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Last week marked the seventh anniversary of the U.S. stock market bottom on March 9, 2009. To put the recent volatility into perspective, let's take a look at what has changed over the last seven years:

The S&P 500 has risen substantially

U.S. equity markets ended another volatile week lower despite a bounce in oil prices. For the week, the S&P 500 lost 0.81%, the Dow fell 1.43%, and the Corporate Bond Index was flat.

Now that 2015 is in the rear-view mirror, let's take a look at some of the factors that influenced markets last year. Though U.S. stock markets closed negative for the year, it's important to realize what a small miracle that is, given the many challenges that markets faced in 2015.

After a brief rally after the Federal Reserve announced its historic decision, markets ended another choppy week in the red, battered by plummeting oil prices and rocky investor sentiment. For the week, the S&P 500 lost 0.34%, the Dow dropped 0.79%, and the U.S. Corporate Bond Index fell 0.52%.

Here are a few thoughts that should add some perspective on any interest rate policy changes that may be announced by the Federal Open Market Committee today. Regardless of what happens, there will likely be significant media hysteria, so try to ignore that and keep a longer term perspective if any volatility follows the announcement.

Please take the time to read this most recent update on current global investment market conditions, focusing on the U.S. stock market.

Please take the time to read this most recent update on current global investment market conditions, focusing on the U.S. stock market.

Important update on current global investment market conditions.

U.S. stocks ended a defensive week in the red as investor sentiment deteriorated in the face of fresh worries out of China. For the week, the S&P 500 fell 5.77%, the Dow lost 5.82%, and the NASDAQ slid 6.78%.

As you know, occasionally during our regular readings we come across material that is so on point and so well written that we feel compelled to share it with you in its entirety. Below is a writing, which addresses the good things happening under the surface in the U.S. economy in contrast to the daily negative headlines and recent lackluster performance of the U.S.

As everyone is preparing for the long holiday weekend, we thought it would be prudent to share a few thoughts on the investment markets that you might keep in mind as you are celebrating the Birthday of America. Here are some high level points to consider