Strong earnings from several mega-cap technology companies offset renewed regional banking jitters and weak economic data, leaving stocks higher for the week. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 0.86%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 added 0.87%. The Nasdaq Composite index rose 1.28% for the week. The MSCI EAFE index, which tracks developed overseas stock markets, lost 0.60%.1,2,3 |
 |
Earnings Drive ReboundIt was a very busy week of earnings reports, but none more important than those from the Big Tech names. After two days of sharp losses on revived regional banking fears and otherwise lackluster earnings results, stocks rallied powerfully on a succession of positive earnings surprises from several mega-cap companies. Also aiding the sentiment was last week’s first quarter Gross Domestic Product (GDP) report. Though the report showed muted economic growth that fell short of expectations, investors were encouraged by strong consumer spending. Slowing GrowthIn a sign that higher rates are slowing economic growth, first-quarter GDP slowed to a 1.1% annualized growth rate as healthy consumer spending helped offset a decline in business investment and a slowdown in nonresidential investment. Economists had expected first-quarter GDP growth to come in at 2%. The business inventory investment slowdown reduced the headline GDP number by 2.26%.4 The initial estimate of GDP also reported some disappointing inflation news as the quarter-over-quarter Personal Consumption Expenditures Price Index, the Fed’s preferred inflation measure, rose 4.2%, which was higher than the 3.7% forecast.5 This Week: Key Economic DataMonday: Institute for Supply Management (ISM) Manufacturing Index. Tuesday: Factory Orders. Job Openings and Turnover Survey (JOLTS). Wednesday: FOMC Announcement. Institute for Supply Management (ISM) Services Index. Thursday: Jobless Claims. Friday: Employment Situation. Source: Econoday, April 28, 2023 This Week: Companies Reporting EarningsMonday: Stryker Corporation (SYK), ON Semiconductor Corporation (ON). Tuesday: Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. (AMD), Ford Motor Company (F), Pfizer, Inc. (PFE), Starbucks Corporation (SBUX), Marathon Petroleum (MPC). Wednesday: CVS Health Corporation (CVS), Qualcomm, Inc. (QCOM), Albemarle Corporation (ALB), Barrick Gold Corporation (GOLD). Thursday: Apple, Inc. (AAPL), Block, Inc. (SQ), Shopify, Inc. (SHOP), ConocoPhillips (COP), Booking Holdings, Inc. (BKNG), Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (REGN), Friday: Cigna Group (CI), EOG Resources, Inc. (EOG), Dominion Energy, Inc. (D), Source: Zacks, April 28, 2023 |
Enjoy your week! Sean, Trish, & Erin |
 |
 |
Oryx Antelope in the Kalahari Desert, S. Africa |
Footnotes and Sources
2. The Wall Street Journal, April 28, 2023 3. The Wall Street Journal, April 28, 2023 4. CNBC, April 27, 2023 5. CNBC, April 27, 2023 6. IRS.gov, 2023 7. Centers for Disease Control, February 7, 2023 |
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. 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. Index performance is not indicative of the past performance of a particular investment. Indexes do not incur management fees, costs, and expenses. Individuals cannot directly invest in unmanaged indexes. Past performance does not guarantee future results. The Dow Jones Industrial Average is an unmanaged index that is generally considered representative of large-capitalization companies on the U.S. stock market. Nasdaq Composite is an index of the common stocks and similar securities listed on the NASDAQ stock market and is considered a broad indicator of the performance of technology and growth companies. The MSCI EAFE Index was created by Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) and serves as a benchmark of the performance of major international equity markets, as represented by 21 major MSCI indexes from Europe, Australia, and Southeast Asia. The S&P 500 Composite Index is an unmanaged group of securities that are considered to be representative of the stock market in general. U.S. Treasury Notes are guaranteed by the federal government as to the timely payment of principal and interest. However, if you sell a Treasury Note prior to maturity, it may be worth more or less than the original price paid. Fixed income investments are subject to various risks including changes in interest rates, credit quality, inflation risk, market valuations, prepayments, corporate events, tax ramifications and other factors. 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 professional for additional information. This 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 is not affiliated with the named representative, financial professional, Registered Investment Advisor, Broker-Dealer, nor state- or SEC-registered investment advisory firm. The opinions expressed and material provided are for general information, and they should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security. Copyright 2023 FMG Suite. |
Weekly Market Insights: Stocks Rally As Attention Shifts to Fed's May Meeting
|
May 01, 2023