Market Review Archives - Rocky Mountain Financial Solutions

Market Brief January 24, 2022

jim Financial advisor, Investment Management, Market Brief, Market Review, Retirement Income Planning, Retirement Planning, wealth management January 24, 2022January 24, 2022financial advisor, investment management, market brief, Market Review, retirement income planning, retirement planning, wealth management

A new year, a new tune? So far that is the trend…

With all the speculation around what this year will bring, including the effects of inflation and an ongoing pandemic, whether markets will continue to soar, along with predicting when the Fed may raise interest rates (and how many times), a quote from the late Donald Rumsfeld, former U.S. Secretary of Defense, comes to mind:

“There are known knowns. These are things we know that we know. There are known unknowns. That is to say, there are things that we know we don’t know. But there are also unknown unknowns. There are things we don’t know we don’t know.”

The idea of known unknowns is helpful in forming your financial strategy.

What do we know already (known knowns)?

Are we conscious of what we are not exploring (unknown unknowns)?

What about biases and unconscious decisions (unknown knowns)?

As this year unfolds and we move into a potentially volatile time in the economy, let’s work closely together, examining your goals and adjusting if needed as conditions change to keep you on track.

Here is a review of last week and what to look forward to this week…

Last Week

The Nasdaq fell 7.5% due to disappointing earnings results. The drop put the Nasdaq below its 200-day moving average for the first time since April 2020. The S&P 500 fell 5.5% and is off 8.25% from its early January highs. Every S&P 500 sector lost ground, with consumer discretionary, technology, and financials all down between 6-8%. Concerning inflation and corporate profits accelerated an overall risk off movement by investors.

Globally, anxieties rose over Russia making a move against Ukraine. In the U.S., a surprise drop into negative territory for January’s Empire State manufacturing survey revealed the economic damage that the omicron variant has done. Weekly jobless claims took an unexpected turn higher, totaling 286K as illness-related absences increased.

Reported housing data came in mixed as mortgage rates ticked up, reaching the highest levels since March 2020. New home construction ended 2021 on a positive note and annual housing starts were the highest since 2006. Homebuilder sentiment slipped slightly in January as lumber prices have soared back to near last summer’s highs, while existing home sales sank 4.6% in December on record low inventory. Overseas, China’s central bank moved to shore up a slowing economy hurt by the real estate sector, cutting several benchmark lending rates. China’s economy grew by 8.1% in 2021, below forecasts of 8.4%.

The Week Ahead

Investor sentiment has been pushed to levels not seen in a long time. The latest AAII survey showed bullish sentiment at 21%, an 18-month low, while bearish sentiment jumped to 47%, a 16-month high. Readings at those extremes may suggest an oversold market in the short term. However, this week is packed with potential big-impact announcements. The largest being the FOMC’s statement to be released mid-day Wednesday. Will Powell change his hawkish tone given recent risk-asset performance, or stay the course laid out in December? Reaction may be volatile either way.

Manufacturing and services PMIs, along with consumer confidence numbers, will precede the Fed’s account. Thursday brings the first look at Q4 GDP, where consensus forecasts have slowly come down and currently sit around 5.3%. Durable goods and pending home sales will also report on Thursday, and then Friday an inflation update lands with the Core PCE Price Index. And don’t forget earnings season is in full swing as 108 names in the S&P 500 are expected to report quarterly results.

Click here if you would like to learn more about your options and if we can assist you with your wealth management, investment, and retirement planning.

This website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be specific advice or recommendations. For specific advice or recommendations you would need to meet directly with one of our advisers.

Omicron Variant and the Impact on Markets

jim Financial advisor, Investment Management, Market Brief, Market Review, Retirement Income Planning, Retirement Planning, wealth management December 6, 2021December 6, 2021financial advisor, investment management, market brief, retirement income planning, wealth management

A volatile week sent U.S. equity indexes lower after a disappointing jobs report, dampening Fed comments, and negative Omicron variant news. December kicked off with some fireworks, and the rest of the month looks ready for more volatility as opposed to the seasonal Santa rally investors have come to expect. All three major indexes finished lower for the week; the Dow down 0.76%, S&P down 1.18%, and Nasdaq down 2.6%.

Last Week – Omicron Variant

The S&P 500 recorded its second consecutive weekly loss. The index finished the month of November down 0.83% after rising to record highs early in the month. Equity markets dropped on the announcement of the omicron variant. The variant originated in South Africa but has made its way to the U.S. The VIX volatility index spiked over 100% from an October low to the highest level seen since January of this year.

Fed chair Powell’s Senate testimony surprised markets by implying a potentially quicker path for tapering and eventually rate hikes. Even in the face of the omicron variant. Adding it’s probably time to stop using the word “transitory” to explain the recent surge in inflation. Powell also warned the omicron variant could slow the labor market’s recovery and increase supply chain disruption. The market is currently anticipating one rate hike by July 2022.

Job reports were mixed last week. U.S. private sector job growth was robust in November, with the ADP report coming in above estimates at 534K. On the other hand, the non-farm payroll report disappointed with only a 210K rise in November payrolls. This figure was less than half the estimate, despite the unemployment rate falling more than expected to 4.2%. The 4.2% mark is the lowest since February 2020. The U.S. economy has now recovered 83% of the jobs lost in March and April of 2020.

In other economic news, U.S. ISM Manufacturing PMI ticked up to 61.1 in November. The services PMI recorded another all-time high of 69.1 as strong demand was boosted by supply chain improvements. According to the Conference Board’s report, consumer confidence fell to a 9-month low on rising prices and pandemic concerns. Despite rising mortgage rates, pending home sales jumped 7.5% in October as buyers returned.

Week Ahead

This week the main U.S. events include Treasury auctions, which did not go well the last time around, and the JOLTS job openings report on Wednesday. CPI report comes out on Friday. The market is anticipating a blowout November CPI inflation rate to be announced in the week ahead. The median estimate of 6.7% growth would be the highest since 1982. On the international calendar, China headlines with inflation data and trade balance numbers. US investors will also continue to monitor exposure to China as pressure from Chinese regulators led Didi Global Inc. to make the decision to delist from the NYSE in favor of a Hong Kong listing. Year-to-date index performance; Dow up 12.98%, S&P up 20.83%, and Nasdaq up 17.05% through the close on Friday.

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Major Indexes Continue Higher

jim Financial advisor, Investing, Investment Management, Market Brief, Market Commentary, Market Review, Retirement Income Planning, wealth management November 8, 2021November 8, 2021financial advisor, Investing, investment management, market brief, retirement income planning, wealth management

Major indexes closed at all-time highs last week. U.S. equities reached new record highs after strong jobs data and the Federal Reserve’s expected tapering decision. Last week, the Dow finished up 1.43%, S&P 2.03%, and Nasdaq 3.08%.

Last Week – Major Indexes Reach New Highs

The S&P 500 Index returned 2.03% last week after closing Friday at all-time highs. Equities rallied on positive economic data and strong corporate earnings. Last week earnings season reached full swing after 183 names in the S&P 500 announced quarterly results. Every S&P 500 sector except healthcare and financials posted gains. For the second straight week, the S&P was led by the consumer discretionary sector. Basic materials and technology also advanced more than 3%.

The U.S. central bank would like to see further improvements in the labor market before raising interest rates. Mainly, in the participation rate, which is still below pre-Covid levels. The Federal Reserve announced they will start tapering or reducing their asset purchases per month. When questioned about interest rates, Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell stated rate hikes could happened in the back half of next year, but the Federal Reserve will remain “data dependent” in their decisions. Regarding inflation, Powell and the Federal Reserve’s certainty in inflation being transitory continues to decrease as higher prices continue. Last week wrapped up with Friday’s stronger than expected jobs report. Friday’s Non-Farm Payroll report revealed 531K new jobs added in October, with the unemployment rate falling to 4.6%.

Wages have also risen 4.9% Year-over-Year. Earlier in the week the ADP account showed private payrolls rising 571K for October, and weekly unemployment claims dropped to 269K. In other economic news, the U.S. ISM Services PMI jumped to a record 66.7 in October, while manufacturing activity slowed to 60.8 from 61.1 on stretched supply chains. U.S. Q3 productivity growth fell 5%, the biggest quarterly drop since 1981, as unit labor costs leapt 8.3%. Overseas, the Bank of England surprised by holding rates steady on labor market concerns. Crude oil fell 2% even though OPEC decided not to raise production in the face of mounting pressure from the Biden administration. China’s October PMI slipped into contraction, and Chinese tech stocks remained under pressure from regulators.

This Week

Even with a robust jobs market, high inflation, and expectations of rate increases as soon as the second half of 2022, 10-year Treasury yields fell 10 basis points last week. The Fed did add a note of caution in its statement, particularly on inflation, and investors have been well prepared for the central bank’s bond buying reduction. Ultimately it reflects an uncertain environment which may continue to drive rate volatility in the near term.

The U.S. economic calendar is light but contains important updates, with PPI on Tuesday and CPI on Wednesday. China releases their inflation data late Tuesday, with producer prices expected to advance even further from last month’s 26-year highs. Other notable events include Australia’s employment numbers, preliminary Q3 GDP from the UK, and Eurozone sentiment and industrial production figures. The week finishes up with U.S. Jolts job openings and a preliminary consumer sentiment reading for November.

This week earnings season is winding down as 20 names in the S&P 500 are expected to report. Notable names expected to report include Berkshire Hathaway Inc., The Walt Disney Co., PayPal Inc., Johnson Controls Holdings. Year-to-date index performance; Dow up 18.7%, S&P up 25.06%, and Nasdaq up 23.9% through the close on Friday.

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How High Did Earnings Lift Indexes

jim Financial advisor, Investing, Investment Management, Market Brief, Market Commentary, Market Review, Retirement Income Planning, Retirement Planning, Stock Market, wealth management November 2, 2021November 2, 2021financial advisor, Investing, investment management, market brief, retirement income planning, retirement planning, Stock Market, wealth management

The S&P 500 eclipsed 4600 for the first time thanks to the earnings lift. The S&P 500, Nasdaq Composite, and Dow Industrials indexes all reached record highs during the week. November kicks off with a busy and important week of data. Last week all indexes finished up. The Dow up 0.4%, S&P 1.35%, and Nasdaq 2.72%.

Last Week

U.S. equities drifted higher in the face of interest rate volatility and economic growth concerns. The S&P 500, Nasdaq Composite, and Dow Industrials indexes all reached record highs during the week. The Nasdaq managed to outperform despite disappointing earnings from Apple and Amazon. The U.S. yield curve experienced major flattening, as rate hike expectations are getting pulled forward due to high inflation. U.S. GDP grew at a 2% rate in Q3, below expectations of 2.8%. This puts additional pressure on longer-term rates as growth expectations revise lower. Consumer spending increased by only 1.6% after a 12% rise in Q2. Consumer confidence rebounded to 113.9 in October following three straight declines. The improvement was boosted by rising wages and a strong labor market. Jobless claims fell to another pandemic-era low of 281K.

The economy’s sore spot continues to be supply chain shortages, with durable goods orders dropping 0.4% in September after four straight monthly gains. New home sales surged to a 6-month high in September, but higher house prices and mortgage rates may dampen future demand. Pending home sales dropped unexpectedly. Interest rate movements were largely influenced by international developments, as the Bank of Canada struck a hawkish tone mid-week before GDP data showed likely Q3 underperformance. In Europe, ECB watchers expect a formal tapering announcement in December, as Eurozone inflation hit 4.1% in October on surging energy costs. Finally, German GDP rose 1.8% in Q3, missing expectations of 2.1% growth, and business sentiment worsened again in October on supply bottlenecks.

Earnings Review – Earnings Lift

Earnings season is in full swing with 279 of the companies in the S&P 500 having reported. 82% have beaten earnings expectations and 67% have beaten revenue expectations. The strongest results have come from Financials and Energy while Industrials have lagged. Supply chain issues have been a common
theme among companies reporting in several sectors. Mentions of “supply chain” in quarterly earnings calls were up 58% during the 2Q 2021 earnings season versus 4Q 2020. The current season is on track to be the highest in the 21st century. The largest companies in the S&P 500 reported last week. Tesla, Microsoft, and Alphabet all had stellar results providing an earnings lift. Amazon, Apple, and Facebook struggled in the prior quarter. Mark Zuckerberg doubled down on efforts to promote the metaverse. He also announced that Facebook, Inc. is changing its name to Meta Platforms, Inc., in December.

Week Ahead

November kicks off with a busy and important week of data. The FOMC meets mid-week, where the stage appears to be set for a long-anticipated tapering announcement. There is much to weigh, with a robust economy being checked by supply constraints. Inflation is exceeding its target by a wide margin. The improving but tight labor market that has yet to reach full employment. There are additional central bank policy updates from Australia and the UK on the calendar. Speaking of jobs, NFP lands Friday, preceded by the ADP report two days prior. Crude oil prices have stabilized the past few weeks, but remain near 7-year highs. Other events of note include employment numbers and PMI from Canada, and Eurozone retail sales and PMIs.

This week will include earnings results from oil stocks BP and Marathon Petroleum. Also reporting are video game makers Activision Blizzard, Electronic Arts, and Take-Two Interactive. News from the November Fed meeting is out on Wednesday. Year-to-date index performance; Dow up 17.03%, S&P up 22.61%, and Nasdaq up 20.25% through the close on Friday.

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Earnings Impact and All-Time Highs

jim Financial advisor, Investing, Market Brief, Market Commentary, Market Outlook, Market Review, Retirement Income Planning, wealth management October 25, 2021October 25, 2021financial advisor, Investing, market brief, Market Commentary, Market Review, retirement income planning, retirement planning, wealth management

New highs for the S&P 500, oil, and midcap stocks. U.S. equities posted moderate gains despite disappointing earnings from some technology companies. The S&P500 Index reached a new all-time high, advancing 1.5%+ for the week, while the Nasdaq Composite’s returns were similar. The final week of October kicks off with earnings from Facebook today. Reports from Boeing, General Motors, Caterpillar, Mastercard, and Exxon Mobil are also on the calendar. Indexes all finished higher last week; the Dow up 1.12%, S&P 1.66%, and Nasdaq 1.30%.

Last Week – Earnings Impact and All-Time Highs

U.S. equities posted moderate gains despite disappointing earnings from some technology companies. The S&P 500 Index reached a new all-time high. Stocks ended last week higher after rising four out of five days. The index has returned over 20% this year despite multiple economic and geopolitical headwinds. Inflation from global supply-chain constraints continues to spook investors. As evidenced by the market movement proceeding comments by Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell on Friday. Fed Chairman Powell spoke at a conference and reaffirmed the plan to begin asset purchase tapering this year. He also signaled that supply chain issues and high inflation will likely persist into 2022. Investors are concerned that higher costs from supply-chain disruptions will lead the Fed to raise interest rates faster than expected. This view has been dampened by strong earnings reports from many companies leading major market indexes to near record highs.

U.S. economic data was mixed. The Fed revealed economic activity continued to grow at a modest to moderate rate, with the pace of growth slowing. The Philly Fed Index fell to 23.8 in October, reflecting an expected pullback from the prior month’s spike. October PMIs were driven by services, which rebounded to 58.2 from 54.9. Manufacturing fell to a 7-month low of 59.2 on raw material shortages. Homebuilder confidence rose on high buyer demand, as existing home sales surged 7% in September to an 8-month high. Housing starts fell on input and labor scarcities. Weekly jobless claims hit another pandemic-era low of 290K with continuing claims dropping to 2.48 million. This signals a reluctance to lay off employees while hiring remains challenged.

In corporate news, Intel plunged 11%+ Friday after its PC chip sales fell due to component shortages. Social media stocks fell based on Snap’s report of ad revenue disruptions due to privacy changes on Apple devices. On Friday, Pool Inc, Etsy, and Tesla rallied last week as a sign the resilient consumer is powering a strong economy. The S&P 500 is up over 4% since JPMorgan kicked off earnings season about two weeks ago.

Week Ahead

The week kicks off with earnings from Facebook, whose stock has been reeling from regulatory pressures, and Snap’s advertising results. Reports from Boeing, General Motors, Caterpillar, Mastercard, and Exxon Mobil are also on the calendar. Three central bank meetings highlight the economic agenda. The expectation from the Bank of Canada is to further reduce asset purchases on Wednesday. Markets are pricing in 3 rate hikes for next year. In Europe, the ECB has stagflation concerns. This results from slowing growth accompanied by escalating energy prices. The ECB may take a more cautious tone towards rate increases on Thursday. Not much is expected when the Bank of Japan meets, as the economy is still showing little inflationary pressures.

In the U.S. investors get the first look at Q3 GDP on Thursday. Estimates have steadily decreased the past several months, and Fed models sit much lower than the current 2.6% forecasts. This week also offers the durable goods report on Wednesday. New home sales and inventory data will shape investors views along with 165 companies in the S&P 500 set to report quarterly earnings this week. With the earnings impact and all-time highs, they year-to-date index performance; Dow up 16.6%, S&P up 21.0%, and Nasdaq up 17.1% through the close on Friday.

Click here if you would like to learn more about your options and if we can assist you with your wealth management, investment, and retirement planning.

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