This roundup of top financial news for the week presented by Matt Glova and the LifeTime Asset Management team:
Weekly Market Update, April 22, 2024
Retail sales surprised to the upside, but existing home sales missed to the downside. Home builder sentiment and industrial production came in as expected. Technology and growth stocks continued to reprice to a potential higher-for-longer rate environment. Yields continued their rise as inflation and debt level concerns led investors to demand higher yields.
Click here to read the full weekly market report published April 22, 2024.
Weekly Market Update, April 15, 2024
Consumer prices rose more than expected, whereas producer prices were more muted. Consumer confidence lessened in April, though the spread between consumer and producer input prices in March may help first-quarter earnings. Stronger-than-expected inflation and flat guidance from JPMorgan sent equities lower. Yields continued their rise as investors demanded greater yield to offset inflation.
Click here to read the full weekly market report published April 15, 2024.
Weekly Market Update, April 8, 2024
Manufacturing activity rose into expansionary territory while Services continues to weaken. Employment came in stronger than expected, surprising by 89,000 jobs over expectations of 214,000 to be added in March. Hawkish comments from Neel Kashkari sent equities lower as the economy continues to run hot. Yields rose dramatically on the back of positive economic data and mixed Fed commentary.
Click here to read the full weekly market report published April 8, 2024.
Weekly Market Update, April 1, 2024
Real personal spending beat expectations despite a surprising fall in consumer confidence. Durable goods orders were better than expected, indicating improving business activity. The S&P 500 outpaced the Nasdaq Composite in the first quarter of the year. Yields were relatively benign in a holiday-shortened week of trading.
Click here to read the full weekly market report published April 1, 2024.
Quarterly Market Update, March 31, 2024
Here are the highlights:
1. Strong Start to the Year for Stocks
A positive March for stocks caps off a solid first quarter.
2. Mixed Quarter for Bonds
Bond returns were mixed due to rising rates in the quarter.
3. Healthy Economic Growth
First-quarter economic reports show signs of healthy growth.
4. Inflation and the Federal Reserve
Stubbornly high inflation caused the Fed to leave rates unchanged.
5. Market Risks Worth Monitoring
Geopolitical, domestic, and unknown risks remain for markets.
6. Despite the Risks, Outlook Remains Positive
The positive economic backdrop and improving fundamentals should support markets.
Click here to read the full quarterly market report published March 31, 2024.