The Goldilocks Economy Drove Stocks Higher This Past Week

Published Friday, November 3, 2023 at: 8:30 PM EDT

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The Standard & Poor’s 500 stock had its best week in nearly a year, following a weaker than expected jobs report that suggested the Federal Reserve’s 19-month monetary tightening campaign is slowing growth enough to quell inflation but not so much as to cause a recession.  It’s a Goldilocks economy, not too hot and not too cold.

With 6.5 million job seekers and 9.6 million job opening, the red-hot labor market has cooled but remains strong.  The excess demand for labor means that more jobs will be filled in the weeks ahead and the economy is likely to keep growing as those new workers earn income and spend it.  

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The Standard & Poor’s 500 stock index closed Friday at 4358.34, up +0.94% from Thursday, and a gain of + 5.85% from a week ago. The index is up +94.79% from the March 23, 2020 bear market low and down -9.14% from its January 3, 2022, all-time high.

The Standard & Poor's 500 (S&P 500) is an unmanaged group of securities considered to be representative of the stock market in general. It is a market-value weighted index with each stock's weight proportionate to its market value. Index returns do not include fees or expenses. Investing involves risk, including the loss of principal, and past performance is no guarantee of future results. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor's shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance quoted.   ​​​​​​​​


Nothing contained herein is to be considered a solicitation, research material, an investment recommendation, or advice of any kind, and it is subject to change without notice. Any investments or strategies referenced herein do not take into account the investment objectives, financial situation or particular needs of any specific person. Product suitability must be independently determined for each individual investor. Tax advice always depends on your particular personal situation and preferences. You should consult the appropriate financial professional regarding your specific circumstances. The material represents an assessment of financial, economic and tax law at a specific point in time and is not intended to be a forecast of future events or a guarantee of future results. Forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties. Actual results, performance, or achievements may differ materially from those expressed or implied. Information is based on data gathered from what we believe are reliable sources. It is not guaranteed as to accuracy, does not purport to be complete, and is not intended to be used as a primary basis for investment decisions. This article was written by a professional financial journalist for Advisor Products and is not intended as legal or investment advice.

This article was written by a veteran financial journalist based on data compiled and analyzed by independent economist, Fritz Meyer. While these are sources we believe to be reliable, the information is not intended to be used as financial advice without consulting a professional about your personal situation.

Indices are unmanaged and not available for direct investment. Investments with higher return potential carry greater risk for loss. Past performance is not an indicator of your future results.

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