Stocks continued to have fun in the sun as markets extended their summer rally.

Broadly positive sentiment throughout the month helped major US indices climb higher. Small-cap stocks led the way for the second straight month with the Russell 2000 soaring 6.06%. Powered by stronger-than-expected earnings and improving economic data, the Nasdaq, Dow Jones Industrial Average, and S&P 500 posted gains of 4.05%, 3.41%, and 3.30% respectively. The Dow even decided to party like it was 1987, logging its longest winning streak in decades with 13 consecutive positive days.

Coming off one of the worst years in recent history, it’s no question 2023 has been a better year for the markets so far than 2022. Overall, we’ve seen a positive skew among most asset classes, compared to mostly negative data last year. However, as is often the case, not everything is up equally. But it may come as a surprise as to the significant discrepancy between the leaders and laggards this year, a situation that can make being a smart, well-diversified investor frustrating in the short-term.

Volatility is a word that we have heard a lot this year. Here are 5 Tips to help you survive & thrive in any financial environment.

The 24-Hour News Cycle moves from Impeachment to COVID-19 to the Primaries – What’s next?

In recent weeks, we’ve seen several major stories in the news. On the political front, in addition to the arrival of the presidential election through the 2020 caucuses and primaries, we have just experienced the third presidential impeachment in American history. In international news, the latest coronavirus outbreak has hit China, now referred to as COVID-19, leading to closed borders and heightened screening at hospitals worldwide.¹

It’s not so much the facts of what’s going on that are unusual – none of these matters are unprecedented – but the way that they are reported in the media can be alarming. Even frightening.

Look beyond this moment and stay focused on your long-term objectives.