In the latest LPL Market Signals podcast, LPL Chief Equity Strategist Jeffrey Buchbinder and Chief Fixed Income Strategist Lawrence Gillum explain why yields and stocks continued higher last week and preview third quarter earnings season.

The S&P 500 rose for the sixth straight week last week on solid economic data including better-than-expected gains in retail sales. Small caps and interest rate sensitive sectors outperformed, while precious metals delivered solid gains amid heightened geopolitical risks.

Next the strategists preview third quarter earnings season, where the so-called Magnificent Seven will again be a key driver of overall earnings gains. While expectations for earnings growth in the quarter are modest due to tougher comparisons with 2023 and declines in energy sector profits, earnings are poised to accelerate in coming quarters. Still, they expect 2025 estimates to come down some.

The strategists then discuss why Treasury yields are higher despite the Fed cutting rates last month. Since the Fed cut rates in September by 0.50%, the 10-year Treasury yield is higher by nearly 0.50% because recent economic data has come in better than expected, reducing the need for the Fed to cut rates aggressively.

The strategists wrap up with a preview of the week ahead, including a look at Main Street economies across the U.S. in the Fed’s Beige Book and earnings reports from more than 110 S&P 500 companies.

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