Cracking Markets? | May 27, 2022 | 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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Is inflation showing signs of cracking? If so, what could it mean for market directions from here?

Monday S&P 500 1.86% | NASDAQ 1.59%

Equities rallied on a weaker dollar, making markets more attractive to international investors. Tariff relief was mentioned by the president to help inflation. The rise on Monday was the first in several weeks as the S&P 500 is riding a seven-week losing streak.

Tuesday S&P 500 0.81% | NASDAQ 2.35%

A retreat was in order on Tuesday as a negative earnings forecast from Snap sent markets lower. Interestingly, the low was not an entire erasing of yesterday’s gains. This is the first time in a while this has occurred. It may be a signal that we have seen the bottom… Just maybe…

Wednesday S&P 500 0.95% | NASDAQ 1.51%

Markets gained on Wednesday, marking the second day this week. Something that has also not happened in a while. The rise was partly attributable to the Federal Reserve Board (FRB) minutes. They indicated that the FRB expects to be flexible with their path given economic conditions. This opens the door to a more dovish FRB.

Thursday S&P 500 1.99% | NASDAQ 2.68%

The markets opened sharply higher and stayed there throughout the day. The catalyst was retail earnings data that impressed from Macy’s and Dollar General. Interestingly, strong earnings for Dollar General is more of an indication of the strong impact inflation is having on the consumer.

Friday S&P 500 2.49% | NASDAQ 3.35%

Markets surged into the end to the week. The gains amounted to a 6% week over week rise for the S&P 500. This jump could help the month of May end in the green (ever so slightly). A key piece of data released Friday morning was PCE data (inflation). It showed signs of a weakening, moving from 6.6% down to 6.3%. It may seem nominal, but year over year inflation does not move by big numbers.

Conclusion S&P 500 6.58% | NASDAQ 6.84%

The softening inflation data out on Friday was some of the most meaningful data from the week. Weaker inflation signaled that the more dovish FRB referenced on Wednesday may be a reality for markets. If that comes through, it could be fuel enough to cause a bit of a rally from this point.