week of November 18, 2024

Consumer and producer inflation picked up in October. A reversal of the election rally and sector rotation related to the new administration were...