Making Sense

In this week's episode, Phil Neuhart, Head of Market & Economic Research, recaps a volatile week in the bond market and previews the key events investors should watch in the days ahead. With Treasury yields remaining elevated, attention turns to the Fed's Jackson Hole symposium, the latest inflation data, and a final round of closely watched big tech earnings.

This week, Blake Taylor, Market and Economic Research Analyst, recaps the market's reaction to softer inflation data and previews the key themes investors should watch in the week ahead. With earnings season winding down and economic data light, the focus shifts to geopolitics, energy prices, and what the latest Federal Reserve meeting minutes could reveal about the path of monetary policy.

In this week's episode, Blake Taylor, Market and Economic Research Analyst, recaps a volatile week for markets and previews the key events investors should watch in the week ahead. From rising bond yields and renewed inflation concerns to continued scrutiny of AI spending, Blake discusses forces shaping markets as investors focus on jobs data, Fed commentary, and earnings season.

Last Week

The Federal Reserve held rates steady, though three policymakers dissented in favor of a rate hike.

Bond markets reacted cautiously, with the long-term yields rising amid concerns about inflation and the Fed’s path forward.

Geopolitical tensions escalated pushing oil prices higher.

Big Tech earnings highlighted the growing focus on AI spending.

This Week

Jobs Report: With unemployment holding steady and jobless claims remaining low, investors will be watching for further signs of labor market resilience.

Fed Policymakers: Investors will pay close attention to policymakers' comments and any signs of growing support for future rate hikes.

Earnings Season: Major technology companies continue to report, with investors focused on AI demand, semiconductor trends, and whether heavy AI spending is translating into profits.

This Week's Watch List

Jobs Report (Friday)

Fed Policymaker Commentary

Q2 Earnings Season

This week, Phillip Neuhart recaps financial markets' reactions to rising geopolitical tensions and previews what investors should watch in the week ahead. With a Federal Reserve meeting, major technology earnings, and second-quarter GDP data on deck, investors will be looking for clues on the economy, inflation, and the outlook for AI-driven investment.

How are geopolitical developments, inflation trends and the rapid buildout of artificial intelligence shaping the economy and financial markets?

In our July Market Update, Head of Market and Economic Research Phillip Neuhart and Market and Economic Research Analyst Blake Taylor examine the key forces affecting markets today. This month's discussion explores inflation expectations, Federal Reserve policy, corporate earnings, market valuations and the unprecedented wave of AI-related investment. From disruptions in global energy markets to the growing impact of AI infrastructure spending, they discuss the trends driving economic growth and market performance—and what they could mean for investors in the months ahead.

Watch the full update for insights on the economy, markets and investor considerations for the months ahead.

For more information, visit firstcitizens.com/market-outlook.

In this week's episode, Blake Taylor, Market and Economic Research Analyst, recaps last week for markets and highlights the key themes investors should watch in the days ahead. Earnings season is off to a strong start, and geopolitical risks are reemerging. Blake discusses what's driving markets and where investors should focus their attention.

Last Week

This Week

Energy Prices & Geopolitics: Rising oil prices and low energy inventories could influence inflation expectations and market sentiment.

This Week's Watch List

In this week's episode, Blake Taylor, Market and Economic Research Analyst, recaps the market's reaction to renewed tensions in the Middle East and previews the key events investors should watch in the week ahead.

In this week’s episode, Phillip Neuhart, Head of Market and Economic Research, recaps the latest market-moving data and previews the key events investors should watch in the days ahead. He discusses last week’s softer employment report and what it signals for the economy, then looks ahead to the ISM Services Index, the release of the June FOMC minutes, and the start of earnings season. With inflation, Fed policy, and corporate profit margins all in focus, Phil highlights the themes most likely to shape markets this week.

Blake Taylor breaks down a volatile week across bonds, oil, and tech—explaining falling yields, shifting inflation signals, and what AI-driven earnings mean for consumers. Plus, what to watch in key labor data and the Fed as markets head into the holiday week.