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Broad measures of U.S. and international equities surged to record highs in August, driven by robust earnings that helped offset the drag from rising foreign long-term interest rates. The small-cap Russell 2000 Index led the charge with a 7.1% gain, the S&P 500 advanced 2.0%, and the MSCI All Country World Index ex-U.S. rose 3.5%.

Despite ongoing tensions — including President Trump's continued pressure on Fed Chair Powell, ongoing trade negotiations, and geopolitical issues across the globe — the markets continued to push higher in July.