Corporations Report Strong Earnings Growth in the First Half of 2021

By Tom Burnett CFA According to the FACTSET report for August 13, 2021, more than 90% of the S/P 500 Index companies have reported first half results for the 2021 year. Based on the reports published thus far, FACTSET estimates that the S/P 500 companies will achieve year-over-year earnings growth of…

By Tom Burnett CFA On August 11, 2021, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported the consumer price index information for the month of July. The CPI increased by 0.5% in July, down from an increase of 0.9% in June. The July increase was the lowest rate since the 0.4% for the month of February. Over...

By Tom Burnett CFA On August 6, 2021, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported the employment picture for July 2021. The Report was positive and job growth has continued to come through since the worst parts of the Covid-19 pandemic in April 2020. Total employment in July increased by 943,000 jobs, following…

By Tom Burnett CFA According to the July 30, 2021 FACTSET report on S/P 500 composite earnings announcements, the second quarter is setting up to be the strongest performance since the fourth quarter of 2009. Based on the reports published so far, it now appears that the second quarter operating results…

By Tom Burnett CFA On July 28, 2021, the Federal Reserve released in public statement following a two-day July meeting. The Fed remains committed to a policy of low rates and material asset purchases until the U.S. economy recovers to its pre-Covid-19 levels. The Statement noted that employment is recovering…