Equities

Discover how shifting economic growth and evolving Fed signals are driving volatility across stocks and bonds. In this month’s Market Pulse, we examine equity leadership and bond‐yield movements in the wake of new tariffs, while evaluating consumer spending trends and inflation pressures. Get a concise mid‐year outlook on market performance and the policy decisions that could steer the rest of 2025.

Explore how sweeping tariff moves and political uncertainty triggered one of the largest one-day market rallies in history—following a sharp plunge. This month’s Market Pulse dives into the weakening of the U.S. dollar, investor rotation out of American assets, and what to watch as inflation, sentiment, and Fed policy unfold.

Tariffs and shifting sentiment are clouding the economic outlook as markets react to renewed policy uncertainty and signs of softening consumer confidence. In this month’s Market Pulse, Fort Washington analysts break down how trade tensions, inflation expectations, and Fed policy are influencing stocks, bonds, and the broader growth trajectory. Stay informed with key data highlights and insights into what may lie ahead for investors.

Market volatility surged in February as shifting economic data, inflation concerns, and evolving trade policies rattled investor confidence. With the Federal Reserve signaling a cautious stance on rate cuts and value stocks outperforming growth for the first time in years, investors face new market dynamics. Read our latest Market Pulse for key insights on equities, fixed income, and the evolving economic landscape.

How will the AI revolution, new tariffs, and shifting Fed policy shape markets in early 2025? This month’s Market Pulse explores economic trends, stock market volatility, and interest rate expectations—offering key insights for investors navigating uncertainty in the months ahead.

Explore how Federal Reserve policy, equity performance, and key macroeconomic shifts are shaping opportunities and challenges for investors. Gain valuable insights into what’s driving markets as we enter a pivotal year for growth and stability.

Explore how election results fueled market optimism, driving U.S. stocks to new highs and highlighting small-cap outperformance. Gain insights into the potential economic implications of proposed tariffs, deregulation, and tax policy shifts, setting the stage for the markets in 2025.

Explore how election momentum and economic shifts are shaping market volatility and interest rate expectations. Gain insights into how the Fed’s recent moves and consumer spending trends might impact stocks, bonds, and broader economic growth in the coming months.

Stay ahead of the markets with our September 2024 Market Pulse, exploring the anticipated impact of the Fed's first rate cut and the evolving risks in equities.

As the U.S. economy remains resilient and inflation shows signs of moderating, the Fed is holding interest rates steady, aiming for a 2 percent inflation target. Meanwhile, the stock market has reached new highs driven by robust corporate profits and AI optimism, although high valuations may limit future gains.

The question of "how concerned should investors be about the Western Alliance" is being raised on both sides of the Atlantic following recent statements by former President Donald Trump regarding NATO, in which he indicated a willingness to support Russia in its actions against NATO members who fall short on defense-spending goals.

Last year was not a good time for China’s stock markets to say the least. The Shanghai CSI index and Hong Kong index ended 2023 down by 11% and 14%, respectively, while the MSCI World index closed the year 22% higher.

Given recent market volatility following events in the U.S. banking system, we wanted to provide you with our outlook and how Fort Washington is positioning Focused Equity portfolios.

We believe value investing, properly applied with a forward-looking framework, continues to have a bright future regardless of whether the value or growth factor leads going forward. 

Fort Washington's Multi-Asset approach overcomes shortcomings associated with traditional balanced stock/bond portfolios while adding value through active management.

Small cap stocks have generated attractive investment returns over the long term. In addition, the profitable segment of small cap stocks has outperformed unprofitable small cap stocks with significantly lower volatility over time. The Fort Washington Small Company Equity strategy only invests in profitable small cap stocks, avoiding unprofitable small cap stocks and reducing the risk levels of investing in small cap stocks. 

Our latest white paper explains our belief that small cap stocks are an inefficient asset class and that the key to capitalizing upon these inefficiencies is through the application of a consistent, differentiated approach that focuses on downside risk. 

Small cap stocks have generated attractive investment returns relative to other asset classes and stock market capitalization segments over time. We offer a look at inefficiencies within the asset class and drivers of small cap returns.