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Week in Perspective: Markets Retreat on Inflation, Economy [Feb. 20-24] – Video
February 20, 2024
Mike Minter
Last Week on Wall Street
Stocks fell last week as investors reacted to disappointing inflation updates and other economic reports that fell short of estimates.
If you’d rather digest this market recap in video format, here you go. The article continues below video.
🔔 If you would like to have immediate access to videos when we post them, subscribe to our ▶️YouTube Channel: @FinsynWealthAdvisors.
Stocks Snap Winning Streak
Markets were quiet Monday but opened lower Tuesday in response to the January inflation report that showed higher-than-expected consumer prices. But stocks regained some momentum on Wednesday and rallied Thursday despite disappointing reports on both retail sales and industrial production for January.1,2
News of higher-than-expected wholesale prices on Friday put investors back on edge and kept stocks from ending the week on a positive note. The weekly loss broke a five-week winning streak.3
Inflated Perspective
Consumer Price Index data was one of the big pieces of news driving markets last week, with January’s numbers coming in at 3.1 percent compared to a year prior—cooler than December’s 3.4 percent year-over-year gain but warmer than the 2.9 percent consensus. Jittery Investors focused on the hotter-than-expected part.4
WWith the consumer report closely followed by disappointing inflation news on the producer level, attention quickly shifted to the Fed and what’s next for interest rates. While the Fed has indicated short-term rates may trend lower in 2024, the January inflation reports support Fed Chair Powell’s recent comments that the Fed is in no hurry to cut rates.4
This Week: Key Economic Data
Tuesday: Leading Indicators. Wednesday: FOMC Meeting Minutes. Thursday: Jobless Claims. Existing Home Sales. U.S. Fed Balance Sheet.
Source: Investors Business Daily – Econoday economic calendar; February 15, 2024 – 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.
This Week: Companies Reporting Earnings
Tuesday: Walmart Inc. (WMT), The Home Depot, Inc. (HD), Palo Alto Networks, Inc. (PANW). Wednesday: NVIDIA Corporation (NVDA) Thursday: Intuit Inc. (INTU), Booking Holdings Inc. (BKNG) Friday: Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (BRK.A, BRK.B)
Source: Zacks, February 15, 2024 – 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.
Concerns or questions about how your investment portfolio will hold up in the current market environment? Contact Financial Synergies today.
We are a boutique, financial advisory and total wealth management firm with over 35 years helping clients navigate turbulent markets. To learn more about our approach to investment management please reach out to us. One of our seasoned advisors would be happy to help you build a custom financial plan to help ensure you accomplish your financial goals and objectives. Schedule a conversation with us today.
Week in Perspective: Markets Retreat on Inflation, Economy [Feb. 20-24] – Video
Last Week on Wall Street
Stocks fell last week as investors reacted to disappointing inflation updates and other economic reports that fell short of estimates.
If you’d rather digest this market recap in video format, here you go. The article continues below video.
🔔 If you would like to have immediate access to videos when we post them, subscribe to our ▶️YouTube Channel: @FinsynWealthAdvisors.
Stocks Snap Winning Streak
Markets were quiet Monday but opened lower Tuesday in response to the January inflation report that showed higher-than-expected consumer prices. But stocks regained some momentum on Wednesday and rallied Thursday despite disappointing reports on both retail sales and industrial production for January.1,2
News of higher-than-expected wholesale prices on Friday put investors back on edge and kept stocks from ending the week on a positive note. The weekly loss broke a five-week winning streak.3
Inflated Perspective
Consumer Price Index data was one of the big pieces of news driving markets last week, with January’s numbers coming in at 3.1 percent compared to a year prior—cooler than December’s 3.4 percent year-over-year gain but warmer than the 2.9 percent consensus. Jittery Investors focused on the hotter-than-expected part.4
WWith the consumer report closely followed by disappointing inflation news on the producer level, attention quickly shifted to the Fed and what’s next for interest rates. While the Fed has indicated short-term rates may trend lower in 2024, the January inflation reports support Fed Chair Powell’s recent comments that the Fed is in no hurry to cut rates.4
This Week: Key Economic Data
Tuesday: Leading Indicators.
Wednesday: FOMC Meeting Minutes.
Thursday: Jobless Claims. Existing Home Sales. U.S. Fed Balance Sheet.
Source: Investors Business Daily – Econoday economic calendar; February 15, 2024 – 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.
This Week: Companies Reporting Earnings
Tuesday: Walmart Inc. (WMT), The Home Depot, Inc. (HD), Palo Alto Networks, Inc. (PANW).
Wednesday: NVIDIA Corporation (NVDA)
Thursday: Intuit Inc. (INTU), Booking Holdings Inc. (BKNG)
Friday: Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (BRK.A, BRK.B)
Source: Zacks, February 15, 2024 – 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.
Concerns or questions about how your investment portfolio will hold up in the current market environment? Contact Financial Synergies today.
We are a boutique, financial advisory and total wealth management firm with over 35 years helping clients navigate turbulent markets. To learn more about our approach to investment management please reach out to us. One of our seasoned advisors would be happy to help you build a custom financial plan to help ensure you accomplish your financial goals and objectives. Schedule a conversation with us today.
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