Market Commentary

The economic data last week continued to point to a resilient U.S. economy, although the latest readings showed some moderation in service-sector activity alongside continued price pressures.

Inflation came in below expectations and Q2 U.S. gross domestic product (GDP) growth exceeded forecasts, while labor data pointed to slower hiring. Together, the releases showed continued economic expansion alongside moderating labor demand and inflation above the Federal Reserve’s target.

Business sentiment surged to multiyear highs while labor market data continued to improve. However, several hard economic indicators have yet to fully confirm the growing optimism, creating an increasingly important question for investors heading into the fourth quarter.