Market Commentary Blog
- View from the Observation Deck In today’s discussion, we investigate the catalysts behind the year-to-date (YTD) price returns of five major U.S. equity indices through September 11, 2026. As the […]
- View from the Observation Deck The S&P 500 Index (“Index”) closed at 7,673.52 on September 8, 2026, representing a price-only increase of 54.0% since its most recent low of 4,982.77 […]
- View from the Observation Deck The Iranian war’s impact has been widespread, with surging energy prices leading to deteriorating expectations of near-term U.S. interest rate cuts. Rising prices and the […]
- View from the Observation Deck We update this post on an ongoing basis to provide investors with insight regarding the earnings climate of the S&P 500 Index (“Index”). While quarterly […]
- View from the Observation Deck Our last two posts highlighted the year-to-date (YTD) total returns of the best- and worst-performing S&P 500 Index (“Index”) subsectors. While investment return data can […]
First Trust Economics Blog
- Market observations by the research department at First Trust Advisors L.P.
- Analysis by the research department at First Trust Advisors L.P. of each week's market activity.
- Gibson Smith—Why are Interest Rates Climbing Again…and What are the Implications for Bond Investors?The ROI podcast discusses some of the most important questions facing investment professionals today.
- Key economic and market indicators as well as sector and index performance.
- A once-a-week discussion of topics related to the economy, markets, and financial policy.
First Trust Investment Insights Blog
- Market observations by the research department at First Trust Advisors L.P.
- Analysis by the research department at First Trust Advisors L.P. of each week's market activity.
- Gibson Smith—Why are Interest Rates Climbing Again…and What are the Implications for Bond Investors?The ROI podcast discusses some of the most important questions facing investment professionals today.
- Key economic and market indicators as well as sector and index performance.
- A once-a-week discussion of topics related to the economy, markets, and financial policy.