Market Updates

In this November market update, Chief Investment Officer Brian Andrew, CFA®, explains how markets managed modest gains over the past month despite mixed economic signals. Resilient consumer spending and a strong third-quarter earnings season, driven in part by standout results from Amazon and Microsoft, helped support equity performance. At the same time, uncertainty around interest…

In this October market update, Chief Investment Officer Brian Andrew, CFA®, discusses how U.S. equities extended their advance last month, with the S&P 500 up roughly 3% amid renewed investor confidence and resilient corporate earnings. Market breadth continued to improve, as gains broadened beyond mega-cap leaders to include industrials, utilities, and consumer sectors. While volatility…

In this September market update, Chief Investment Officer Brian Andrew, CFA®, looks at how markets extended their strength last month, with the S&P 500 and Dow reaching new highs as corporate earnings held firm and small- to mid-sized companies began to outpace mega-cap leaders. Inflation ticked slightly higher to 2.9% amid rising energy costs and…

In this August market update, Chief Investment Officer Brian Andrew, CFA®, looks at how markets continue to present opportunities and challenges for investors. The S&P 500 climbed another 3% in July, bringing year-to-date gains above 16%, with much of that strength concentrated in a handful of mega-cap technology stocks, Microsoft, Amazon, Google, Nvidia, and Meta,…

In this June market update, Chief Investment Officer Brian Andrew, CFA®, reflects on a strong market rally fueled by individual investor optimism, solid corporate earnings, and continued enthusiasm around AI. Despite rising tariff rates and geopolitical tensions, the Fed’s steady policy stance has supported sentiment. Merit remains cautiously positioned, favoring high-quality equities, watching valuation levels…

In this May market update, Chief Investment Officer Brian Andrew, CFA®, discusses how ongoing tariff tensions and a growing federal deficit are weighing on markets and shaping fiscal conversations. With the Fed holding rates steady amid uncertainty, Merit is adjusting its strategy, favoring large-cap stocks, keeping bond maturities short, and incorporating alternatives to stay flexible…

In this April market update, Chief Investment Officer Brian Andrew, CFA®, examines recent market volatility stemming from evolving U.S. tariff policies. He discusses the potential implications for inflation, interest rates, and broader market dynamics, while highlighting key considerations for navigating an uncertain economic environment. Key Takeaways: We hope you find this video both informative and…

In our recent webinar, Merit Financial Advisors’ Chief Investment Officer, Brian Andrew, CFA®, explored the evolving landscape of tariffs, trade dynamics, and inflation—and how these forces are shaping the broader economic outlook. With market uncertainty on the rise, it’s more important than ever to understand the ripple effects of global policy decisions and how they…