Lily Molargik

Recent headlines may suggest we are in a bear market. Tensions in Iran and the Strait of Hormuz remain unresolved. Oil prices are near $100 per barrel, and inflation expectations are rising. Additionally, consumer sentiment has reached a record low, which historically signals investor caution. Despite a recent pullback, the S&P 500 has returned to an all-time high. The primary factor supporting this strength is clear: earnings. S&P 500 large-cap earnings per share have reached $290.54 over...

March was a bit of a rollercoaster for markets—geopolitical tensions ramped up, oil prices climbed, and investor nerves got rattled. There was a lot to take in all month. Jobs numbers took an unexpected dip, and consumer sentiment slid as near-term uncertainties piled up. On the bright side, people kept spending and inflation stayed steady, which was a good sign that the economy is still on solid ground—even if things felt a little bumpy. Just about every corner of the market took a hit. The...