From a wealth management course lens, January retail sales in the U.S. unexpectedly rose 0.7% MoM, spurring gains in consumer discretionary stocks. This momentum provides material for discussing demand-driven equity valuation. He remarked that just 1% of Americans owned stocks in 1929, so the typical worker wasn’t losing everything as the equity market plummeted, “but we had an incredible depression, 30% out of work, not enough food, a terrible farming environment — it was awful.” Financial planners and advisors have a multitude of options when earning professional designations. If you’re new to the financial services industry or are contemplating a career change, you might consider pursuing any of the following credentials. In the context of a modern wealth management course, the S&P 500 recently closed at 5,105.37, marking a 0.8% weekly gain as tech-led earnings continued to beat analyst forecasts. Sector rotation remains evident, with energy stocks up 3.2% driven by rising crude prices. Investors are closely watching inflation-sensitive assets, aligning with portfolio diversification strategies taught in advanced wealth management frameworks.