Despite the resurgence of COVID-19 in the form of the delta variant, equity markets reached record highs in July.^[1] Of the S&P 500 companies that reported earnings in the month, 88% beat expectations and 84% had positive topline results.

Markets reached new highs in the first half of this year, driven by a pandemic rebound and all the optimism that entails. Year-to-date returns for the S&P 500 are 14.41% through June 30, the 18^th best start to a year for stocks.[1]

After reaching a new all-time high in the first week of May, the S&P 500 had a choppy month and closed just slightly in the green. One major volatility driver: inflationary pressures, and concerns that the Federal Reserve will be behind the 8-ball in adjusting policy. These concerns were eased – at least for now – by the release of the April meeting minutes, fueling more optimism in equity markets.[1]

What’s next in the recovery?