The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) met this week and voted to cut rates by a half-percent, bringing its policy range to 4.75 percent to 5 percent. This decision comes after committee members had elected to hold rates steady at the preceding eight meetings after their hiking cycle concluded in July 2023. This vote also marks the first time in recent periods that a voting committee member dissented from the popular vote. We saw 11 committee members vote in favor of the action, with Fed Governor Michelle Bowman as the sole dissenter, preferring a quarter-percent cut.
Commonwealth
Monthly Market Risk Update: September 2024 [SlideShare]
August was an encouraging month for stocks, as markets were able to end the month in positive territory despite an early-month sell-off. The Dow Jones Industrial Average concluded the month at a record high, while the S&P 500 was close to its own record level. The Nasdaq Composite lagged its peers, but the technology-heavy index still managed to eke out a modest gain during the month.
Economic Release Snapshot: Inflation Cools in August
Each week, we break down the latest U.S. economic reports, including what the results mean for the overall health of the economy. Here, you will find how economists’ forecasts compare with actual results, key takeaways to consider, as well as a list of what’s on tap for the week ahead.
Economic Risk Factor Update: September 2024 [SlideShare]
The economic reports showed signs of improvement in August. Hiring picked up, compared to a downwardly revised hiring report for July. Service sector and consumer confidence improved in August but remained volatile over recent months. The yield curve inversion remained relatively stable, with long- and short-term yields falling during the month.
Q2 2024 Earnings Season Review: Beating Expectations Isn’t Enough
If you entered this NFL season as a Kansas City Chiefs fan, you’re probably hoping for a Super Bowl win after clinching three of the past five Super Bowls and having Patrick Mahomes as your quarterback and Taylor Swift backing the team. (As a Patriots fan, I remember that feeling.) Similarly, after the S&P 500 beat earnings estimates for several quarters, investors aren’t just hoping to beat earnings. They are looking for both a beat and better guidance going forward. Investors had to settle for just one of those in the second quarter.
Economic Release Snapshot: Hiring Picks Up in August
Each week, we break down the latest U.S. economic reports, including what the results mean for the overall health of the economy. Here, you will find how economists’ forecasts compare with actual results, key takeaways to consider, as well as a list of what’s on tap for the week ahead.
Director of Operations
Ashley has been working in the customer service field since she started her first job at age 16. For the past ten years she worked in an office setting handling accounts payable and receivable as well as some receptionist work. She is very excited to learn more about the investment field.
Alec joined Riverstone after starting out his post college career on the operations side of an international logistics company working as an account executive. Graduating with a BA in Economics from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, he quickly developed a strong interest in the financial world. A lifetime resident of the Chicagoland area, Alec is an avid fan of his hometown sports teams. He is also an enthusiast of outdoor activities like fishing, camping, and hiking whenever possible.
Carol has a wide variety of experiences and has worked mainly with not-for-profit organizations. She spent 20 years in fundraising and 15 years teaching in the Illinois school system while she raised her younger children. Carol lives in Sugar Grove with her husband, Ron, and their Golden Retriever, Charley. She has four children and two grandchildren. When she’s not working, Carol enjoys spending time with friends and family, running, fishing, bible study, and watching her grandchildren play sports.
Wealth Advisor
Wealth Advisor / Registered Principal
Wealth Advisor
Wealth Advisor / Registered Principal
Wealth Advisor
Wealth Advisor Assistant
Registered Relationship Assistant