April was challenging for investors
as losses in mega-cap tech companies
and other high-valuation stocks spilled over
to the broader market.
The Dow Industrials lost nearly five percent,
while the S&P 500 dropped almost 9 percent.
The Nasdaq fell more than 13 percent. Stocks struggled
all month as investors grew more skittish over hawkish comments
by Fed officials, who made it clear short-term rates are
heading higher to help manage hot inflation.
The first-quarter earnings season
got off to a mostly positive start.
Of the 55 percent of the S&P 500 companies reporting earnings,
80 percent have beaten analysts' estimates.
Companies reported navigating accelerating inflation,
shaky consumer confidence, higher rates, and supply chain
challenges.
Markets closed out April with a volatile week,
reflecting the general unease that
weighed on markets all month.
In May, investors will be adjusting
to the most recent Fed decision about short-term rates
and looking for clues about what to expect at the next few Fed
meetings.
While the markets may have already priced
in some of the Fed's plans for higher rates,
it's unclear how investors will react
when governors provide guidance for the rest of the year.
If you've ever been lucky enough to have an excellent teacher,
you know what a difference
they can make.
Teacher Appreciation Week takes place from May 1st to the 7th
and is a great time to say "thanks."
This celebratory week started in 1953 as National Teacher
Day, thanks to former first Lady Eleanor
Roosevelt. Then in 1984, the observance was
expanded to a week.
Educators bring their passion, skills, and personal resources
to enrich their classrooms. So take some time this month
to thank a teacher in your community—
it's a "classy" thing to do.