Post by LCG Associates, Inc.

Weekly Market Update: U.S. equities posted a strong week of gains, with the major indexes building on the prior week’s momentum as the S&P 500 finished the week 4.5% higher following three consecutive daily record highs. Markets were supported by easing geopolitical concerns and a pullback in energy prices. Crude oil prices, which had recently spiked on supply disruption fears, moved lower over the course of the week and stabilized around $83 per barrel on Friday, reducing one of the market’s key near-term risks. On the economic front, growth data continue to signal a cooling but resilient U.S. economy. Most of the big U.S. banks that opened earnings season reported better-than-expected results as commentary around current economic conditions was generally upbeat, particularly around consumer spending. U.S. Treasury prices advanced for a fourth consecutive week, driving yields modestly lower as market concerns around inflation risks continued to ease. The 10-year Treasury yield ended the week at 4.24%, down from its recent peak of 4.44% on March 27. https://lnkd.in/dn_22Uh