Updated Published Friday, June 3, 2022 at: 8:12 PM EDT

The Federal Reserve hiked rates on May 4 by a half-point. It was the first half-point hike since May 2000. This summer, the Fed plans two more half-point rate hikes, on June 15 and July 27. So this could be a long, hot summer for investors.

Reminiscent of the 1958 movie, “The Long, Hot Summer,” starring “newcomer” Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward, who were married for 50 years after making the movie, this summer of financial and economic news is going to be a drama.  As the trailer said, “Not since Peyton Place has a story been told so boldly.” The questions that will slowly be answered this summer are big:

Can the Fed engineer a soft landing? Or will the Fed tighten too much and tip the economy into recession?  And what will the Fed raise rates another half-point in September?

The stock market is not a fan of economic drama. As what may be a long, hot summer of 2022 got underway, the Standard & Poor’s 500 stock index closed this Friday at 4,108.54.

The index lost -1.63% from Thursday and dropped -1.2% from last week’s closing price. The S&P 500 has gained +58.97% since the March 23, 2020, bear market low and is down -15.45% from its January 3rd all-time high.

Nothing contained herein is to be considered a solicitation, research material, an investment recommendation, or advice of any kind, and it is subject to change without notice. Any investments or strategies referenced herein do not take into account the investment objectives, financial situation or particular needs of any specific person. Product suitability must be independently determined for each individual investor. Tax advice always depends on your particular personal situation and preferences. You should consult the appropriate financial professional regarding your specific circumstances. The material represents an assessment of financial, economic and tax law at a specific point in time and is not intended to be a forecast of future events or a guarantee of future results. Forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties. Actual results, performance, or achievements may differ materially from those expressed or implied. Information is based on data gathered from what we believe are reliable sources. It is not guaranteed as to accuracy, does not purport to be complete, and is not intended to be used as a primary basis for investment decisions. This article was written by a professional financial journalist for Advisor Products and is not intended as legal or investment advice.