In this week’s recap: stocks gain after volatile week, despite COVID-19 acceleration.

Weekly Economic Update

Presented by Cornerstone Financial Advisory, LLC, July 13, 2020

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THE WEEK ON WALL STREET

Stock prices notched solid gains last week, looking past an increase in COVID-19 cases and any potential economic concerns raised by the trend.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average increased by 0.96%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 climbed 1.76%. The Nasdaq Composite Index bounded 4.01% higher for the week. The MSCI EAFE Index, which tracks developed stock markets overseas, gained just 0.07%.^1,2,3

Virus Concerns

Stocks experienced a volatile week as investors negotiated the crosswinds of encouraging overseas economic data with an accelerating number of COVID-19 cases in several states. Ongoing support of the financial markets by the Federal Reserve appeared to offset any concerns about an economic rebound.

The big technology companies continued to shine, leading the Nasdaq Composite to multiple new record highs. News of positive trial results for a potential COVID-19 treatment boosted stocks on the final trading day, closing the week on an encouraging note.

 

On the Record

Regional Federal Reserve presidents had several speaking engagements last week, and the message was a consistent one: expect the economic recovery to remain bumpy.

Cleveland Fed President Loretta Mester said that the economy in her region is slowing due to rising COVID-19 cases. She linked gains in combating the virus with further economic progress. She also echoed earlier comments by Fed Chairman Powell that more fiscal support is necessary.⁴

Meanwhile, San Francisco Fed President Mary Daly observed that it was unlikely many companies would be rehiring all their employees. Thomas Barkin, president of Richmond Federal Reserve, reiterated the challenges of a labor recovery, but also spoke of the strain on local and state governments.^5,6

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T I P   O F   T H E   W E E K

Ramp up your college savings with rewards programs. There are credit cards and online shopping programs that can allow you to direct a steady stream of rebates toward your education fund.

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THE WEEK AHEAD: KEY ECONOMIC DATA

Tuesday: Consumer Price Index (CPI).

Thursday: Jobless Claims. Retail Sales.

Friday: Housing Starts.

Source: Econoday, July 10, 2020

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

Monday: PepsiCo, Inc. (PEP).

Tuesday: JPMorgan Chase & Co. (JPM), Citigroup (C), Wells Fargo (WFC).

Wednesday: International Business Machines (IBM), Goldman Sachs (GS), eBay, Inc. (EBAY).

Thursday: Microsoft (MSFT), Netflix (NFLX), Bank of America (BAC), Johnson & Johnson (JNJ), UnitedHealth Group (UNH), Abbott Laboratories (ABT), Morgan Stanley (MS), Honeywell International (HON).

Friday: Blackrock, Inc. (BLK).

Source: Zacks, July 10, 2020

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.

 

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Q U O T E   O F   T H E   W E E K

“The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life.”

MARK TWAIN

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T H E   W E E K L Y   R I D D L E

A parking lot has 1,000 parking spaces, 40% of them for compact cars. There are 200 compact cars and some standard-size cars in the lot, which is 75% full. How many standard-size cars are in the lot?

 

LAST WEEK’S RIDDLE: To date, only one bachelor has served as President of the United States. Can you name him?

ANSWER: James Buchanan.

 

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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 2020 FMG Suite.

CITATIONS:

1. The Wall Street Journal, July 10, 2020
   2. The Wall Street Journal, July 10, 2020
   3. The Wall Street Journal, July 10, 2020
   4. CNBC, July 7, 2020
   5. MarketWatch, July 7, 2020
   6. MarketWatch, July 7, 2020

CHART CITATIONS:

The Wall Street Journal, July 10, 2020
The Wall Street Journal, July 10, 2020
Treasury.gov, July 10, 2020