Lower Bond Yields Prevent Further Equity Damage

Stocks were mixed last week as the S&P fell modestly while equal-weighted indexes and many non-U.S. markets outperformed. Big tech weakness—led by a nearly 7% drop in NVIDIA—contrasted with gains in utilities, consumer staples, healthcare, and energy.

The episode argues that calmer or lower U.S. Treasury yields have supported risk assets despite AI-driven dislocations, tariff uncertainty, and geopolitical oil-risk. Key risks include sticky inflation delaying Fed easing, tariff developments, and possible Middle East-driven oil spikes; however, while yields remain flat to lower, the risk‑on backdrop is likely to persist.

For a copy of this week's Doll's Deliberations, click on the following link March 2 or go to www.crossmarkglobal.com for additional insight and investment solutions.