Weekly Economic Update: January 18th, 2021
In this week’s recap: Mixed news elicits a mixed reaction from the markets; incoming Biden Administration outlines stimulus plan.
THE WEEK ON WALL STREET
Markets drifted lower last week as uninspired investors digested mixed news on the economic front.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 0.91% while the Standard & Poor’s 500 slid 1.48%. The Nasdaq Composite index stumbled 1.54% for the week. The MSCI EAFE index, which tracks developed overseas stock markets, slipped 0.26%. 1,2,3
STOCKS DRIFT LOWER
Stocks traded without much conviction last week, pushed lower, in part, by a broad retreat in technology. Rising interest rates also dampened enthusiasm, feeding concerns over their effect on current stock valuations.
Markets seemed deaf to a stream of news, moving little on the House impeachment vote, encouraging news on the vaccine front, reassurances from Fed Chair Powell, or a jump in jobless claims. Energy and financials continued their recent advance, while smaller capitalization stocks rose on expectations of becoming beneficiaries of any stimulus bill. 4,5
Stocks turned lower to close the week, following the unveiling of president-elect Biden’s stimulus plan and a weaker-than-expected retail sales number. 6
NEW STIMULUS PROPOSAL
Biden revealed his long-anticipated stimulus proposal last week, announcing a $1.9 trillion spending plan to provide further help to an unsteady economy.
Along with monetary easing, fiscal stimulus has been one of the major drivers of the stock market recovery, which is why investors have anxiously awaited his plan.
His proposal seeks to help individuals, including direct payments for qualifying Americans and enhanced unemployment aid. The proposal would also include help for small businesses with a new grant program in addition to the Paycheck Protection Program, and would bolster state finances by funding frontline workers, vaccine distribution, reopening schools, and vital services.
The market reaction was muted. Investors will be watching the extent to which Congress amends Biden’s proposal and the speed at which it’s picked up by the legislature.
T I P O F T H E W E E K
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THE WEEK AHEAD: KEY ECONOMIC DATA
Thursday: Housing Starts. Jobless Claims.
Friday: Existing Home Sales. PMI (Purchasing Managers’ Index) Composite Flash.
Source: Econoday, January 15, 2021 The Econoday economic calendar lists upcoming U.S. economic data releases (including key economic indicators), Federal Reserve policy meetings, and speaking engagements of Federal Reserve officials. The content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information. The forecasts or forward-looking statements are based on assumptions and may not materialize. The forecasts also are subject to revision.
THE WEEK AHEAD: COMPANIES REPORTING EARNINGS
Tuesday: Netflix (NFLX), Bank of America (BAC), Goldman Sachs (GS), J.B. Hunt Transportation (JBHT).
Wednesday: UnitedHealth Group (UNH), Morgan Stanley (MS), United Airlines (UAL).
Thursday: IBM (IBM), CSX Corporation (CSX), Union Pacific (UNP).
Friday: Kansas City Southern (KSU), PPG Industries (PPG).
Source: Zacks, January 15, 2021 Companies mentioned are for informational purposes only. It should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of the securities. 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. Companies may reschedule when they report earnings without notice.Q U O T E O F T H E W E E K
“We can only be said to be alive in those moments when our hearts are conscious of our treasures.”
THORNTON WILDER
THE WEEKLY RIDDLE
Four cars approach an intersection with four-way stop signs simultaneously, each car coming from a different direction. After stopping, the drivers all accelerate at the same time. However, there is no accident. How is this possible?
LAST WEEK’S RIDDLE: Yesterday was Wednesday’s tomorrow. Tomorrow is Sunday’s yesterday. Given those circumstances, what day would today be?
ANSWER: Friday.
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CITATIONS:
1. The Wall Street Journal, January 15, 2021
2. The Wall Street Journal, January 15, 2021
3. The Wall Street Journal, January 15, 2021
4. CNBC.com, January 14, 2021
5. Yahoo.Finance.com, January 14, 2021
6. The Wall Street Journal, January 15, 2021