Monthly index news

Stocks rose for the sixth consecutive month in September, the longest positive run in four years, on investor expectations that falling US interest rates and sustained economic growth will help corporate earnings.

Stocks gained for a fifth consecutive month in August amid expectations the Federal Reserve is poised to cut interest rates as early as this month.

Stocks rose for a fourth consecutive month in July amid optimism that the worst of new trade tariffs will be avoided and as companies reported better-than-expected quarterly earnings.

In June, stocks closed their strongest calendar quarter since December 2020, with US shares topping their February record, as earnings optimism outweighed geopolitical concerns and trade tensions. European stocks fell, paring their year-to-date advantage.

Stocks jumped the most in 1½ years in May after the US and China agreed to pause import tariffs as both nations negotiate a reduction in trade costs. European stocks extended this year’s rally on expectations the region may be spared the worst effects of increased export duties to the US.

A weaker US dollar helped stocks recover in April, but extended this year’s losses for euro-based investors.

Stocks had their worst month since September 2023 in March, as investors fretted about the outlook for US economic growth, inflation and international trade. US stocks paced the retreat.

European stocks extended January’s strong performance last month, as investors continue to favor a region that’s underperformed in recent years. US indices failed to keep their momentum.

Stocks jumped in January as investors’ optimism that earnings will continue to grow overshadowed concerns about global politics and trade issues.

Stocks dropped in December, paring global indices’ double-digit returns in 2024.

The STOXX Global 1800 index posted its best month so far this year in November as investors reacted positively to Donald Trump’s decisive victory for a second term as US president.

Stocks fell for the first month in six in October as earnings disappointments from technology companies and rising bond yields drove investors to take profits from this year’s rally.