Market commentary, 3rd Quarter 2017
13 October 2017
Markets were generally up as sentiment improved and easy monetary policies continued to be in effect through the quarter. U.S. stocks were up 4.48% on positive economic data and continued consumer optimism. Emerging Markets, up 7.89%, benefitted from a weakening dollar and stronger commodity prices. The Federal Reserve indicated that it would raise rates at the end of the year and announced that it would begin unwinding its balance sheet. Total employment increased by 274,000 jobs, and the unemployment rate fell from 4.4% to 4.2%. The price of oil rose from $47 to $52 a barrel through the quarter.