Since 2012, Anton Bayer's Weekly UPdate has examined markets and the economy, continuing a market and economic commentary tradition that began in 2002. Each week, Anton looks past the headlines to the data shaping the discussion.
Import and export prices just posted their biggest yearly jumps since 2022, and this week's UPdate walks through what that could mean for your budget and loan rates heading into the holidays.
Anton Bayer · October 20, 2026 · 5 min read
Last week we took a close look at the S&P 500, which set a new record close on October 6. We also tested two common worries, that a record high means a fall is coming, and that a big year means a weak one next.
Anton Bayer · October 13, 2026 · 6 min read
The S&P 500 is at a record after a 17% year. We tested two common worries, that records and big years lead to falls, against data since 1990.
Anton Bayer · October 6, 2026 · 5 min read
Headline news continues to center on the steady rise in prices and the cost of living.
Anton Bayer · September 29, 2026 · 8 min read
The headline last week was the Federal Reserve (Fed) decision to raise the federal funds target range by 0.25 percentage points to 3.75% to 4.00%, which also lifted the discount rate to 4.00%.
Anton Bayer · September 22, 2026 · 10 min read
Anton Bayer shares what a three-day Sierra backpacking trip with his son's father-in-law taught him about preparation, leadership, and the people who keep us on the right path.
Anton Bayer · September 15, 2026 · 12 min read
With the Fed silent and Wall Street split nearly 50/50 on next week's rate decision, this UPdate explains why the market's mood swings may matter less than what a future rate cut would signal.
Anton Bayer, CFP® · September 8, 2026 · 8 min read
Since June 2, the major indices have traded in a narrow, directionless range, a market version of a pilot losing visibility in the clouds. This UPdate looks at why disciplined investors trust their instruments, the strongest quarterly earnings growth since 2021, and the two questions every investor should be asking now.
Anton Bayer · September 1, 2026 · 9 min read
Headlines warn of AI-driven layoffs, but the latest BLS jobs report shows unemployment easing and labor productivity rising. What it means for investors.
Anton Bayer · August 25, 2026 · 6 min read
Since June 2, major indices have traded in a relatively flat range while corporate earnings kept growing, gradually making valuations more attractive.
Anton Bayer · August 19, 2026 · 7 min read