S&P 500 and Nasdaq notch record closes

Inflation and Economic Growth - The data suggests that inflation is not a major concern, with the bigger problem being a lack of real growth [2] - Real GDP growth in the first half of the year is slightly less than 1% annualized, and job creation is up 60 basis points annualized [3] - Current inflation is running at 2.5% to 3% [3] Federal Reserve (Fed) Policy - A Fed rate cut is anticipated, with the expectation that the Fed will choose to ease next month [3] - The market has been narrow in this bull market because the Fed has been tightening [7] - If the Fed cuts the funds rate, long-term bond yields and mortgage rates could decrease, the dollar could weaken, and the money supply could increase, all of which are positive for stocks and the economy [9] - A Fed rate cut could be a game-changer, potentially initiating a new bull market [10] Market Outlook and Investment Strategies - Small caps and midcaps offer a very attractive relative PE discount, trading at more than 30% discounts to their average 20-year relative PE with the S&P 500 [12][13] - Historically, 12 months after the Fed starts cutting interest rates, large caps gain less than 4%, while small caps are up about 3%, indicating significant room for small caps to move [13] - If the Fed eases, leadership may broaden out to small caps, international value plays [11]