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 have now gained for two weeks after a rough start to the year. Should the growth continue?
Monday S&P 500 0.04% | NASDAQ 0.40%
Markets started on shaky footing and found its way lower for the day. The markets were reacting to comments from Federal Reserve Board (FRB) Chair Powell. He stated inflation is running much higher than they would like, and they will take aggressive actions to combat it. He referenced 0.5% hikes as an option. Additionally, oil prices spiked as a peaceful resolution in Ukraine seemed to become less likely over the weekend. The net impact is additional concern for inflation for the FRB. The S&P 500 ended up clawing back to even to close the session.
Tuesday S&P 500 1.13% | NASDAQ 1.95%
Markets came out punching on Tuesday morning. Word that Ukraine was making ground reclaiming neighborhoods helped sentiment. Oil prices softened and the 10-year treasury yield jumped. Over the last 3 months the yield has risen .88% reflecting the stress created by the FRB policy around rates.
Wednesday S&P 500 1.23% | NASDAQ 1.32%
Markets opened in the red and stayed there all day. Sentiment was sour at the open as new home sales continued to slow. More impactful, however, was a larger than expected draw down of oil supplies for the US. Elevated concerns of an oil shortage ended up pushing oil prices above $115.
Thursday S&P 500 1.43% | NASDAQ 1.93%
Services and manufacturing both showed signs of strengthening. Additionally, jobless claims came in at a historically low level. All of these would point to a more hawkish FRB, but markets climbed. In part, oil retreated as WTI Crude came in around $111. While equity markets rallied on oil’s slide, bond markets tipped lower as rate increase odds rose.
Friday S&P 500 0.51% | NASDAQ 0.16%
Both consumer sentiment and pending home sales softened. Setting markets in the wrong direction Friday morning. The S&P managed to claw its way to positive territory. This was a statement of investor sentiment as opposed to data. Treasuries continued the sell off that has been underway for a few weeks now.
Conclusion S&P 500 1.79% | NASDAQ 1.98%
The markets climbed for the week as investor sentiment seems to be improving. Days starting in the red and investors buying into the close is pushing markets to the green. This sentiment is a clear message from investors that status quo from the global environment will still spell growth for the US economy.
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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.