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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Last week felt like Opposite Day. Will this continue or will data begin to be better represented on the markets?
Monday S&P 500 3.20% | NASDAQ 4.29%
Markets tumbled to open the week. The elevated volatility makes the day’s move far too common. The interesting move on the day was that it was a red day for most sectors. Equities and oil will contradict each other typically, however, they all fell on the day. The 2-year and 10-year yields both fell for the day (Yields and prices move in opposite directions). It what appear to be a safe haven bid for markets.
Tuesday S&P 500 0.25% | NASDAQ 0.98%
The day started firmly in the green as markets attempted to rebound losses from Monday. Those faded as the day wore on, but markets did remain in the green. Also making gains, was treasury prices as yields fell slightly.
Wednesday S&P 500 1.65% | NASDAQ 3.18%
Consumer Price Index (CPI) data came out on Wednesday. It showed that inflation softens slightly year over year, but less than was expected. The resilience of inflation will likely mean the aggressive nature of the Federal Reserve Board (FRB) should continue.
Thursday S&P 500 0.13% | NASDAQ 0.06%
Jobs data showed continued strength in the job market, to no one’s surprise. Additionally, the Producer Price Index (PPI) showed corporate inflationary pressure is persisting. PPI measures input costs for companies and is often a tell on if consumers should expect retail prices to rise. Markets were little changed on the day.
Friday S&P 500 2.39% | NASDAQ 3.82%
Markets rallied broadly on Friday. This was in spite of Consumer Confidence coming in weaker than expected. It is not surprising, as a weaker consumer creates less inflationary pressure. Less inflationary pressure means less cause for the FRB to be more aggressive on rates.
Conclusion S&P 500 2.41% | NASDAQ 2.80%
My kids like to play opposite day quite frequently. Yeah Dad, I cleaned my room… nope… Yeah Dad, I emptied the dish washer… really… Apparently, the stock market is taking a lesson from my kiddos. Good economic data, while good for the economy, signals a more aggressive FRB which will hurt future earnings prospects. Bad economic data, while bad for the economy, signals a more restrained FRB and therefore bodes well for future earnings. Look for opposite day to last the next year or so…
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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.