GLOBAL EQUITY MARKET OUTLOOK: FAVOR U.S.; STICK WITH EM John Lynch Chief Investment Strategist, LPL Financial Jeffrey Buchbinder CFA Equity Strategist, LPL Financial KEY TAKEAWAYS U.S. economic and earnings growth continue to stand out globally and support our positive view of U.S. equities. We continue to see upside potential in emerging markets due to attractive…

THE STOCK MARKET’S FINAL FOUR FACTORS The NCAA Men’s Tournament Final Four is set. Kansas, Loyola, Michigan, and Villanova are headed to San Antonio, Texas to determine this year’s college basketball national champion. In that spirit, following our “Sweet 16” commentary last week, this week we share our “Final Four Factors” for the stock market…

KEY TAKEAWAYS In the spirit of March Madness, we have compiled our “Sweet 16” for the markets. We identified 16 keys for stocks for the rest of 2018 and assessed their potential market implications. We expect stocks to add to year-to-date gains driven by better economic growth and strong earnings, despite trade tensions. WILL THIS…

KEY TAKEAWAYS During the nine-year bull market period, the S&P 500 nearly quadrupled in value including dividends. Although valuations are stretched by many historical measures, interest rates and inflation levels remain relatively low, while none of our favorite leading indicators suggest that the bull market is nearing its end. Given solid momentum in global demand…

KEY TAKEAWAYS We have raised our 2018 S&P 500 EPS forecast from $147.50 to $152.50 and our S&P 500 year-end fair value target to 2950-3000. Guidance has been very strong on the back of the new tax law, better growth, and a weak U.S. dollar. Fourth quarter earnings season produced the best earnings and revenue…

KEY TAKEAWAYS Stocks have made a significant comeback, rallying nearly 6% off the recent lows. Solid fundamentals and technical indicators suggest that recent lows may hold. Historical relationships suggest stocks and yields can move higher together and stock valuations are justified based on current inflation levels. OUT OF THE WOODS? Are we out of the…