Markets sold consistently across the week. Is there more red to expect in coming weeks?
Monday S&P 500 1.20% | NASDAQ 1.79%
Happy Tax Day! Retail sales expanded more than expected in March. Three major companies reported earnings, all three met expectations, all of which were financials. This was not surprising as financials usually head up earnings season. They also give us a good indication of how earnings season should go. Retail sales, however, took center stage as a strong consumer reduces the need for Federal Reserve Board (FRB) rate cuts. This caused an outsized move downward as investors anticipate less stimulus for 2024.
Tuesday S&P 500 0.21% | NASDAQ 0.12%
Housing data for March came in weaker than market expectation. Ten major companies reported earnings, with two missing expectations. Although mild, the losses continued. FRB Chair Powell indicated that inflation’s recent strength does not give the board confidence to start easing policy.
Wednesday S&P 500 0.58% | NASDAQ 1.15%
11 major companies reported earnings on the day, with three missing expectations. Focus was squarely on earnings as there was little economic data on the day. Tech stocks took a hit as AI chip orders for a specific company did not meet expectations. As would be expected this hit the tech heavy NASDAQ harder than the S&P 500.
Thursday S&P 500 0.22% | NASDAQ 0.52%
Initial unemployment claims remain benign. Existing home sales also slowed in March. 11 major companies reported earnings on the day, with one missing expectations. Markets were down for the day, but in a less dramatic fashion. Robust employment data typically is not favorable information when hoping for an FRB rate cut (as investors are).
Friday S&P 500 0.88% | NASDAQ 2.05%
Six major companies reported earnings on the day, with one missing expectations. NASDAQ led the way lower as Tech and communications got hit hardest. The best performers on the day were defensives, like utilities, healthcare, staples, and also financials.
Conclusion S&P 500 3.05% | NASDAQ 5.52%
The week was bloody. There was not a single up day for the S&P 500 or the NASDAQ Composite. The moves were not founded in fundamental data, as earnings did well. Some forward guidance shows warning of slowing revenues throughout the year, but that is normal for the last two years. Economic data, which signals the economy is doing well, has actually pushed stocks lower. The stronger the economy, the less likely the FRB is to act in reducing rates. The sell-off has extended to approximately 6%. It may take a breather in the coming days but expect that we are not done.
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Markets ended the week slightly down from the last. Rates were in focus, but should they be?
Monday
Markets were in the red most of the day only to surge into the green in the closing minutes. Monday was light on economic data, but this week will have plenty for investors to focus on. Retail sales report on Tuesday, the Federal Reserve Board (FRB) meeting ends Wednesday, and Friday will be busy for derivatives.
Tuesday
The movement for markets was mild on Tuesday, but still in the red. The FRB kicked off their two-day meeting. This is a hotly awaited meeting as investors eagerly await the FRB’s response to the recent rise in rates. If they respond with an operation twist it will be viewed as yield curve control. As the long end of the curve rises, we create gap to the next recession. This is because we increase the travel required to a yield curve inversion.
Wednesday
Markets ran in red most of the day. At 2PM that all changed. The FRB meeting adjourned with no change in rates as expected. The dot plot (individual member polling for future rate hikes) pointed to an increasing acceptance of rate hikes in 2023. This willingness to accept the reality of the recent rate surge helped markets push ahead.
Thursday
Everything reversed course on Thursday. While the FRB reaction yesterday was welcomed, Thursday the focus was on higher rates likely not fading. The 10-year treasury was above 1.75% for the first time since before the pandemic.
Friday
Markets were fairly range bound on Friday. What was poised to be an active day in the derivative markets proved to be a mundane end to the week. Markets ended the day moderately lower.
Conclusion
In all The S&P 500 ended the week lower. Driven by a rise in the 10-year treasury rate, ending the week at 1.74%. A high enough level to cause concern (specifically for the speed by which we got there). However, this is a low enough level that monetary conditions are viewed as extremely loose. Pre-pandemic, the lowest level the 10-year treasury had ever reached was 1.37%. With it merely .37% higher, there is reason to ask if too much is being made of the recent rise.
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Always remember that while this is a week in review, this does not trigger or relate to trading activity on your account with Financial Future Services. Broad diversification across several asset classes with a long-term holding strategy is the best strategy in any market environment.
Any and all third-party posts or responses to this blog do not reflect the views of the firm and have not been reviewed by the firm for completeness or accuracy.