Economic Update 8-31-2026

Economic data included U.S. GDP seeing minimal revision, but still a slower pace than Q1, gains in personal income and spending, as well as durable goods. On the other hand, new home sales continued to come in weak, while several home price indexes showed minor gains, now below the pace of inflation. Consumer sentiment also remained negative, due to inflation concerns.

Equities were mixed, with gains in the U.S. and tech-related emerging markets, and flattish elsewhere. Bonds were also flattish as interest rates calmed. Commodities were mixed, with gains in grains, and declines in the prices of energy and precious metals.

U.S. stocks rose last week, at least in the large cap group, with little change in PCE inflation and mixed economic results, while small caps fell back. The week began with U.S.-Canada tariff negotiations collapsing, with the U.S. applying a 50% rate on $20 bil. of imported goods, with Canada retaliating dollar for dollar at varied rates, and an expected economic and inflation headwind to Canada should the policies persist through year-end and beyond. By sector, gains were led by technology (mostly Microsoft, but also as Nvidia’s earnings continued to grow at an extraordinarily strong rate), communications (primarily Meta, following the conclusion of their trial around the impact of social media on children—with an agreement to pay over $16 bil.), and financials. Laggards included negative returns for energy, health care, and industrials. Real estate also fell back.

Economic Update 8-26-2026

Economic data included mixed results for PMI data, with manufacturing down and services up, gains in industrial production, and a decline in housing starts.

Equities lost ground globally last week, with the continued Middle East conflict and some volatility in government interest rates. As yields rose, bonds were mixed, with foreign bonds helped by a weaker dollar. Commodities saw gains, including another rise in energy, along with the ongoing U.S.-Iran tensions.

U.S. stocks fell back last week, with Middle East tensions continuing, along with higher oil prices and yields, as well as a pullback in semiconductor sentiment. Early in the week, the 50% tariff on Canadian goods (including culturally-relevant items like hockey sticks) set to go at midnight Tue. (later postponed to the weekend) which lowered sentiment as investors hoped the contentious tariff days were over. The U.S.-Iran tensions remained high, as comments from the U.S. administration towards Oman and the Strait of Hormuz generally alluded to a more drawn-out conflict.

Economic Update 8-17-2026

Economic data included consumer price inflation that ticked a bit higher, but showed a more promising trend of deceleration, while producer price inflation came in flat, and a bit of a surprise. Retail sales and existing home sales both fell, with the former due to a return to normal from an early high-profile discount day.

Equities were positive globally, as some easing in inflation was pared with decent earnings and economic results. Bonds were little-changed for the week domestically, while a stronger dollar held back unhedged foreign bonds. Commodities gained, based on higher energy and agricultural prices.

U.S. stocks lagged in the first part of the week before recovering by Friday, as favorable inflation news was taken positively. By sector, energy stocks gained over 7% with another rise in oil prices, followed by utilities, with a variety of sectors rising about a percent for the week. Consumer discretionary stocks and communications were the only laggards, down -2% and -1%, respectively with the former due to weakness in Amazon. Real estate saw a slight gain as well.

Economic Update 8-10-2026

Economic data included increases in ISM manufacturing and services indexes. The monthly employment situation report disappointed, with far slower growth than expected, although the unemployment rate also declined.

Equities rose globally last week, helped by decent economic data and better news from the Middle East. Bonds gained as yields fell back globally. Commodities were mixed, with gains in precious metals offset by a decline in energy.

U.S. stocks rose strongly all week, with renewed signs of Middle East de-escalation and Hormuz reopening, sentiment improving again for AI, decent economic data and earnings reports, as well as Friday’s jobs report. The latter showed negative payroll growth, implying a lower probability of more hawkish Fed policy, in another example of a negative turned into a positive. By sector, a strong rebound in technology (7%, across a variety of firms but largely Palantir, up 40%) led the way, followed by materials (6%), industrials, and consumer discretionary, while energy lagged (down -3%) along with a pullback in energy prices. Real estate was little-changed for the week.

Economic Update 8-04-2026

Economic data for the week included the U.S. Federal Reserve keeping interest rates on hold, U.S. GDP for Q2 growing at a pace slightly below trend, as well as moderate gains in personal income and spending, durable goods orders, and home prices. Consumer sentiment remained mixed.

Equities saw gains globally, with decent earnings and lack of Middle East escalation. Bonds were mixed, as yields rose. Commodities fell along with oil prices, coupled with a fading in Middle East tensions early in the week.

U.S. stocks rose for the week, with a continued focus on the Middle East, artificial intelligence investment, as well as the outcome and tone of the second Fed meeting under Kevin Warsh. The Nasdaq 100 had declined to just beyond the -10% correction territory, from a high point in early June, with the positive semiconductor momentum having reversed rather sharply, although the index recovered a bit later in the week.

Economic Update 7-27-2026

In a light week for economic data, S&P services PMI continued to increase, while manufacturing data flattened out, although both remained plagued by higher inflation. New home sales reversed course and rose, although to a minimal degree.

Equities were mixed, with declines in the U.S. and minimal gains internationally, with offsetting views about AI and inflation implications of the Middle East war. Bonds fell back globally along with higher inflation expectations and movements in the dollar. Commodities rose broadly, led by another spike in oil prices.

U.S. stocks fell back last week, with minimal economic news, but some concern over AI spending as well as a ramp-up in military actions between U.S.-Iran, which caused oil prices to again spike, raising distress about the impact on future inflation reports. The U.S. administration announced tariffs of up to 50% on Canada in retaliation on tariffs for several imported goods, and, as other 10% temporary tariffs under Section 122 (international balance of payments issues) expired on Friday, new global tariffs were imposed under Section 301 (unfair trade practices, and seen as more likely to survive legal challenges).

Economic Update 7-21-2026

Economic data last week included recent month improvements in consumer and producer inflation, as well as consumer sentiment, tempered results in industrial production and retail sales, and a mixed bag of housing data. Based on flare-ups in the Middle East, a variety of economic data points have been prone to sharp back and forth reversals by month.

Equities fell back globally last week, with a flare-up in Middle East tensions and easing in AI-related sentiment. Bonds were little-changed, along with minimal yield movements. Commodities were driven higher by another double-digit spike in crude oil prices.

U.S. stocks fell for the week along with renewed tensions in the Middle East, as military strikes resumed and the U.S. administration vowing to reinstate a Strait of Hormuz blockade, including a 20% surcharge on ‘all cargo.’ This was coupled with Fed official comments surrounding potential hawkishness in future policy, although cooler CPI may have helped for the time being, as well as some pullback in the exuberance around AI and/or profit-taking leading to a pullback in the broad group globally. By sector, the sizable -4% decline in technology dominated the week (related to TSMC’s planned further capital spend, and not helped by IBM being down over -25% after disappointing contract/consulting results), followed by consumer discretionary. From the peak around Jun. 22, semiconductor stocks have corrected by over -20%, although the year-to-date gains remain substantial. Partially offsetting these for the week were gains in energy of 5%, along with another reversal upward in oil prices, as well as positivity in consumer staples and financials, with the latter showing strong loan results in recent earnings results. Real estate also rose a few percent.

Economic Update 7-13-2026

Economic data highlights last week included a slight decline in ISM services, although the metric stayed in solid expansion, along with a drop in existing home sales. The FOMC meeting minutes continued to show concern over the duration of the recent inflation rise.

Equities were mixed last week, with strength in domestic technology and energy as well as selected emerging markets. Bonds lost ground with inflation fears again rising. Commodities gained broadly, led by crude oil but also agriculture.

U.S. stocks were mixed last week, with few economic data releases, and led by offsetting movement in this year’s key two themes, ultimate optimism in artificial intelligence industries offset by a drop in sentiment around a resolution to the U.S.-Iran Middle East conflict (and military strikes continued over the weekend). Volume was perhaps a bit lighter in keeping with normal summer patterns, as well as a lull prior to the start of Q2 earnings season. By sector, gains were led by technology and energy, each up over 3%, followed by communications. Laggards were materials, health care, and industrials, each of which lost up to a few percent. Real estate declined slightly, with yields moving higher for the week. Large caps outperformed small caps, which had been a source of recent strength, although a bit under-the-radar.

Economic Update 6-29-2026

Economic data included a revision upward for Q1 U.S. GDP growth, continued gains in personal income and spending, strength in manufacturing and services PMI data, and a reversal upward in consumer sentiment. However, durable goods orders and new home sales fell back.

Equities fell back globally, primarily in the recently-ebullient technology sector. Bonds fared better as yields fell across the yield curve, with hopes for slowing inflation. Commodities pulled back as the U.S.-Iran truce has held, with easier supply conditions for oil and metals.

U.S. stocks were mixed last week, with the value and small cap groups seeing gains, but growth (including the Nasdaq) falling back. By sector, the defensive groups of health care, utilities, and consumer staples led. Technology lagged with a drop of over -5%, as investors again debated the pros and cons of AI infrastructure spending versus revenue, including announced price hikes for several Apple and Microsoft products due to higher chip costs, and speculation concerns overseas. Real estate also increased by 4% with an easing in interest rates during the week.

Economic Update 6-22-2026

On a holiday-shortened week, economic data included the Federal Reserve holding interest rates steady, gains in retail sales and industrial production, while housing starts and homebuilder sentiment deteriorated.

Equities rose globally in response to the U.S.-Iran preliminary peace deal. Bonds were little-changed, along with a flattish yield curve. Commodities fell back with a strong correction in crude oil prices globally, along with the noted peace deal.

U.S. stocks experienced gains for the week as the prior Sunday included a ‘memorandum of understanding’ between the U.S. and Iran, which was seen as a roadmap to end military hostilities. (While it appeared to be threatened by continued action in Lebanon, a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah eased some concern by Friday, when domestic markets were closed for Juneteenth.) Most importantly in the near-term, the agreement includes a re-opening of the Strait of Hormuz, with both blockades being lifted. That news overwhelmed the bit of a negative reaction mid-week when the FOMC statement under new Fed Chair Warsh was seen as a bit more hawkish than anticipated. By sector, technology and industrials saw gains of around 3% each. Laggards included energy, down over -6% along with a pullback in oil prices, as well as defensive health care and consumer staples, as investors took on risk again. Real estate also fell by several percent for the week, with some volatility in interest rates.

Economic data included rises in consumer and producer prices, which were expected, but still not necessarily celebrated. Though, existing home sales and consumer confidence showed some improvement.

Equities saw positive results around the world, with renewed hopes for a U.S.-Iran deal and progress towards a Strait of Hormuz reopening. Bonds also rose with inflation-related yields coming back down a bit. Commodities weakened on the back of oil prices normalizing downward, due to the same Middle East expectations.

U.S. stocks were mixed by mid-week as U.S.-Iran rhetoric having ramped up again, as well as inflation reports reminding investors about the price impact of continued tensions, but improved with hopes of a completed peace deal, threatened military strikes from the U.S. that were walked back, and continued tech optimism. (A deal being reached over the weekend has pushed stock futures up and oil prices down so far this morning.)

Economic data included improvement in manufacturing and services ISM indexes, in addition to strong gains in the May employment situation report, led perhaps some temporary factors.

Equities fell back for the first time in weeks as technology-related sentiment paused. Bonds also lost ground as interest rates rose. Commodities were mixed with gains in energy being offset by weakness elsewhere.

U.S. stocks started the week positively, but ended negatively for the first time in weeks, as markets were less enthused about the overly-strong jobs report, as it confirmed the low likelihood of Federal Reserve cuts anytime soon, at least based on weak labor conditions. Then again, after a strong stock market run as of late, it often doesn’t take much to generate a reason to take a bit of a breather. By sector, gains were led by energy and health care, up over 2% each, while recent leaders technology (Microsoft and Intel), consumer discretionary (Amazon and Tesla), and communications all fell back by -4% to -6%. Semiconductors pulled back especially late in the week, in contrast to their exceptional upward run since the end of March. Real estate also saw gains of over a percent.

Economic Update 6-3-2026

On a holiday-shortened week, economic data included U.S. GDP growth being downgraded slightly for Q1, stronger durable goods orders, mixed housing metrics, along with continued weak consumer spending.

Equities experienced gains globally for the most part last week, as hopes for Middle East resolution and a reopening of supply lines was cautiously cheered by markets. Bonds fared well also, as inflation fears were reduced, pulling down yields. Commodity prices fell back for energy and agriculture, largely for the same reasons.

U.S. stocks saw gains again last week, as sentiment was helped by the higher chances of a Middle East peace deal, or at least a 60-day ceasefire extension and reopening of Strait of Hormuz shipping traffic. Markets had taken a step back by Thurs., as U.S. airstrikes again appeared to raise the temperature in the region and pushed out hopes for resolution. Sentiment continues to be dominated by the Middle East on a week-to-week, or even day-to-day basis, coinciding with the most recent media reports, coupled with strong demand for AI hardware that has sharply rewarded specific industry groups and world regions. By sector, technology, consumer discretionary, and materials stocks fared positively; on the negative side were energy (as oil prices corrected sharply), as well as defensive consumer staples and utilities. Real estate also fell back slightly, despite a drop in yields.

Economic Update 5-26-2026

Economic data included mixed results for manufacturing and services PMI surveys, coupled with a drop in housing starts and further declines in consumer sentiment.

Equities saw gains around the world, with hopes for progress in the Middle East conflict, as well as eventually lower prices for energy. Bonds fared positively as yields pulled back. Commodities were mostly lower, led by a sharp drop in crude oil prices.

U.S. stocks continued to see gains, with the S&P 500 now up for eight straight weeks, the longest stretch in three years. Cyclical value and small caps outperformed large cap for the week, helped by rising hopes for more fruitful U.S.-Iran negotiations (being in perhaps the “final stages”) as well as continued positive sentiment around AI. By sector, gains were led by more defensive groups utilities and health care (Merck and Lilly), each up over 3%, followed by more tempered gains for consumer discretionary, financials, and technology, while communications services fell back by -2% for the week (Alphabet). Most other segments ended relatively flattish for the week. Real estate also gained several percent with interest rates coming back down. Closely-watched financial results for Nvidia outperformed on a revenue and earnings standpoint, but stock results didn’t reflect the fundamental positivity.

Economic Update 5-18-2026

Economic data included gains in industrial production and retail sales, while consumer and producer price inflation moved higher along with recent higher oil prices.

Equities ended flattish to lower in the U.S., and negative in international markets, along with little progress in U.S.-Iran and U.S.-China talks. Bonds fell in line with high inflation readings, raising yields. Commodities saw gains, led by another rise higher for crude oil.

U.S. stocks ended generally flat on the week, with growth slightly outperforming value. Sentiment was driven by especially strong consumer and producer price inflation reports, led by Middle East-conflict driven oil price spikes. Despite hopes for conflict resolution, proposals from the Iran the prior weekend were dismissed as “totally unacceptable.” The U.S.-Iran negotiations have come down to U.S. demands for full opening of the Strait of Hormuz and full end to the Iranian nuclear program, while the Iranians are asking for war reparations, full sovereignty over the Strait, and release of seized assets. By Friday, markets fell back over a lack of results from the U.S.-China talks that led to fears of further inflation. At some points, after a strong positive run, markets just need an excuse to take a breather. However, generally positive momentum has been sustained in recent weeks from very strong S&P earnings growth and continued exuberance over the potential benefits of artificial intelligence.

Economic Update 5-04-2026

Economic data for the week included the Federal Reserve keeping policy interest rates on hold, as expected. U.S. GDP for the first quarter grew in line with trend for Q1, in addition to gains in durable goods, and some improvement in consumer sentiment, while manufacturing data was little-changed. Housing data was mixed, with continued deceleration in housing prices.

Equities were positive globally, with the U.S. and Japan outperforming other regions. Bonds fell back as yields rose, along with inflation concerns. Commodities gained again with continued rising oil prices.

U.S. stocks continue to be driven by Middle East developments but more so in recent weeks by U.S. earnings results. Last week, a Tue. slump was caused by OpenAI revenue and user targets not meeting expectations. Aside from the FOMC meeting Wed., it was a big earnings release day for four of the Magnificent 7 stocks. Following that, Alphabet fared best (with the success of TPU chips seen as challenging NVIDIA’s dominance, particularly for certain AI functions like chatbots and agents), while Meta fared poorly (along with higher capex expectations than expected, and substantial bond issuance). There were signs of the continued market dynamic of AI spending versus benefit, which is of course yet to be determined. Middle East developments were few, with the ceasefire extended, but also the Strait of Hormuz blockade, and questions over the 60-day timeline required for the Congressional involvement per the War Powers Act. For April, the S&P 500 gained 10%, its best one-month performance since late 2020, more than offsetting the -5% decline in March.

The release of the 2026 Tax Rate Schedule is more than a technical update — it’s an important reminder that smart tax planning is rarely about a single year. For investors, retirees, and advisors alike, the real value comes from understanding how evolving tax structures fit into a long-term financial plan.

While headlines often focus on marginal rate changes, the bigger opportunity lies in how tax brackets, income thresholds, and deduction rules influence multi-year decisions. Retirement income strategies, portfolio realization planning, and timing around distributions all become more effective when tax awareness is built into the process early.

For those approaching or already in retirement, 2026 highlights the importance of coordinating income sources — taxable, tax-deferred, and tax-free — in a way that preserves flexibility. Decisions around when to recognize income, how to manage capital gains, and how to align charitable or legacy goals can have a meaningful impact over time.

From an investment perspective, tax-aware portfolio construction continues to play a growing role. Asset location, turnover management, and the timing of realizations can help reduce unnecessary drag and support more durable outcomes across market cycles.

At LSA, we view the 2026 tax framework as an opportunity to reinforce disciplined planning — not reactive adjustments. The most effective strategies are built with intention, aligned across investment, tax, and retirement decisions, and revisited regularly as conditions evolve.

As always, thoughtful planning today can create greater clarity and confidence tomorrow.

Economic Update 5-19-2025

Economic news last week included inflation metrics showing improvement on both a consumer and producer level. Also, data included slightly higher retail sales and housing starts, unchanged industrial production, but weaker consumer sentiment that continues a negative trend.

Equities gained globally, as U.S.-China trade negotiations lowered chances of economic slowing. Bonds were mixed, with yields higher but credit spreads tighter. Commodities were also mixed, with crude oil and industrial metals higher.

U.S. stocks earned strong returns last week, beginning with the S&P 500 rising over 3% on Monday with news from the prior weekend of substantial progress with China on a de-escalation of trade tensions. This included a suspension of earlier tariff rates for 90 days for a continuation of talks, with U.S. tariff rates on China falling from 145% down to 30% (and China-on-U.S. tariffs reduced from 125% to 10%). Cooler inflation also helped sentiment a bit, although many see those prior-month figures as being on borrowed time if/when tariff impacts creep through. Every sector ended positively last week, led by substantial gains of nearly 8% in both technology (led by Nvidia) and consumer discretionary (led by Tesla), while normally-defensive health care gained only a few tenths of a percent (completely due to weakness in UnitedHealth). Real estate also gained about a percent, despite higher yields.

Economic Update 10-28-2024

• Economic data for the week included a decline in overall durable goods, mixed results in housing sales, as well as higher continuing jobless claims, due to a variety of weather and labor issues.  
• Equities declined globally, with higher interest rates and less certainty about central bank rate easing looking forward. Bonds fell back along with rising yields at the longer end of the curve. Commodities gained, largely due to energy, despite a stronger dollar.

U.S. stocks lost ground for the first time in six weeks, as higher interest rates associated with an assumed more drawn-out Fed rate cut cycle and perhaps higher future deficits post-election weighed on sentiment. By sector, consumer discretionary experienced a percent gain (led by a 20%+ return for Tesla, upon better than expected earnings and vehicle sales projections) and a small gain for technology, while negativity was most pronounced in materials, industrials, and health care. Large cap fared better than small cap. Real estate fell about -2% upon the rise in yields.

At the September meeting, the U.S. Federal Reserve Open Market Committee decided to reduce the Fed funds rate by -0.50% to a new range of 4.75-5.00%. There was one voter dissent, where a member opted for only a quarter-percent cut.

The formal statement was updated to reflect the new easing bias, noting that inflation has simply “made further progress...but remains somewhat elevated.” Also noted was that the committee’s labor and inflation goals “are roughly in balance.” Later in the statement, labor was again mentioned in a reminder of the Fed’s dual mandate in “supporting maximum employment” in addition to its inflation objective. The new quarterly Summary of Economic Projections (SEP) put the Fed funds rate expectation at 4.4% for year-end 2024 (down from 5.1% in June), 3.4% for 2025, 2.9% for 2026 and 2027, while the anticipated long-term rate ticked up a tenth to 2.9%.

There hasn’t been this much mystery shrouding a policy change in some time, and surprise announcements have not been common in recent years. Before the meeting, CME Fed funds futures markets evolved toward the chances of a -0.50% cut at as high as 60%, and a -0.25% move at around 40%, after wavering between the two for much of the past month (wisdom of futures markets is correct again). Chances remain high for cuts in November and December, with odds pointing to a year-end rate of around 4.25%. The furthest-out estimate in Dec. 2025 shows the highest probabilities for Fed funds at around 3.00%.

Economic Update 6-03-2024

• For the short holiday week, economic data included U.S. GDP growth being downgraded a few tenths, continued improvement in lower PCE inflation, higher home prices, and improved consumer sentiment.
• Equities were mixed globally, with developed markets down a bit on net, while emerging markets fell further. Bonds were little changed domestically, while foreign markets saw mixed results. Commodities fell back across a variety of sectors.

U.S. stocks fell on the shortened week, but ended May with solid gains to offset weakness from the prior month. By sector, energy and utilities led the way with gains upward of 2%, while technology fell back by over -2% (as a positive week for some stocks was offset by weakness in Salesforce, Adobe, and Microsoft). Real estate also gained, with Friday’s ‘less bad’ inflation news providing a boost.