Thank Santa! | December 10, 2021 | FFS

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 markets soared last week. Do we have Santa to thank for this year end gift?

Monday

The S&P 500 surged to open the week. Initial indications regarding Omicron have shown less to be concerned about than originally thought. This is indicated by the resurgence of ‘reopening’ trade positions leading the way on Monday. The S&P 500 added 1.17%.

Tuesday

Markets pushed substantially higher on the day as fears around Omicron continue to fade. Technology stocks led the way as the NASDAQ out did the S&P 500. All major indices moved within reach of their all-time highs. The S&P 500 added 2.07% on the day.

Wednesday

Markets opened in the red for Wednesday as JOLT’s job openings topped 11M. A higher reading indicates availability of employment. This further justifies Federal Reserve Board (FRB) action to tighten monetary policy, which caused markets to retreat. They did claw their way out, however, as investor sentiment seems to improve every December… The S&P 500 ended the day 0.31% higher.

Thursday

The Job data keeps rolling in! Initial jobless claims came in at an incredibly low 188K. Under healthy economic conditions a normal reading would be in the low 200K range. So, these reading as of late are a strong indication of a healthy job market. Again, this is currently a net negative for stock market performance and markets slipped for the day. Good jobs data mean sooner FRB action to tighten monetary policy. The S&P 500 shed 0.71%.

Friday

Markets rose to close out the week. Much of the week was a hurry up and wait for Friday. Consumer Price index (CPI) (inflation gauge) came out Friday showing a 6.8% increase year over year. Headlines all read “The highest level since 1982!” To be clear 6.9% was expected. Also, CPI at its height in 1982 was 8.9% and for that cycle 14.8% (January, 1980). So, the positive response from markets was that the inflation increase was less than anticipated. Also, it likely means a more predictable FRB process ahead.

Conclusion

The S&P 500 added 3.82% for the week. It could be attributed to several things: strong job data, Omicron fears subsiding, or the Santa Claus Rally (yes that’s a thing). More likely it is a combination of inflation and Job data making the FRB approach increasingly predictable. It does mean less monetary accommodation, but it also means a predictable path, which investor can adjust for. This week will be important for that path as the FRB is meeting and announcing any potential changes in trajectory.