Perspectives

Market Trends

The October jobs report came in stronger than expected, with nonfarm payrolls increasing 165,000 versus the consensus estimate of 65,000. In addition to overall employment rising in October, employment in Professional and Business Services rose well above their average monthly gain, followed by Health Care and Transportation, while employment fell in Leisure and Hospitality.

Market Trends

For decades, Stephens’ Transportation & Logistics (“T&L”) group has focused on serving the unique needs of family-owned, closely-held and owner-operated businesses. As a family-owned business with a 90+ year legacy, Stephens has a deep appreciation for the importance and complexity associated with the sale or partial monetization of a privately-owned business.
Closely-held businesses are a core part of our T&L franchise. In this whitepaper, we reflect on the most common issues we encounter with our clients, and how owners can address them to help improve market readiness.

Market Trends

The biggest technological changes have rarely arrived smoothly for investors. Railroads, electricity and the internet each reshaped the economy, and each came with stretches of overbuilding, sharp swings in prices and genuine fear about who would win and who would be left behind.

Market Trends

The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) announced its October policy decision today, holding the federal funds rate steady at the 3.75% - 4.00% target range, an outcome that was widely anticipated.

Market Trends

Specialty distribution businesses have faced a challenging operating environment over the last few years, with pressures from supply chain disruptions, softer industrial activity, and tariff uncertainty.

Market Trends

The September Consumer Price Index (CPI), a key measure of inflation that tracks changes in prices across a broad basket of goods and services, was released today. The report showed prices increased 0.6% from August to September and increased 3.7% year over year.

Market Trends

The September jobs report came in weaker than expected, with nonfarm payrolls increasing 29,000 versus the consensus estimate of 90,000. Although overall employment changed little in September, health care continued its upward trend followed by construction and manufacturing, while employment fell in financial activities.

Market Trends

The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) announced its September policy decision today, raising the federal funds rate 25 bps to the 3.75% - 4.00% target range, an outcome that was widely anticipated.

Market Trends

The August Consumer Price Index (CPI), a key measure of inflation that tracks changes in prices across a broad basket of goods and services, was released today. The report showed prices increased 0.4% from July to August and increased 3.4% year over year.

Market Trends

August gave us a hawkish Fed chairman, a Treasury secretary buying his own long bonds and an earnings season better than almost anyone forecasted. All three matter, but markets are paying the most attention to the third one.