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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The rally is over, or is it? Markets fell last week, but should we expect it to continue?
Monday S&P 500 0.40% | NASDAQ 0.62%
China lowered keys rates over night which yielded a bullish market at open. Heavy stimulus from China could signal a resurgence of activity later this year. This week will be heavy on consumer retail earnings.
Tuesday S&P 500 0.18% | NASDAQ 0.20%
Markets started the day in the red and floated into the green as the day progressed. Earnings out of Walmart beat expectations. Consumers are shifting their spend but still spending. They reported that the recent relief in fuel expenses has translated to consumer spending.
Wednesday S&P 500 0.72% | NASDAQ 1.25%
Energy prices increased on the day, raising concerns about future inflation. US exports of fuel increased last month as the US begins to replace Russian fuel supplies to Europe. Target failed to meet earnings expectations as inventories dragged on their performance. Federal Reserve Board (FRB) minutes from their last meeting were released. They showed an indication of slowing rate hikes ahead. Markets rebounded briefly on the news. Markets remained in the red throughout the day and ended there.
Thursday S&P 500 0.23% | NASDAQ 0.21%
Markets moved sideways most of the day trying to find a reason to rise. They did so in the final hour, but not by much. Short term interest rates floated down on the day and interest rate expectations softened. Oil prices firmed on the day, which will provide a contradictory opinion in coming days.
Friday S&P 500 1.29% | NASDAQ 2.01%
The equity markets retreated on Friday as anticipation builds towards the FRB’s meeting in Jackson Hole next week. As a result, the markets saw equities selloff, yields climb, a stronger dollar, and higher fuel-based commodities.
Conclusion S&P 500 1.21% | NASDAQ 2.62%
Welp, it was fun while it lasted, but the four-week rally seems to have lost steam. Markets closed the week in negative territory for the first time in five weeks. Eyes seem to be turning to Jackson Hole. The anticipation of a hawkish FRB will likely be fulfilled. As the economy continues to weaken with the current FRB activity, their resolve to stay hawkish will be tested. In the short run this could mean negativity, but in the intermediate term it should mean opportunity.
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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.