With 2016’s all-important final quarter at the doorstep and third quarter data continuing to trickle in, hopes for a sharp second-half rebound have begun to fade.The Atlanta Fed’s closely watched GDP Now forecast for growth in the July-September quarter ended September at 2.4%, well below the 3.5% estimate at the end of August. At the same time, no one is seriously talking recession, just more of the same: muddling along while awaiting the key event of the year: the presidential and congressional elections. [+] Read More

The U.S. presidential election has capitalized the news media, social media, and pop culture for nearly a year now, and we still have several months before the campaign's end and the voters have their say. Here at WrapManager, we don’t take a political stance on elections, but we do track market trends and activity and the election environment can have an effect on the stock market. It’s interesting to look back at how politics have affected financial markets in the past. Though we can’t predict what might happen this time around, looking back can help us identify previous trends. [+] Read More

We Expect Modest Economic and Earnings Improvements Robert C. Doll, CRA, Senior Portfolio Manager, Chief Equity Strategist serves serves as a leading member of the equities investing team for Nuveen Asset Management, providing reasoned analysis through equity portfolio management and ongoing market commentary. [+] Read More

Cambiar Investors provides insights on the Brexit results. Their commentary can be read in full here. [+] Read More

Philip Orlando, CFA, from Federated Investors, shares his comments on Brexit. Read a section below from "Orlando's Outlook" or click here to read the entire commentary. Bottom Line In an extraordinary overnight development, the U.K. voted 52% to 48% to leave the European Union. Prime Minister David Cameron, who supported the Remain camp, immediately fell on his sword, announcing he will resign in October after a transition period to select a new [+] Read More

U.S. STOCKS: SMALL- AND MID-CAPS’ HOME-COURT ADVANTAGE For those concerned about developments overseas, U.S. small- and mid-cap stocks, which are positioned to benefit from strength in domestic consumer spending, may be worth considering. Bracing for “Brexit”? Challenged by China? You’re not alone. A scan of recent headlines underscores the challenges in the global investment landscape. The United Kingdom is facing a fractious vote (June 23) on whether to leave the European Union. China is grappling with a slowing economy. The eurozone is hindered by sluggish growth and the prospect of more fiscal drama with Greece. Japan is trying to jump-start its moribund economy and counter deflation. The list goes on. [+] Read More

Federated Investor's Chief Investment Officer, Equities, Stephen F Auth, CFA, oversees all of Federated's equity and asset allocation products globally. Below you'll find an excerpt from the week of May, 24 2016. If you're interested in reading the full report, download it here. [+] Read More

In brief: Following the 2015 decline, S&P 500 earnings per share (EPS) fell -6.7% in the first quarter.1 Companies beat earnings estimates but missed revenue estimates. We maintain our view that the headwinds weighing on aggregate earnings— energy prices and a stronger dollar—will dissipate over the course of 2016, leading to mildly positive earnings growth for the year. However, we are keeping an eye on rising wages, which have the potential to press on earnings and margins just as other headwinds subside. When it comes to choosing the best metric for evaluating earnings, we prefer operating earnings, as they offer the cleanest view into a company’s day-today business. If the gradual earnings recovery that we anticipate occurs during the second half of 2016, we see some upside for U.S. equities. [+] Read More

Federated Investor's Senior Equity Strategist, Linda Duessel, offers a Weekly Update. Below your find an excerpt from the week of April 22, 2016. If you're interested in reading the full report, download it here. [+] Read More