The Factor Report

Market Wrap

For the week ended May 29th, 2026, stocks were higher everywhere. Bonds were also higher for the week as the iShares Core US Aggregate Bond ETF (AGG) rose 0.73% with yields falling modestly; the 10-year US treasury yield decreased to 4.45%, according to Yahoo Finance. Asset price drivers of the week:

• It was a holiday-shortened week as US markets were closed on Monday in honor of Memorial Day.
• Tuesday kicked things off on a positive note on Trump's announcement that a deal with Iran was close, even as fighting continued in southern Iran. US home prices also rose modestly and consumer confidence was higher than expected.
• Stocks were mixed on Wednesday as Emerging Markets rose, Non-US Developed fell, and the US was about flat. With no data to react to, investors showed some malaise over the endless reports of an end to the war in Iran with no real resolution.
• Indices were again mixed on Thursday as the US rose, Emerging Markets fell, and Non-US Developed was about flat. Investors were pleased with a number of economic data points, especially the Federal Reserve's preferred measure of inflation, which came in a bit below estimates for April. There were also more rumors that a deal with Iran is near. 
• Stocks were mostly higher again on Friday as investors awaited a formal announcement about the Strait of Hormuz. There was also some excitement around Tech stocks after Dell blew past earnings estimates and the stock rose ~33% according to Yahoo Finance.
• Next week will be a relatively quiet one from a data perspective. However, some key reports, including ISM manufacturing, ADP employment (private sector), and the all-important May jobs report. These, along with the following week's inflation reports, will be closely watched with the Federal Reserve meeting again this month (June 16-17).

Performance Summary

As shown in the chart, the US and Emerging Markets were neck and neck as the best performers this week while Non-US Developed lagged. Within the US, thanks again to a solid earnings season, Tech and Tech-related stocks were the best performers. From a factor perspective, US Momentum, Value, and Size beat the broader S&P 500.

In The News

Another potential outlet for unused 529 plan savings.

https://www.fa-mag.com/news/homebuying-may-be-next-frontier-for-529-college-savings-assets-87212.html?section=43&utm_source=FA+Magazine&utm_campaign=80e71f4465-FAN_AM_Foundation+Source+%234_052826_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_-02ce404ce3-625981838

Is cutting property taxes a good idea?

https://www.thinkadvisor.com/2026/05/28/floridas-property-tax-cut-plan-risks-charging-fees-for-everything?utm_source=email&utm_medium=enl&utm_campaign=earlywire&utm_content=05292026&oly_enc_id=3992A1328267B3X

An opinion piece on the state of the economy.

https://www.invesco.com/us/en/insights/solid-ground-markets-strong-earnings.html?utm_source=sfmc&utm_medium=email_IVZ&utm_campaign=uswmi_newsl&utm_client=139732466&utm_content=wmiusa-email_ivz-owned-cta1-33400690&utm_term=1075610&utm_ver=0

Disclosures

Past performance may not be indicative of future results. Different types of investments involve varying degrees of risk. Therefore, it should not be assumed that future performance of any specific investment or investment strategy will be profitable or equal the corresponding indicated performance level(s). Moreover, you should not assume that any of the above content serves as the receipt of, or as a substitute for, personalized investment advice from Metric Financial.

All data and performance information sourced from Morningstar and MarketWatch, unless otherwise indicated.

USA is the MSCI USA index, Non-US Developed is the MSCI EAFE index, Emerging Markets is the MSCI Emerging Markets index, and All Country World is the MSCI ACWI index. One cannot invest in an index. Because the factor indexes have varying inception dates, some of the returns provided are back-tested and do not represent actual performance. Inception dates are as follows:

Momentum = MSCI ACWI Momentum NR USD Index (Inception: 11/30/95)

Value = MSCI ACWI Enhanced Value NR USD Index (Inception: 5/29/15)

Quality = MSCI ACWI Quality NR USD Index (Inception: 5/29/92)

Low Volatility = MSCI ACWI Minimum Volatility (USD) NR USD Index (Inception: 5/28/93)

Size = MSCI ACWI Risk Weighted NR USD Index (Inception: 4/6/11)

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All written content is for information purposes only. Opinions expressed herein are solely those of Metric, unless otherwise specifically cited. Material presented is believed to be from reliable sources and no representations are made by our firm as to another parties’ informational accuracy or completeness. All information or ideas provided should be discussed in detail with an advisor, accountant or legal counsel prior to implementation.