Market Update

The S&P 500, Dow Jones, and Nasdaq posted positive returns in October, with falling short-term interest rates and strong corporate earnings supporting markets. In fact, the average Q3 earnings growth rate for the S&P 500 stood at nearly 10.7 percent at the end of October, above analysts’ 7.9 percent estimate at the end of September.

Turning to the economy, the government shutdown continues to delay some economic reports. Still, the September Consumer Price Index report showed inflation remained stubbornly high, as year-over-year consumer inflation rose to 3 percent. Consumer confidence also continued to cool in October.