The Commerce Department says orders for long-lasting manufactured goods rose 2.6% overall in March, but spending that tracks business investment spending fell for the third month out of the past four.

First quarter earnings results have been excellent so far, with about 30% of S&P 500 companies having reported. Earnings are tracking to a 22% year-over-year increase, well above the 18.5% increase expected. Revenue growth is tracking to a solid 7.7% year-over-year increase. (LPL)

International developed equities have outperformed slightly year to date. The weak dollar explains virtually all of the outperformance vs. the S&P 500. Still, international diversification has generally helped buoy portfolios this year, which has not been the case in recent years and is encouraging. (LPL)

Intel, Oregon’s largest employer, reported first-quarter net income of $4.45 billion. The world's largest chipmaker posted revenue of $16.07 billion. Intel shares have climbed 15% since the beginning of the year. (AP)

Join us this weekend for Financial Focus Radio when Josh and I will tell you how to navigate the choppy waters of the markets.

With Northwest Quadrant Wealth Management, a Registered Investment Advisor I am Troy Reinhart.