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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Docile week as markets reflected marginal losses? No, not at all… What really happened throughout the week?
Monday
Markets dug a large hole to start the week but worked its way out by market close. The bleeding ended up being minor, with the S&P 500 losing 0.1%. The move came as major bank analysts continue to report a hawkish Federal Reserve Bank (FRB) for 2022. They are not only likely raising rates but attempting to reduce their balance sheet during the 4th quarter.
Tuesday
The S&P 500 rose 0.9% and the Nasdaq rose 1.4%. This came after an early drop in markets. The initial risk-off environment was fostered by testimony from FRB chair Powell in the morning. That testimony ultimately confirmed thoughts for investors that the trajectory for rates in coming months will be on the rise.
Wednesday
Consumer Price index (CPI) data out on Tuesday showed a 0.6% increase for the month of December. That monthly reading led to a 7.0% YoY reading. The S&P 500 rose 0.28%. While the YoY number rose, the monthly increase was down from the last two months.
Thursday
The day started in the green and faded hard into the red. The S&P 500 ended up losing 1.42% on the day. FRB officials spoke publicly on Thursday about the Banks intent to start raising rates as early as March. The FRB will do this often in an effort to telegraph their actions. By doing so, they prevent a much broader sell off at the time of the increase.
Friday
Markets floated just under water for the majority of the day. Retail sales missed expectations by a wide margin. Additionally, preliminary readings for consumer sentiment show the metric falling into the 60’s. Outside of the pandemic, we haven’t seen sentiment in the 60’s since 2011. Coincidently, that was the last time we saw inflation above 2%. The S&P ended up pulling into the green for the day ending at a 0.08% rise.
Conclusion
The S&P 500 did lose 0.3% for the week. This comes across as a fairly mild week when taken in total, however intra-week volatility absolutely told another story. The increase in recent volatility is not surprising given the interest rate forecasts for 2022; however, I should remind people that the docile nature of 2021 is not the norm.
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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.