The S&P 500 increased 1% last Thursday, its third straight gain of 1% or more, the first such streak since June 2016. That streak ended Friday as markets closed down. The S&P 500 hasn't been up 1% on 4 consecutive days since 1982. (LPL)
 
Europe continues to struggle to produce inflation. Core consumer prices (ex. food and energy) rose just 1.1% in October in the Eurozone on a year-over-year basis. Considering the amount of time the Eurozone has employed highly accommodative monetary policy, it is surprising inflation has stayed this stubbornly low. Low inflation and low interest rates in Europe reflect continued lackluster economic growth. (LPL)
 
According to Capital One’s Fall 2018 Small Business Growth Index, the “majority of small business owners are optimistic and satisfied with the current small business environment, but at the same time are facing a number of challenges and are concerned about how new governmental policies will a?ect them.” 
 
This will make Mrs. Reinhart happy with just 50 days till Christmas Starbucks is now offering six holiday beverages. This comes about a week earlier than previous years.
 
With Northwest Quadrant Wealth Management, a Registered Investment Advisor I am Troy Reinhart.