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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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.
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| AUTHOR: Jason J. Roque, CFP®, APMA®, AWMA® TITLE: Investment Adviser Rep – CCO TAGS: S&P 500, |
This was a quiet week for markets. Is this the calm before the storm, or just the new norm?
Monday
The week opened with more of a whimper than anything else. The trading clearly pointed to renewed concerns regarding COVID and potential closures. The S&P 500 was little changed, down 0.1%. More telling was that energy closed lower and the NASDAQ rose.
Tuesday
Market volume increased Tuesday, however, markets were still fairly subdued. The S&P 500 gained 0.1%. The trading on Tuesday was decidedly more upbeat as everything retraced itself from Monday. Energy surged higher, the NASDAQ fell, and broadly market indices were higher.
Wednesday
Markets edge higher on Wednesday with the S&P 500 gaining 0.2%. CPI data for July showed an inflation rate of 5.4% YoY. While higher than the 5.3% expected, it was only modestly higher. Core CPI, which strips out food and fuel, came it at 4.3%.
Thursday
Markets expanded 0.3% in the most active day last week. Initial jobless claims improved, down to 375K. All major indices with the exception of he Russell 2000 were up.
Friday
The S&P 500 had a quiet Friday, up 0.1% most of the day and closing up 0.2%. Consumer Sentiment is projected to fall for August to 70.2, the lowest projected level since April of 2020.
Conclusion
Good or bad, it was a very quiet week on the market. The S&P rose 31 points, not even a full percent, however, stability and calm are not uncommon for August. The fall return to trade (volumes) could likely carry more volatility for equity markets.
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