A Knack for the


MARKET REPORT


Market W


hile thinking of the Parable of the Talents, in terms of returns, 2018 relative to 2017 may look like the servant entrusted with two talents compared to


Curtis D. Stoltzfus,


CAP®, CFP®, VP Financial Strategies


the servant entrusted with five! It is true, with volatility back in the mix, following the 10% correction earlier in February, week-by-week returns have been more sluggish. However, if you recall, even with only two talents, the servant brought back double what he started with. Although the market’s returns may not


be quite as stellar as that, by the time the year comes to a close, stocks have already recovered 5% from earlier lows and continue to make gains despite day-to-day volatility. Overall, the market has stabilized somewhat, with the Volatility Index (VIX) down significantly from its spike in early February. As of this writing (5/29/2018), the S&P 500 is up 1.8%, and the S&P Aggregate Bond Index lost 2.1%.


As we move through the summer months, there is continued positive momentum in the market, both at home and in the world at large. Market fundamentals remain strong this quarter, particularly corporate profits and the unemployment rate. Corporate profits saw the strongest quarterly gains since 2010, while unemployment dropped below 4%, reaching the lowest point since 2000. At the same time, the Federal Reserve eased investor concerns when it announced that there is “no need to rush” rate hikes, cementing its position on a slow and steady approach to easing economic stimulus.


With the talents of individuals in communities across the globe coalescing to create the global economy, our Wealth Management Team continues to employ its talents in managing our diversified portfolios and navigating the volatile market.


6 • Ambassador Advisors


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