Research

Each week the LPL Financial Research team assembles thoughtful insight on market and economic news.

Revisiting Energy | Weekly Market Commentary | April 15, 2024

Revisiting Energy | Weekly Market Commentary | April 15, 2024

As the first quarter earnings season kicked off on April 12, expectations for the energy sector were decidedly negative. That low bar has tempted analysts to forecast a series of positive surprises as recent data releases for both the U.S. and China suggest a stronger economic underpinning, and the manufacturing sector appears to have bottomed in both countries. Oil demand — and prices — typically follow rising manufacturing and factory output, while rising consumer sentiment normally portends an increase in air travel, which also requires higher oil allocations.

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What To Watch This Earnings Season | Weekly Market Commentary | April 8, 2024

What To Watch This Earnings Season | Weekly Market Commentary | April 8, 2024

This quarter will seem quite similar to the fourth in terms of growth and drivers, with mega cap technology leading the way. But importantly, the point when the “493” will start contributing to overall profits is drawing closer (the 493 refers to the S&P 500 minus the seven mega cap technology stocks). Here we preview first quarter earnings season, which will benefit from an improving economic environment and continued strength in technology.

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Navigating the Strategic Investing Landscape | Weekly Market Commentary | March 25, 2024

Navigating the Strategic Investing Landscape | Weekly Market Commentary | March 25, 2024

Strategic investing mirrors the steady rise and fall of the tides, focusing on long-term goals and expectations more stable akin to the predictable rhythm of oceans. On the other hand, investing in tactical time horizons resembles the dynamic nature of changing tides, responding to short-term market conditions like unpredictable surges and waves in the sea. Here we compare and contrast these two distinct processes and recap our recent strategic asset allocation change.

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