DFG Navigator Archives | September 2026
Your Capital Markets Snapshot: US Markets Posted Gains Last Week Despite a Sharp Midweek Bond Selloff
US markets posted gains last week despite a sharp midweek bond selloff. A rally in artificial intelligence driven technology stocks and a late-week pullback in oil prices on reports of progress toward reopening the Strait of Hormuz supported risk appetite. The S&P 500 rose 1.2%, led by semiconductor and mega-cap technology shares, with Advanced Micro Devices surpassing $1 trillion in market value. Treasury yields climbed across the curve, with the 10-year closing near 5.2%, as stronger-than-expected economic data and hawkish Federal Reserve commentary reinforced expectations for additional rate hikes. The September flash US Composite PMI jumped to 58.4, its highest reading since July 2021, while Initial Jobless Claims fell to 197,000, one of the lowest readings since 1969. In the alternatives space, crude oil and gold declined, while digital assets extended their rally. Read more … Your Capital Markets Snapshot: US Markets Posted Gains Last Week Despite a Sharp Midweek Bond Selloff
Your Capital Markets Snapshot: US Markets Were Mixed Last Week
US markets were mixed last week as the Federal Reserve raised interest rates for the first time since 2023 and elevated energy prices kept inflation concerns in focus, creating a challenging backdrop for both stocks and bonds. The S&P 500 ended the week essentially flat as a midweek selloff after the Fed’s decision was largely offset by a rebound in technology and chipmaker shares. Treasury yields moved higher across most of the curve, with the 10-year closing above 5% for the first time since 2023. Economic data came in strong and provided more support for further potential tightening. August Retail Sales surged 1.2% month-over-month and Initial Jobless Claims fell to 196,000, one of the lowest readings since 1969. In the alternatives space, crude oil was volatile but finished little changed, while gold edged higher and digital assets rallied. Read more … Your Capital Markets Snapshot: US Markets Were Mixed Last Week
Your Capital Markets Snapshot: US Markets Declined Last Week
US markets declined last week as surging oil prices, driven by escalation in the conflict with Iran, stoked inflation fears, pushed Treasury yields to multi-year highs, and weighed on asset prices. The S&P 500 fell 0.8% for the week, despite a partial recovery on Friday. Treasury yields rose meaningfully across the curve, with the 10-year nearing 5%, as persistent energy-driven inflation reinforced expectations of a Fed rate hike. August CPI coming in slightly above expectations further stoked market expectations for a hike at the September Fed meeting. Consumer sentiment deteriorated sharply, with the University of Michigan index recording its second-lowest reading, as higher gasoline prices and renewed trade tensions weigh on household confidence. In the alternatives space, US crude oil surged while gold slipped as rising real yields pressured the non-yielding metal. Read more … Your Capital Markets Snapshot: US Markets Declined Last Week
Your Capital Markets Snapshot: US Equity Markets Posted Modest Gains for the Week
US equity markets posted modest gains for the week, as a blowout earnings report and outlook from Nvidia bolstered confidence in the artificial intelligence trade, though those gains were partially offset on Friday after Federal Reserve Chairman Kevin Warsh delivered hawkish remarks at the Jackson Hole conference, warning that inflation is not meaningfully slowing and that the Fed has "work to do." The S&P 500 rose 0.5% for the week, with technology-led mega-cap stocks driving the bulk of the index's gains. Treasury yields were mixed on the week, with short-term yields moving higher amid concerns that persistent inflation could require additional Fed tightening, while longer-term yields declined modestly. WTI crude oil fell approximately 4.2% on the week as rising US crude inventories weighed on prices. The July Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) Price Index, the Fed's preferred inflation gauge, rose 0.2% month-over-month and 3.7% year-over-year, indicating that inflation remains above the Fed's 2% target. Read more … Your Capital Markets Snapshot: US Equity Markets Posted Modest Gains for the Week
The Value of an Advisor, August 31, 2026
Advisors help create plans. They help clients define goals, calibrate risk, and establish realistic expectations. They help clients remain disciplined when emotions threaten to overwhelm logic and perspective when uncertainty becomes uncomfortable. More important, they help clients navigate a series of interconnected decisions that can meaningfully influence financial outcomes over a lifetime. Read more … The Value of an Advisor, August 31, 2026