Hilltop Securities Inc.

Retail sales topped the median forecast in September as U.S. consumers, once again, exceeded expectations. Since personal consumption accounts for roughly two-thirds of GDP growth, this morning’s unexpectedly solid results signal higher economic growth for the third quarter. To read our latest Economic Commentary by Senior Portfolio Manager Scott McIntyre, CFA here: https://lnkd.in/g-mrpH6W #HilltopSecurities #EconomicCommentary #BondYields

Only ONE WEEK left in our 4th Annual Hilltop Hunt! We’re calling all K -12 educators in Texas to enter for a chance to win a share of $50,000 in prizes. Visit HilltopHunt.com and solve the riddles for a chance to win! The Hilltop Hunt will remain open until Oct. 23. Good luck! (No purchase necessary to enter or win, contest is open to anyone employed in a teaching role by an accredited school in Texas teaching K – 12th grade.) #HilltopSecurities #HilltopHunt #TexasTeachers #MoTheBuffalo

Market volatility, and observers’ focus on the Fed’s dependence upon data is now offering what could be the best opportunity for a new, or additional entry into the municipal bond market for 2024. Read our latest Municipal Commentary by Head of Public Policy and Municipal Strategy Tom Kozlik here: https://lnkd.in/gdBVMrq8 #HilltopSecurities #MuniMarket #BondMarket

The Consumer Price Index (CPI) came in a little warmer than expected in September, although based on positive bond market reaction, it appears investors may have anticipated a bit worse. Overall CPI rose +0.2% for the third straight month, slightly above the +0.1% median forecast. On an annual basis, CPI was up +2.4%, also slightly above forecast, but down from +2.5% to the lowest level since February 2021. Once again, lower energy prices restrained the headline number, down -1.9% for the month and -6.8% for the year. Within the energy category, gasoline prices fell -4.1% for the month and -15.3% year-over-year. Unfortunately, food prices moved considerably higher, up +0.4%, with the increase attributed entirely to the cost of groceries. Read our latest Economic Commentary by Senior Portfolio Manager Scott McIntyre, CFA here: https://lnkd.in/dGyKqF4M #HilltopSecurities #EconomicCommentary #Bonds

HilltopSecurities Managing Director Megan DeGrass will be moderating a panel discussion at the National Federation of Municipal Analysts Fall Advanced Seminar on Higher Education beginning at 8:30 a.m. ET on October 18, 2024, in Washington D.C. The panel is titled “Exploring the Path Forward - Opportunities & Challenges for HBCUs”. To learn more about the event or to register, click here: https://bit.ly/3Nht9oz #HilltopSecurities #NFMA #HigherEducation #WashingtonDC

Momentum Independent Network is proud to announce that Gregg Gatlin has joined the firm as a Financial Advisor. Gatlin has over 35 years of experience as a financial advisor — spending the last 15 years with LPL Financial. Gatlin offers a personalized service to keep clients focused on where they want to go and the importance of maintaining a disciplined approach to wealth management. He strives to help clients understand their investments and educate them on the market. Join us in welcoming Gregg to the Herd! #MomentumIndependentNetwork #FinancialAdvisor #WealthManagement

Join us on October 10th from 5:30 to 8:00 PM at the Dallas Museum of Art (1717 N Harwood St, Dallas, Texas) to celebrate our Hispanic Heritage Month with amazing organizations and partners! ?? RSVP Today: https://lnkd.in/gd_BwNbp #HHMMegaMixer2024 #DallasLatinoLeaders #DallasNonProfits #HHMMegaMixerPartner #Dallas #DFWCommunity #MeetFrida Thursday, October 10, 2024 5:30 PM - 8:00 PM Dallas Museum of Art 1717 N Harwood St, Dallas, Texas 75201 RSVP Required: $0 Frida Exhibition: Complementary Reduced Parking Fee: $10 Cash Bar

The 4th annual Hilltop Hunt has OFFICIALLY BEGUN! We’re calling all K-12 educators in Texas to participate for a chance to win a share of $50,000 in prizes. The first riddle was released today, and the next nine will be released every weekday through October 17, 2024 at HilltopHunt.com (No purchase necessary to enter or win, and the contest is open to anyone employed in a teaching role by an accredited school in Texas teaching K-12th grade). Best of luck! #HilltopHunt #HilltopSecurities #MoTheBuffalo

Concerns of excessive weakness in the labor market were abruptly shelved this morning after an unexpectedly strong September employment report. The Bureau of Labor Statistics announced +254k workers were added to company payrolls last month, up from the previously reported +142k count in August, while the headline unemployment rate dropped to 4.1%. It’s notable that since “the Sahm Rule” was triggered two months ago, stoking recession fears, the unemployment rate has reversed direction, moving lower in both August and September. Read our latest Economic Commentary by Senior Portfolio Manager Scott McIntyre, CFA here: https://lnkd.in/g-Vi5kMT #HilltopSecurities #Commentary #LaborMarket

The Institute for Supply Management (ISM) survey of U.S. service managers flashed unexpected strength in September, climbing further into expansion territory (above 50) with the highest composite index measure in 20 months. The solid 54.9 reading, which might have been higher if not for managers expressing election uncertainty, reflected growth in 12 of 17 service industries, up from 10 in August. Read our latest Economic Commentary by Senior Portfolio Manager Scott McIntyre, CFA here: https://lnkd.in/gdHPtqky #HilltopSecurities #EconomicCommentary #SupplyManagement