The third quarter delivered another blend of volatility, opportunity, and shifting leadership. After a strong rally through July and August, markets extended gains into September with key indices setting fresh highs. Much like Q2, broad participation was exhibited: while Mega-cap tech continued to dominate, smaller and Value stocks finally mounted comebacks.
The ongoing government shutdown has created a data vacuum, delaying key economic reports and clouding visibility for the Federal Reserve ahead of its next meeting. Markets now face the unenviable task of interpreting policy direction with limited official data, relying instead on supplemental and tangential indicators to gauge the economy’s trajectory.
Last week’s economic data painted a mixed picture of the U.S. economy.
The week began with key sentiment data from the S&P Global Manufacturing and Services Purchasing Managers’ Indices (PMIs). Both readings came in slightly below market expectations and last month’s figures, suggesting some softening in forward-looking sentiment. However, with Manufacturing at 52.0 and Services at 53.9, both remain above the 50 threshold, signaling continued expansion in economic activity rather than contraction.
Fall isn’t just pumpkin spice season—it’s also open enrollment season. Whether you’re applying through the Marketplace or reviewing Medicare options, Q4 is filled with important deadlines that impact your 2026 coverage.