Navigating market volatility and staying invested with target date funds.

U.S. equities ended the day lower in a choppy trading session, adding to yesterday's selloff that brought the major indices back to their lowest levels of the year. The markets dealt with a volatile week that closed out Q3 with a third-straight weekly loss. Investors sifted through a host of economic data that showed personal income matched expectations, and spending doubled forecasts, but inflation readings came in a bit hotter than expected. Meanwhile, manufacturing activity in the Chicago region tumbled, and consumer sentiment was revised lower. Treasury yields were higher, while the U.S. dollar was slightly lower. As well, crude oil prices declined, and gold prices were little changed. In equity news, NIKE bested the Street's forecasts but said gross margins will be squeezed amid a swell in inventories, while Micron Technology beat earnings estimates but offered a dismal outlook. Shares of Carnival Corporation fell sharply after posting a larger net loss than estimated and offering disappointing Q4 guidance. Asia finished mixed and Europe traded higher in the wake of yesterday's global selloff.

The December gold futures contract was $1,668.60 Thursday afternoon, following Wednesday’s sharp rally.