Tag: unemployment claims

The Markets

A strong GDP report, generally positive corporate earnings, and a slightly more optimistic outlook from the Fed couldn’t offset the ongoing stream of bleak news about geopolitical problems and investor desire to take some money off the table. The Russell 2000’s recent losing streak spread to the large caps as the S&P 500 had its worst week of the year. Argentina’s default on sovereign debt helped prompt a selloff on Thursday, which cut 317 points from the Dow and sent it back into negative territory for the year.

Chart reflects price changes, not total return. Because it does not include dividends or splits, it should not be used to benchmark performance of specific investments.

Last Week’s Headlines

• The initial estimate of 4% U.S. economic growth in Q2 showed a strong rebound from Q1’s 2.1% contraction. However, the Bureau of Economic Analysis’s initial estimate is subject to revisions over the next two months (for example, the initial Q1 estimate showed a 0.1% gain). Increases in exports and consumer spending (especially on durable goods) as well as more business inventory investment and state/local government spending drove the gains in gross domestic product.
• The unemployment rate ticked up slightly to 6.2% in July but was still at its lowest level in almost six years and more than a full percentage point below a year earlier. The Bureau of Labor Statistics also said the 209,000 new jobs added to payrolls in July roughly equaled the average monthly job gains over the last year; though that’s down from the pace of the last three months, July was the sixth straight month in which 200,000+ new jobs have been added.
• Home prices continued to improve, but at a slower pace. All the cities in the S&P/Case-Shiller 20-City Composite Index report issued last week saw increases, but the 9.4% increase over last May was down from the previous month’s 10.8% year-over-year gain.
• The Federal Reserve’s monetary policy committee continued to reduce its bond purchases, cutting them to $25 billion a month. The Federal Open Market Committee statement noted increased spending by both consumers and businesses as well as improvements in employment, though it also said there continues to be slack in the labor market. It also said that as long as inflation remains below 2%, its target interest rate is likely to remain at its current level for “a considerable time” after new bond purchases end completely. However, the moderately more positive language plus hawkish comments from one committee member helped elevate concerns about the timing of rate increases.
• Both the European Union and the United States attempted to increase pressure on Russia to end support for Ukrainian rebels. Previous sanctions have been largely directed toward individuals; the new measures are expected to affect Russian banks, the country’s oil industry, and the military. The EU agreement is designed to isolate Russia economically without hampering Europe’s fragile economic recovery.
• After Argentina failed to reach a settlement with large holders of $13 billion of sovereign bonds that have already been restructured once, Standard & Poor’s declared it in default on other interest payments. Coupled with a quarterly loss reported by Portugal’s second-largest bank, Argentina’s debt problems once again raised questions about the resilience of emerging economies.
• Trustees of the fund that finances Medicare reported that slower growth in federal health-care spending as a result of the Affordable Care Act appears to have helped delay by four years the date by which Medicare is expected to run out of money. The trustees now see that occurring in 2030. Social Security is expected to be solvent until 2033, but trustees of the Social Security Trust Fund said that unless action is taken, a shortfall might require cuts in disability benefits starting in late 2016.
• According to the Commerce Department, U.S. construction spending slumped nearly 2% in June. However, that was still 5.5% higher than in June 2013. Both public and private spending on residential and commercial building fell.
• The Institute for Supply Management said U.S. manufacturing continued to accelerate in July as its survey of purchasing managers rose to 57.1 from 55.3 (any number above 50 indicates expansion).

Eye on the Week Ahead

Investors will try to gauge whether last week’s downdraft was the start of something bigger or a much-needed breather for a lengthy bull market.

Data sources: Economic: Based on data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (unemployment, inflation); U.S. Department of Commerce (GDP, corporate profits, retail sales, housing); S&P/Case-Shiller 20-City Composite Index (home prices); Institute for Supply Management (manufacturing/services). Performance: Based on data reported in WSJ Market Data Center (indexes); U.S. Treasury (Treasury yields); U.S. Energy Information Administration/Bloomberg.com Market Data (oil spot price, WTI Cushing, OK);www.goldprice.org (spot gold/silver); Oanda/FX Street (currency exchange rates). All information is based on sources deemed reliable, but no warranty or guarantee is made as to its accuracy or completeness. Neither the information nor any opinion expressed herein constitutes a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any securities, and should not be relied on as financial advice. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) is a price-weighted index composed of 30 widely traded blue-chip U.S. common stocks. The S&P 500 is a market-cap weighted index composed of the common stocks of 500 leading companies in leading industries of the U.S. economy. The NASDAQ Composite Index is a market-value weighted index of all common stocks listed on the NASDAQ stock exchange. The Russell 2000 is a market-cap weighted index composed of 2,000 U.S. small-cap common stocks. The Global Dow is an equally weighted index of 150 widely traded blue-chip common stocks worldwide. Market indices listed are unmanaged and are not available for direct investment.

The Markets

Encouraging economic news, generally positive Q2 corporate earnings reports, and stable Federal Reserve policy had to battle multiple geopolitical conflicts for investor attention. Both the S&P 500 and Dow industrials managed to set fresh all-time highs early in July, but the S&P managed to follow through to additional records while the Dow slipped back under 17,000. After five straight positive months, both succumbed to profit-taking that left them under water for July. That handed the year-to-date lead to the Nasdaq (barely), while the small caps of the Russell 2000 gave up most of the previous month’s gains and joined the Dow in negative territory for the year. Global conflicts and instability in some emerging markets also hurt the Global Dow.

After a June rally, gold prices slid back under $1,300 an ounce in July. A stronger dollar allowed the price of oil to drop below $100 a barrel by the end of the month. Meanwhile, the benchmark 10-year Treasury yield ended the month up slightly from where it began.

Chart reflects price changes, not total return. Because it does not include dividends or splits, it should not be used to benchmark performance of specific investments.

The Month in Review

• The U.S. economy seems to have rebounded from Q1’s 2.1% contraction, growing 4% in Q2. However, that initial estimate of gross domestic product is subject to revisions by the Bureau of Economic Analysis over the next two months (for example, the initial Q1 estimate showed a 0.1% gain). Increases in exports and consumer spending (especially on durable goods) as well as more business inventory investment and state/local government spending drove the GDP gains.
• The unemployment rate remained at its lowest level in almost six years (6.2% in July), which is more than a full percentage point below a year earlier. The Bureau of Labor Statistics also said the 209,000 new jobs added to payrolls in July roughly equaled the average monthly job gains over the last year.
• Manufacturing data was generally encouraging. New orders for U.S. manufacturers were at their highest level since late 2013, according to the Institute for Supply Management, and the ISM’s gauge of the services sector showed growth continuing, though at a slightly more moderate pace. Durable goods orders, especially business orders for capital equipment, rebounded from a May slump, and the Federal Reserve said U.S. manufacturing output rose for the fifth straight month.
• The housing market showed signs of fatigue. According to the Commerce Department, sales of new homes plunged more than 8% in June and were 11.5% lower than a year earlier. Home prices measured by the S&P/Case-Shiller 20-City Composite Index continued to improve, but the 9.4% increase over last May represented a slower pace than in April. And wet weather in the South helped slow housing starts by 9.3%. However, the National Association of Realtors^® said home resales were up 2.6% for the month.
• Both the European Union and the United States tried to increase pressure on Russia to end support for Ukrainian rebels by adopting new measures that are expected to affect Russian banks, the country’s oil industry, and the military.
• Higher gas prices helped send consumer inflation up 0.3% and wholesale prices up 0.4% in June. That put annual inflation rates at 2.1% (consumer) and 1.9% (wholesale), according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Meanwhile, retail sales rose 0.2% in June, though the Commerce Department doesn’t adjust the figures for price increases such as those seen in food costs.
• The Securities and Exchange Commission announced new rules governing money market mutual funds that are intended to guard against a sudden run on such funds. The rules, which will be implemented over time, will require a floating net asset value for funds serving institutional investors (those serving individuals will continue to strive for a stable $1 per share price, though there will continue to be no guarantees that they will always do so). The SEC also would allow non-governmental money market funds to impose restrictions during a crisis to deter withdrawals.

Eye on the Month Ahead

The dog days of August will likely keep trading volumes light, which can sometimes heighten volatility. The Federal Reserve will pause its Great Unwind of quantitative easing, likely picking up again in September, and global conflicts could continue to counterbalance any economic good news.

The Markets

In a week that saw mostly mixed economic data and generally positive earnings reports, markets posted mixed results as well. While tech and international stocks posted slight gains, the Dow Jones Industrial Average lost a little less than 1% after Friday’s 123-point drop. Small caps continued their slump, and the S&P 500 finished the week flat despite hitting new records mid-week.

Chart reflects price changes, not total return. Because it does not include dividends or splits, it should not be used to benchmark performance of specific investments.

Last Week’s Headlines

• Consumer prices rose 0.3% in June. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the increase was driven largely by higher gas prices, which rose 3.3% and accounted for two-thirds of the increase. By comparison, last month’s rise in inflation was more broad-based. Energy prices were mixed in June: electricity prices rose, while natural gas and fuel oil prices fell. Food prices rose modestly, while the index for all items except food and energy rose by a slight 0.1%. For the 12 months ended in June, inflation rose 2.1%.
• Existing-home sales climbed 2.6% in June, reported the National Association of Realtors® (NAR). At a seasonally adjusted annual rate of more than 5 million, sales are at their highest rate since October 2013. Inventories rose 2.2% to 2.3 million homes, indicating a 5.5-month supply at the current rate of sales. Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist, said, “Inventories are at their highest level in over a year and price gains have slowed to much more welcoming levels in many parts of the country. This bodes well for rising home sales in the upcoming months as consumers are provided with more choices.”
• On the other hand, sales of new single-family homes plummeted by more than 8% in June from May, according to a report issued jointly by the U.S. Census Bureau and the Department of Housing and Urban Development. The seasonally adjusted rate of 406,000 homes was 11.5% lower than the June 2013 estimated figure.
• The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) announced amendments to the rules that govern money market mutual funds. According to a press release issued by the SEC, the amendments are intended to guard against a run on such funds in times of crisis, “while preserving the benefits of the funds.” The rules require a floating net asset value for prime money market funds serving an institutional client base. Prime money market funds serving individual investors will continue to strive for a stable $1 share price, although there can be no guarantees that such a price will be maintained. The new regulations also allow non-governmental money market funds to charge fees or impose other restrictions on investors attempting to withdraw funds during trying times. “This strong reform package will make our markets more resilient and enhance transparency and fairness of these products for America’s investor,” said Mary Jo White, SEC chairperson.
• In a move that surprised many observers, the Bank of Russia raised its key interest rate for the third time in five months. The central bank lifted the rate by 0.5% to 8% in a move intended to curb inflation, respond to continued geopolitical unrest, and perhaps stymie additional flight of capital resulting from any further economic sanctions.
• Unemployment insurance weekly claims (i.e., weekly jobless claims), were 284,000 for the week ending July 19. That was a decrease of 19,000 from the previous week and, more notable, the lowest level for initial claims since February 2006.

Eye on the Week Ahead

Next week, market watchers will keep an eye on manufacturing data, home prices, comments from the Fed, and the government’s initial estimates for second-quarter growth figures.

The Markets

U.S. stocks dropped sharply Thursday in response to the downing of a Malaysia Airlines commercial jet over Ukraine and the Israeli ground invasion of Gaza. However, most indexes bounced back Friday to end another week in positive territory. The exception was the Russell 2000 Index, which continued its decline perhaps aided by Fed Chairman Janet Yellen’s comments earlier in the week indicating that valuations in some small-cap sectors appear “substantially stretched.” Treasury yields dropped last week, while gold ended the week about 2% lower.

Chart reflects price changes, not total return. Because it does not include dividends or splits, it should not be used to benchmark performance of specific investments.

Last Week’s Headlines

• Stocks tumbled Thursday in response to two major geopolitical events, the downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 over Ukraine and Israel’s ground invasion of the Gaza Strip. Treasuries yields dropped and gold futures rose as investors sought safer havens.
• Retail and food sales rose 0.2% in June and were 4.3% higher than a year earlier. However, the Commerce Department does not adjust the numbers for price increases such as those seen in food costs in the last several months; not counting autos, which were down 0.3%, other retail sales were up 0.4% for the month.
• The Federal Reserve’s “beige book” report said most districts expect a continuation of generally steady growth seen at the end of last year. All districts reported year-over-year gains in manufacturing, and most also said retail sales had increased since the last report.
• Wholesale prices rose 0.4% in June, putting the wholesale inflation rate for the last 12 months at 1.9%. The Bureau of Labor Statistics said almost all of the monthly increase was the result of a 2.1% jump in energy costs resulting mostly from higher gas prices.
• Housing starts dropped by 9.3% in June from the previous month, according to a joint release issued by the U.S. Census Bureau and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The decrease stemmed from a nearly 30% drop in the South, where unusually wet weather hampered construction efforts. Other regions reported increases, including the Northeast, which was up 14.1%, and the Midwest, which rose 28.1%. Year-over-year, the index is up 7.5%.
• Manufacturing data was generally positive. The Federal Reserve said U.S. manufacturing output was up for the fifth straight month, while a 0.2% gain in industrial production meant production was up an annualized 5.5% during Q2 2014. Also, the Federal Reserve’s Empire State manufacturing survey rose for the third straight month, hitting its highest level in more than four years (25.6). The Philadelphia Fed Survey reported similar results. The index rose to 23.9 this month, its highest point since March 2011.
• The Conference Board Leading Economic Index rose 0.3% in June. Ataman Ozyildirim, a Conference Board economist, noted that increases over the last six months indicate an improving economy, which might even accelerate a bit in the second half. “Housing permits, the weakest indicator during this period, reflects some risk to this improving outlook. But favorable financial conditions, generally positive trends in the labor markets and the outlook for new orders in manufacturing have offset the housing market weaknesses over the past six months,” he said.
• The Justice Department announced that Citigroup had agreed to provide $200 million worth of financing for new affordable rental housing as part of a $7 billion settlement for misrepresenting mortgage-backed securities it packaged and sold leading up to the 2008 financial crisis. The agreement also includes a $4 billion civil penalty that the Department of Justice said represents the largest settlement under a federal law enacted as a result of actions by thrifts and savings and loan institutions in the 1980s.

Eye on the Week Ahead

This week, investors will likely keep a close eye on continuing geopolitical developments, as well as domestic reports on consumer inflation, existing and new home sales, and durable goods.

The Markets

After generally positive economic data once again suggested that the economy really did begin to rebound this spring, the Dow industrials surpassed 17,000 for the first time, while the S&P 500 hit three new all-time records during the week. And as investors embraced stocks, worries about the potential impact of a strong economy on potential Fed rate increases also sent the benchmark 10-year Treasury yield up and the price down.

Chart reflects price changes, not total return. Because it does not include dividends or splits, it should not be used to benchmark performance of specific investments.

Last Week’s Headlines

• The unemployment rate fell to 6.1% in June; that’s 1.4% lower than a year earlier and the lowest level in almost six years. The economy added 288,000 new jobs during the month, higher than the 272,000 monthly average since March. The data, coupled with upward revisions to payroll figures for April and May, suggested possible acceleration in job growth. The Bureau of Labor Statistics said the widespread job gains were led by professional/business services, retail, restaurants/bars, and health care.
• A 2% increase in new orders placed with U.S. manufacturers put orders at their highest level since late 2013. Even though the Institute for Supply Management’s index showed that manufacturing growth didn’t accelerate in June, it still remained at a healthy 55.3% reading (any number above 50 represents expansion). The ISM’s measure of the services sector also showed slightly slower growth than the previous month, though the reading remained at a robust 56.3%.
• After three straight monthly increases, new orders for U.S. manufactured goods slipped 0.5% in May, though most of the decline was in the volatile transportation sector. The Commerce Department also said inventories were at their highest level on record and have increased 18 of the last 19 months.
• Commercial construction spending rose 1.1% in May, but the Commerce Department said that was largely offset by a 1.4% drop in the value of new home projects. The 0.1% overall increase in construction spending was weaker than April’s 0.8% gain, but the annual rate was 6.6% higher than a year ago.
• As expected, the European Central Bank left two key interest rates unchanged, hoping that measures taken last month will be enough to help stimulate the economy.
• Higher auto-related exports and less spending on imported oil and consumer goods helped cut the U.S. trade deficit by 5.5% in May to $44.4 billion, according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis.
• The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that closely held, for-profit companies can choose to opt out of a provision of the Affordable Care Act that requires that employees’ insurance include coverage for birth control. The court also ruled that workers who aren’t full-fledged public employees cannot be required to pay fees to a union even if they benefit from its collective bargaining efforts.
• Two separate assessments suggested that China’s sluggish manufacturing sector may be rebounding. The reading on the Chinese government’s purchasing managers’ index nudged up slightly to 51 in May. Meanwhile, HSBC/Markit’s Manufacturing PMI was basically flat but stayed in expansion territory, apparently responding to small steps taken by the government to stimulate economic growth.

Eye on the Week Ahead

In a week that’s light on fresh economic reports, investors may begin to focus on the Q2 earnings season, which has its unofficial start on Tuesday when Alcoa reports. Minutes of the most recent Federal Open Market Committee meeting could shed new light on the debate over whether the Fed should be concerned yet about inflation.

The Markets

Domestic equities seemed to shrug off a massive downward revision to first-quarter GDP and mostly ended the week flat. Though the Nasdaq’s gain was slight, it was the sixth positive week out of the last seven. Meanwhile, the benchmark 10-year Treasury yield remained low as demand from bond investors continued to support prices.

Chart reflects price changes, not total return. Because it does not include dividends or splits, it should not be used to benchmark performance of specific investments.

Last Week’s Headlines

• The U.S. economy contracted at a much faster pace in Q1 than anticipated, falling 2.9% (not the 1% recently estimated). The Bureau of Economic Analysis said its unusually steep downward revision of gross domestic product was caused not only by winter weather but also by exports and health-care spending that were both lower than previously thought.
• The housing market rebounded strongly in May from its winter slump. According to the Commerce Department, sales of new single-family homes leaped 18.6% in May and were almost 17% better than a year earlier. Also, the National Association of Realtors^® said the 4.9% increase in resales of existing homes was the biggest monthly gain in nearly three years. However, the NAR also said existing home sales were 5% lower and the number of unsold homes was 6% higher than in May 2013.
• Data on April home prices also was mixed. Cities in the S&P/Case-Shiller 20-City Composite Index averaged a 1.1% gain in April, for a gain of almost 11% since last April. Boston saw its biggest monthly gain in the index’s 27-year history, and San Francisco had its sixth straight price increase. However, seven cities reported a decline since March, and S&P said year-over-year price gains had begun to slow.
• U.S. incomes rose faster than personal consumption in May; according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis, incomes were up 0.4%, while spending rose 0.2%. Even after adjusting for inflation, incomes were up 0.2% for the second straight month. The bad news? That 0.2% increase in personal consumption expenditures–a key inflation gauge for the Fed–resulted in the biggest 12-month gain since October 2012; further increases could mean inflationary pressure that might affect interest rates.
• The European Union formalized a trade agreement with Ukraine, Georgia, and Moldova–the agreement whose rejection by the former Ukrainian president led to subsequent protests and ultimately Russia’s annexation of Crimea. Shortly thereafter, European leaders told Russia it had until Monday evening to persuade rebels in Ukraine to respect a cease-fire or face further EU economic sanctions.
• Durable goods orders fell 1% in May after three strong months. However, the Commerce Department said most of the decline was caused by a 31% drop in defense spending on equipment. Other than defense, new orders were up 0.6%.

Eye on the Week Ahead

In a holiday-shortened week, trading volumes are likely to continue to be light. Manufacturing data may suggest whether recent improvements can be sustained. The European Central Bank is scheduled to report on Thursday, but last month’s decision to adopt a negative interest rate likely precludes much immediate change in policy. And as always, the jobs report, issued a day early, will be watched.

The Markets

Reassurance from the Fed seemed to outweigh the situation in Iraq last week as investors showed greater comfort with taking on more risk. The week’s biggest gains were in the small caps of the Russell 2000, which once again returned to positive territory for the year, while the Nasdaq closed the week at a level it hasn’t seen since April 2000. Meanwhile, the Dow and S&P 500 set new record highs yet again–the 11th so far this year for the Dow, the 22nd for the S&P 500.