Author Archives: The Weekly Commentary

Current Market Observations

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Markets were mixed on a holiday-shortened trading week, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average rising 0.8%, the S&P 500 Index increasing by 0.4%, and the NASDAQ falling -0.3%. Utilities were the best-performing sector for the week (+2.9%), while information technology was the worst-performing sector (-1.3%). Oil prices continued to move higher, finishing the week with a 3.2% gain. Friday saw the Fed’s preferred gauge for inflation, the Personal Consumption Expenditure Index, rise 0.3% (excluding food & energy), matching economists’ expectations. The 10-year Treasury saw continued buying last week, pushing yields down four bps for the week, finishing at 4.21%.

U.S. Economy 

Although last week was a quiet week for economic releases, on Friday, we saw the Federal Reserve’s preferred gauge of inflation, U.S. Core Monthly and Yearly PCE (Personal Consumption Expenditures) for February, and both measures were lower, signaling that inflation continues to fall, see Chart 1 below from Valley National Financial Advisors and Y Charts shows U.S. Core Monthly and Yearly PCE for five years. Federal Reserve Bank Chairman Jerome Powell has stated very clearly that they are watching the inflation data and will be data-dependent in terms of rate movements. The current Fed has been the most transparent we can remember regarding interest rate movements, which is why we do not expect any rate cuts until well into the second half of 2024, and even then, those movements in rates, if any, will be mild and data dependent.

This week, we will see numbers for new payrolls and unemployment insurance for March 2024, and companies will start to prepare for 1st Q EPS reports. Otherwise, we will have a quiet week regarding economic releases.  

Policy and Politics 

Last week saw a holiday-shortened week for Washington, with Good Friday on March 29th. Elevated geopolitical tensions persist amid the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and the Russia-Ukraine war. U.S.-China trade tensions continue to be elevated with recent news of China’s oversupply of solar energy, electric vehicles, and lithium-ion batteries impacting U.S. producers. President Biden trails former President Trump by around two points in national polling and around three points in swing states. Prediction markets show roughly even odds of a Democratic or Republican win.

Economic Numbers to Watch This Week 

  • U.S. ISM manufacturing for March 2024, prior to 47.8 
  • U.S. Factory Orders for February 2024, prior –3.6% 
  • U.S. Job Openings for February 2024, prior to 8.9 million 
  • U.S. ADP Employment for March 2024, prior 140,000 
  • U.S. ISM Services for March 2024, prior 52.6 
  • U.S. Employment Report for March 2024 
    • Nonfarm payrolls, prior 275,000 
    • Unemployment rate prior 3.9% 

Updates from Federal Reserve Board Members continue highlighting lower inflation readings, improved outlook for GDP growth in coming quarters, and healthy job growth. Markets appear to be warming to the idea that stronger growth for longer is preferred over lower rates. We are encouraged by signs of housing supply improvement, which should help this year’s spring selling season. As earnings season kicks off in the coming weeks, we will be listening to any signs of economic softness communicated by corporate management teams. We continue to monitor geopolitical risks for signs of increased tension and spillover into new areas. Please reach out to your advisor at Valley National Financial Advisors with any questions. 

“Your Financial Choices” Radio

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Tune in Wednesday, 6 PM, “Your Financial Choices” on WDIY 88.1 FM. Laurie and her guest Bill Henderson, Chief Investment Officer at Valley National Financial Advisors will be discussing: First Quarter 2024 Market Review.

Questions can be submitted to yourfinancialchoices.com before the live show. Recordings of past shows are available to listen to or download at yourfinancialchoices.com and wdiy.org.

Did you miss the last show, Random Thoughts on Financial Topics? Listen Here

The Numbers & “Heat Map”

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MARKET HEAT MAP

The health of the U.S. economy is a key driver of long-term returns in the stock market. Below, we grade key economic conditions that we believe are of particular importance to investors.

The “Heat Map” is a subjective analysis based upon metrics that VNFA’s investment committee believes are important to financial markets and the economy. The “Heat Map” is designed for informational purposes only and is not intended for use as a basis for investment decisions.

Did You Know…? Easter indicates the onset of spring, a time of renewal and optimism!

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This holiday, celebrated globally, signifies fresh beginnings and the spirit of hope. Festivities include cherished customs like Easter egg hunts, the iconic Easter Bunny, and vibrant spring festivals.

The Easter Bunny brings joy to children, rewarding them for their excellent behavior throughout the year. Alongside these cherished traditions, many welcome the arrival of spring by spending time in their backyards planting flowers, engaging in more outdoor events, and joining in community festivities. What will you be doing to kick off the start of spring?

As Easter approaches on Sunday, March 31, 2024, let us treasure our loved ones, enjoy spring blossoming, and share happiness wherever we go. Your VNFA family wishes you a joyful Easter filled with love and laughter.

Current Market Observations

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Last week, the Federal Reserve’s more dovish tone was well received by the markets. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 2.0%, the S&P 500 Index rose 2.3%, and the NASDAQ rose 2.9%. Communication services were the best-performing sector for the week (+3.9%), while healthcare was the worst-performing sector (+0.5%). The CBOE Volatility Index fell about 9% for the week, indicating greater confidence and calmness among investors (See Chart 1 below). The latter part of the week saw market participation broadening beyond mega-cap stocks, with small and mid-cap stocks performing well. With the Fed’s rate outlook intact, the 10-year treasury saw increased buying, pushing yields down 12 basis points for the week. 

U.S. Economy 

As mentioned above, the CBOE Volatility Index fell again last week. The index measures the implied expected volatility of the U.S. stock market. VIX (Volatility Index) is used as a barometer for fearful and uncertain markets. The VIX tends to increase when the market decreases and vice versa. During the financial crisis in 2008-2009, the VIX reached as high as 80.86. See Chart 1 below from Valley National Financial Advisors and Y Charts shows the VIX over 5 years.

The FOMC meeting went as expected, with Chairman Powell stating that the current path for rate cuts remains on track, and they plan on up to three rate cuts by year-end 2024. Just as important as the rate cut story, the FOMC announced an increase in their projections for economic growth in 2024 from 1.4% to 2.1%, thus cementing the so-called “soft-landing” scenario. Specifically, Chairman Powell noted, “The economy is strong, the labor market is strong, and inflation has come way down.” Lastly, Powell mentioned that it was appropriate for the Fed to slow the pace of its balance sheet reduction program, which has been another source of restrictive monetary policy. 

Thursday saw 118 new 52-week highs for the S&P 500, the newest highs in 3 years. The prior 13 times this number of 52-week highs was reached resulted in higher stocks one year out 13 out of 13 times, with the average return being 12%, see Chart 2 below from the Carson Institute. 

Policy and Politics 

Global turmoil escalated last week with an ISIS-linked terrorist attack in Moscow shortly after Vladimir Putin was reelected to another six-year term. Further, the Ukraine/Russia and Israel/Hamas wars are showing no signs of ending. In Washington DC, President Biden signed a $1.2 trillion spending package that was previously passed by the U.S. House and U.S. Senate, thus narrowly avoiding an embarrassing government shutdown. With this out of the way for Washington, DC, we will move heavily into the 2024 campaign season with both political parties (Democrats & Republicans) vying for wins in November.   

Economic Numbers to Watch This Week 

  • U.S. Durable Goods New Orders MoM for Feb 2024, prior –6.11% 
  • U.S. Initial Claims for Unemployment Insurance for the week of March 23, 2024, prior 210,000 
  • U.S. Real GDP (Gross Domestic Product) QoQ for Q$ 2023 (Revised), prior 3.20% 
  • U.S. Index of Consumer Sentiment for March 2024, prior to 76.50.
  • 30-year Mortgage Rate for the week of March 28, 2024, prior to 6.87% 
  • U.S. Core PCE (Personal Consumption Expenditures) Prince Index YoY for Feb 2024, prior 2.85% 

Last week, several encouraging signs for the economy and markets were observed. The Federal Reserve left rates unchanged at their Wednesday meeting while upgrading their GDP growth projections and highlighting the strength and resilience of labor markets. Despite a recent blip in inflation readings, the trend lower appears intact, and the Fed continues to see three rate cuts coming later this year. Lower rates will serve as a tailwind to the housing market, which reported improved existing home sales last week. Despite these encouraging signs, we remain focused on identifying emerging market risk areas. We will continue to look for investment opportunities where the risk vs reward tradeoff looks the most compelling. Please reach out to your advisor at Valley National Financial Advisors with any questions. 

“Your Financial Choices” Radio

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Tune in Wednesday, 6 PM, “Your Financial Choices” on WDIY 88.1 FM. Laurie will be discussing: Random Thoughts on Financial Topics.

Questions can be submitted to yourfinancialchoices.com before the live show. Recordings of past shows are available to listen to or download at yourfinancialchoices.com and wdiy.org.

Did you miss the last show, Inheriting Something?  What should you know? Listen Here

The Numbers & “Heat Map”

Posted on by

MARKET HEAT MAP

The health of the U.S. economy is a key driver of long-term returns in the stock market. Below, we grade key economic conditions that we believe are of particular importance to investors.

The “Heat Map” is a subjective analysis based upon metrics that VNFA’s investment committee believes are important to financial markets and the economy. The “Heat Map” is designed for informational purposes only and is not intended for use as a basis for investment decisions.