In this week’s recap: despite continued COVID-19 concerns, markets react positively to upbeat economic data.

Weekly Economic Update

Presented by Cornerstone Financial Advisory, LLC, July 6, 2020

---

THE WEEK ON WALL STREET

In a holiday-shortened week, stock prices turned higher as encouraging economic data outweighed an increase in COVID-19 cases and a rollback in economic re-openings.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 3.25%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 increased by 4.02%. The Nasdaq Composite Index gained 4.62% for the week. The MSCI EAFE Index, which tracks developed stock markets overseas, picked up 0.22%.^1,2,3

Stocks Climb a Wall of Worry

Stock prices moved higher on optimism of continued central bank support and a wave of buying on the final trading days of the second-calendar quarter.

On Wednesday, investors were emboldened by news of promising results from a COVID-19 vaccine trial. Stocks continued their move to the upside on Thursday, sparked by a better-than-expected jobs report and a higher-than-expected read on manufacturing activity.

 

Jobs, Jobs, Jobs

The ultimate measure of economic recovery is jobs for Americans, and last week, Wall Street got an update from three different perspectives.

First, the ADP (Automatic Data Processing) National Employment Report, which reported private-sector employers added 2.37 million jobs in June. Next, an update on jobless claims, which showed 1.43 million claims, slightly higher than estimates. And finally, the June employment report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, which showed 4.8 million jobs added, and the unemployment rate falling to 11.1%. Both numbers were better than expected.^4,5,6

While the employment numbers painted a mostly positive picture, it’s important to remember that the June wave of rehiring was prior to the increase in COVID-19 cases, which has caused some states to revisit their re-opening plans.

---

 

T I P   O F   T H E   W E E K

Sell old stuff to fund a new experience. Sell what you don’t need online and use the proceeds to partly or fully fund your new adventure.

 

---

 

THE WEEK AHEAD: KEY ECONOMIC DATA

Monday: Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) Services Index. Institute for Supply Management (ISM) Non-Manufacturing Index.

Tuesday: Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTS).

Thursday: Jobless Claims.

Source: Econoday, July 2, 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

Tuesday: Paychex (PAYX), Levi Strauss (LEVI).

Wednesday: Bed, Bath & Beyond (BBBY).

Thursday: Delta Airlines (DAL), Walgreens Boots (WBA).

Source: Zacks, July 2, 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.

---

 

Q U O T E   O F   T H E   W E E K

“Service is the rent we pay to be living. It is the very purpose of life and not something you do in your spare time.”

MARION WRIGHT EDELMAN

---

 

 

---

T H E   W E E K L Y   R I D D L E

To date, only one bachelor has served as President of the United States. Can you name him?

 

LAST WEEK’S RIDDLE: Can you determine the numeral between 1 and 100 that is also nine times the sum of its digits?

ANSWER: 81. (8+1 = 9, 81 is 9x the sum of 9)

---

 

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

CHART CITATIONS:

The Wall Street Journal, July 2, 2020
The Wall Street Journal, July 2, 2020
Treasury.gov, July 2, 2020