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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It was a pummeling this last week on the markets. Interest rates fell and markets did as well, will it continue?
Monday
Novavax announced efficacy data that shows over a 90% rate. Had this been released in November it would have contributed to a market rally. In a ‘good news is bad news’ environment; markets were down most of Monday. They climbed in the last few minutes of trading to end the day in the green.
Tuesday
Inflation indicators signaled more on the horizon. Additionally, retail sales came in weak. In a shift in mentality, this data although bad news, actually caused a negative day on the markets.
Wednesday
Markets fell on Wednesday as the Federal Reserve Bank (FRB) showed indication that rates may raise sooner than previously announced. It wasn’t a dramatic shift as they are still likely on hold until 2023. This created tension in markets as higher rates spell lower profits for corporations.
Thursday
The S&P 500 was steady after a volatile Wednesday. This was surprising as initial jobless claims rose for the first time since the beginning of April. This sign does not bode well for re-opening. Markets however are enjoying that data. So much of re-opening has been priced in that slower opening data has actually been welcomed.
Friday
Markets tumbled on Friday heading into the weekend. This seemed to be a continuation of the negative tone all week. Mainly spurred on by the more hawkish tone of he FRB.
Conclusion
The S&P 500 lost 1.91% across the week. The adjustment that the FRB made to their forecast, while large, was expected. Likely the concern is that no one expected it as of yet. The next major checkpoint to watch for the FRB would be their annual meeting in Jackson hole (August).
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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.