Monthly Market Insights | July 2019
U.S. Markets | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The stock market rode a wave of optimism this month, thanks to continued belief in a potential interest rate cut by the Federal Reserve and the lessening U.S.-China trade tensions. The Dow Jones Industrial Average picked up 7.19 percent, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index rose 6.89 percent. The NASDAQ Composite led, gaining 7.42 percent.1
Stocks opened the month lower, but soon rallied on the belief the Fed would adjust interest rates. A sluggish jobs report added fuel to the fire, further increasing investors’ confidence in a future rate cut. Stocks gained on news that Mexico and the U.S. had averted further tariffs on Mexican imports. The rebound lost momentum, however, as tensions rose in the Middle East after shipping disruptions in the Gulf of Oman. All Eyes on the FedAt its June meeting, Federal Reserve officials issued a more "dovish" statement that indicated it would consider policy actions to sustain economic growth. Investors interpreted the Fed statement to mean that rates could be adjusted as early as July. The enthusiasm helped ignite the next leg of June's rally, with the S&P 500 touching a new record high and the Dow Industrials and the NASDAQ Composite finishing a hairsbreadth from their historical peaks. Mixed SignalsStocks climbed again on the heels of a positive trade discussion between President Trump and China's President Xi – only to fall in response to comments by Fed Chair Powell, indicating continued uncertainty regarding the timing of any rate adjustment. Sector ScorecardAll industry sectors, save Real Estate (-0.27 percent) and Utilities (-0.72 percent), moved higher in June, led by strong gains in Materials (+7.85 percent) and Technology (+6.48 percent). Prices also advanced in Communication Services (+1.60 percent), Consumer Discretionary (+4.79 percent), Consumer Staples (+1.03 percent), Energy (+2.21 percent), Financials (+1.30 percent), Health Care (+3.09 percent), and Industrials (+3.84 percent).2
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What Investors May Be Talking About in August | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The Federal Reserve ultimately kept interest rates unchanged, but tempered this news by stating that they would continue to monitor economic news and react in an appropriate manner to maintain the current economic expansion. Investors may start looking to critical economic data and continued trade negotiations to anticipate future Fed actions. Secrets of the TempleSome investors believe that the Fed may support stock prices with its monetary policy. The comments made by Fed Chair Powell in January helped fuel a first-quarter rally. And in June, trade comments made by Powell also helped support the June gain.3 It’s impossible to predict what actions the Fed will take on interest rates or how the markets will react. But if the Fed sees stronger economic numbers and adopts a more-neutral stance on interest rates, that may prompt investors to temper their expectations. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
World Markets | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Overseas markets rebounded in June, with the MSCI-EAFE Index climbing 5.31 percent.4 European markets benefited from comments by Mario Draghi, President of the European Central Bank. Draghi stated that he is prepared to loosen monetary reins to stimulate lethargic E.U. economies. France tacked on 5.6 percent, while Germany rose 5.7 percent. The U.K. lagged a bit, but still picked up 3.3 percent.5 Pacific Rim stocks posted strong returns, with Australia climbing 3.5 percent; Hong Kong, 4.4%; Japan, 3.3 percent.6
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Indicators | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Gross Domestic ProductFirst-quarter economic growth remain unchanged at 3.1 percent (though, consumer spending was revised to a slower rate), while business spending, exports, and government contributions were revised higher.7 EmploymentJob growth slowed in May, with nonfarm payrolls increasing by 75,000. The unemployment rate was steady at 3.6 percent, while wage growth slowed to a 3.1 percent rise. 8 Retail SalesConsumer buying strengthened in May, rising 0.5 percent, while April’s reported 0.2-percent decline was revised to an increase of 0.3 percent.9 Industrial ProductionOutput at the nation’s factories, mines, and utilities rose 0.4 percent in May.10 HousingHousing starts sagged 0.9 percent, as high prices and low inventory appear to have outweighed a decline in mortgage rates and the healthy labor market.11 Sales of existing homes rose 2.5 percent in May, exceeding market expectations.12 Sales of new homes disappointed for the second consecutive month, dropping 7.8 percent, despite the tailwinds of falling mortgage rates and increased supply.13 Consumer Price IndexConsumer prices rose by 0.1 percent in May, suppressed by a steep decline in energy costs. For the 12-month period, inflation registered an increase of 1.8 percent.14 Durable Goods OrdersFor the third time in four months, durable goods orders declined, sliding 1.3 percent. A sharp drop in civilian aircraft orders and lower defense-related purchases were the leading reasons for the weak number. Excluding these sectors, orders of durable goods were up 0.6 percent.15 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The Fed | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The Fed elected to hold interest rates steady at its two-day June meeting, hinting at the possibility of a rate cut some time this year.16 Though the Fed believes that the economy is poised to continue expanding at a moderate rate, it did acknowledge the increasing risks to sustaining growth, with trade and global economic uncertainties of particular concern.17 By the Numbers |
How Americans Spend Money
The content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information. The information in this material is not intended as tax or legal advice. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation. This material was developed and produced by FMG Suite to provide information on a topic that may be of interest. FMG Suite, LLC, is not affiliated with the named representative, broker-dealer, state- or SEC-registered investment advisory firm. The opinions expressed and material provided are for general information and should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security. Investing involves risks, and investment decisions should be based on your own goals, time horizon and tolerance for risk. The return and principal value of investments will fluctuate as market conditions change. When sold, investments may be worth more or less than their original cost. Any companies mentioned are for illustrative purposes only. It should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of the securities. Any investment should be consistent with your objectives, time frame and risk tolerance. The forecasts or forward-looking statements are based on assumptions, may not materialize and are subject to revision without notice. The market indexes discussed are unmanaged and generally considered representative of their respective markets. Individuals cannot directly invest in unmanaged indexes. Past performance does not guarantee future results. International investments carry additional risks, which include differences in financial reporting standards, currency exchange rates, political risks unique to a specific country, foreign taxes and regulations, and the potential for illiquid markets. These factors may result in greater share price volatility. Please consult your financial advisor for additional information. Copyright 2019 FMG Suite. |
1. The Wall Street Journal, June 30, 2019
2. FactSet Research Systems, Inc., June 30, 2019
3. CME Group, Inc., 2019
4. MSCI.com, June 30, 2019
5. MSCI.com, June 30, 2019
6. MSCI.com, June 30, 2019
7. The Wall Street Journal, June 27, 2019
8. The Wall Street Journal, June 7, 2019
9. The Wall Street Journal, June 14, 2019
10. The Wall Street Journal, Jun 14, 2019
11. The Wall Street Journal, June 18, 2019
12. The Wall Street Journal, June 21, 2019
13. The Wall Street Journal, June 25, 2019
14. The Wall Street Journal, June 12, 2019
15. The Wall Street Journal, June 26, 2019
16. The Wall Street Journal, June 19, 2019
17. The Wall Street Journal, June 19, 2019
18. Digital Commerce, 2019
19. The World Bank, 2019
20. NBC News, 2018
21. Entertainment Software Association, 2019
22. Saturday Evening Post, 2018
23. Statistica, 2019
24. World Economic Forum, 2018
25. Bizjournals, 2018
26. Beverage Marketing Corporation, 2018
27. Ibis, 2018
28. Brewers Association, 2019
29. MarketWatch, 2018