In this week’s recap: Upbeat feelings boost the stock market, with America reopening ahead of Memorial Day.

Weekly Economic Update

Presented by Cornerstone Financial Advisory, LLC, May 31, 2021

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THE WEEK ON WALL STREET

Optimism over the economic reopening and renewed enthusiasm for technology and other high-growth companies powered the stock market higher last week.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 0.94%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 climbed 1.16%. The Nasdaq Composite index led, picking up 2.06%. The MSCI EAFE index, which tracks developed overseas stock markets, added 0.46%.^1,2,3

SOLID GAINS

Stock rallied on renewed confidence in the economic recovery, lower inflation worries, and rising comfort with Fed officials talking about the potential for easing of its monthly bond purchases. Technology, communication services, and reopening stocks were among the market leaders.

Investor sentiment was buoyed late in the week by an encouraging jobless claims number and the unveiling of a Republican infrastructure proposal. A somewhat hotter-than-expected inflation indicator on Friday did nothing to dampen optimism as stocks added to their gains ahead of the three-day Memorial Day weekend.^4,5

JOBLESS CLAIMS REACH PANDEMIC LOWS

In a sign of further recovery in the labor market, the number of initial jobless claims fell to a pandemic low, continuing the downward trend in worker layoffs. New jobless claims totaled 406,000 for the week, well below the pandemic high of nearly 1.5 million, though still above the 2019 weekly average of 218,000.⁵

FINAL THOUGHTS

The history of Memorial Day extends back to the Civil War when it was referred to as Decoration Day. We join all Americans in honoring those who died in the performance of their military service to protect the freedoms we enjoy today. These were remarkably brave men and women whose sacrifice will never be forgotten.

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T I P   O F   T H E   W E E K

Does the cost of your homeowners insurance seem too high? Raising your deductible, installing an alarm, or even moving your coverage over to an insurer with whom you have other kinds of policies might potentially save you some money.

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THE WEEK AHEAD: KEY ECONOMIC DATA

Tuesday: Institute for Supply Management (ISM) Manufacturing Index.

Wednesday: Automated Data Processing (ADP) Employment Report.

Thursday: Jobless Claims. Institute for Supply Management (ISM) Services Index.

Friday: Employment Situation. Factory Orders.

Source: Econoday, May 28, 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: Zoom Video Communications, Inc. (ZM).

Wednesday: Splunk (SPLK).

Thursday: Lululemon Athletica (LULU), Broadcom (AVGO), Docusign, Inc. (DOCU), CrowdStrike Holdings (CRWD).

Source: Zacks, May 28, 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.

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Q U O T E   O F   T H E   W E E K

“Part of being a champ is acting like a champ. You have to learn how to win and not run away when you lose.”

NANCY KERRIGAN

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T H E   W E E K L Y   R I D D L E

What is placed on a table and cut, but never eaten?

 

LAST WEEK’S RIDDLE: I am a word that signifies a wide natural area – but remove my first letter, and you are left with a word signifying a narrow urban corridor. What word am I?

ANSWER: The word “valley.” It becomes “alley” after “v” is removed.

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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 2021 FMG Suite.

CITATIONS:

1. The Wall Street Journal, May 28, 2021
2. The Wall Street Journal, May 28, 2021
3. The Wall Street Journal, May 28, 2021
4. CNBC.com, May 28, 2021
5. The Wall Street Journal, May 27, 2021