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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Market volatility remained high this last week. What asset classes can we look to for growth in the near-term?
Monday S&P 500 1.69% | NASDAQ 2.18%
Markets opened in the red and the sell-off deepened as the day progressed. Yields surged on Monday leading markets lower as anticipation grows over inflationary data due out Tuesday. Higher yields have a larger effect on growth stocks, which was evident by the heavier losses on the NASDAQ.
Tuesday S&P 500 0.34% | NASDAQ 0.30%
Headline Consumer Price Index (CPI) came out at 8.5% (inflation). This higher reading should have led markets lower, but instead the S&P 500 was up as much as 1.5% early. Those numbers faded to the red late in the day as more negativity is anticipated as earnings season gets underway. Core CPI (which strips out fuel and food) grew less than expected and may have played into the early rally.
Wednesday S&P 500 1.12% | NASDAQ 2.03%
Consumer Discretionary, Technology, and Materials all surged on the day. This flies in the face of recessionary fears. This signals a strong consumer in the near term as earnings season gets underway. Interestingly, consumer behavior has directly contradicted consumer sentiment. We are at multiple year lows on sentiment; however, actual consumption remains strong.
Thursday S&P 500 1.21% | NASDAQ 2.14%
Markets opened in the green and quickly retreated into the red. This marks the last day of trading for the week as Good Friday is a market holiday. The move lower was led by growth stocks as the rally in bond yields resumed leadership on the day. The growth heavy NASDAQ nearly doubled the losses of the broader S&P 500. The sell sentiment almost felt as though investors did not want to hold shares into the long weekend.
Friday S&P 500 X.XX% | NASDAQ X.XX%
Markets were closed in observance of Good Friday.
Conclusion S&P 500 2.16% | NASDAQ 2.64%
Interest rates, interest rates, interest rates… That was the story for the majority of the week. We have a pretty clear view of the road ahead:
- GDP is growing at a clip above 5%
- Persistent inflation, though softening core levels
- Better than expected corporate earnings
The picture over the next year provides reasons to be optimistic. Asset classes that provide a hedge against rising rates and companies that carry little leverage appear to be poised to win the day.
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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.