The markets and economy: things are not too fast, too slow, too warm, or too cold.

Geopolitical risks made headlines, but a positive backdrop kept markets steady.

The U.S. economy is improving, and interest rates remain low because of slow growth abroad.

The U.S. is emerging from a weather-related slowdown, but trouble overseas may cause volatility, says Dirk Hofschire, senior vice president of asset allocation research.

The U.S. economy should provide stability, but it’s going to be a bouncier market, says Dirk Hofschire, senior vice president of Asset Allocation Research.

This year is off to a choppy start and more volatility could be on the horizon, says Dirk Hofschire, senior vice president of Asset Allocation Research.

A favorable start for the U.S. economy in 2014, but a chance for a bumpy ride for stocks, says Dirk Hofschire, senior vice president of Asset Allocation Research.

Things are generally good around the world—a supportive backdrop for stocks and bonds, says Dirk Hofschire, senior vice president of Asset Allocation Research.

There's some uncertainty ahead, and maybe some volatility, because of the U.S. budget and debt ceiling, quantitative easing, and, lately, events in Syria. But it's all taking place within a global economy that's improving, says Dirk Hofschire, senior vice president of Asset Allocation Research, in his September 2013 market commentary.

Improving trends in developed economies, and deterioration in China and other emerging markets, may favor developed-market stocks in the near term, says Dirk Hofschire, senior vice president of Asset Allocation Research.