Weekly Market Commentary | 5 Wealth Management

Weekly Market Commentary – 5/7/2021

-Darren Leavitt, CFA

US equity indices finished the week mixed as a strong rotational trade into cyclicals and out of high growth technology issues reappeared. The S&P 500 and Dow forged new all-time highs as the tech-heavy NASDAQ and Russell 2000 lagged. Energy, Financials, Materials, and Industrial sectors outperformed over the week while the Information Technology and Consumer Discretionary sectors underperformed. Q1 earnings results continued to roll in better than expected, but in most cases, the results were overshadowed by the prominent rotational trade. Economic news for the week was much weaker than expected, which caught many by surprise.

For the week, the S&P 500 gained 1.2%, the Dow added 2.7%, the NASDAQ declined 1.5%, and the Russell 2000 eked out a 0.2% increase. The US Treasury curve continued to flatten, with the 2-year yield falling two basis points to close at 0.14% and the 10-year bond yield shedding five basis points to 1.58%. Interestingly, the lower move in yields did not act as a buoy for growth stocks. Gold prices rose 3.5% or $62.90 to close at 1830.80. Oil prices ticked higher by 2.2%, with WTI closing at $64.94 a barrel.

The much anticipated April Employment situation report was a big disappointment. The headline non-farm payrolls number came in at 266k versus a consensus estimate of 1 million. Lower revisions for the March report accompanied the big miss. The unemployment rate ticked higher coming in at 6.1% versus the Street estimate of 5.8%. The news generated questions regarding the effects that extended and supplemental unemployment benefits have on the labor market. The Biden administration dismissed the correlation and suggested that the miss prompt Congress install his 1.8 trillion dollar American Family Plan quickly. ISM Manufacturing and Services data also regressed but still showed both parts of the economy in expansion. April ISM Manufacturing came in at 60.7 less than the consensus of 65.3 and down from the prior month’s reading of 64.7. ISM Non-Manufacturing came in at 62.7 versus the street estimate of 65 and down from the March reading of 63.7.

The information in this Market Commentary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Unless otherwise stated, all information and opinion contained in these materials were produced by Foundations Investment Advisers, LLC (“FIA”) and other publicly available sources believed to be accurate and reliable. No representations are made by FIA or its affiliates as to the informational accuracy or completeness. All information or ideas provided should be discussed in detail with an advisor, accountant or legal counsel prior to implementation. No party, including but not limited to, FIA and its affiliates, assumes liability for any loss or damage resulting from errors or omissions or reliance on or use of this material.

The views and opinions expressed are those of the authors do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of FIA or its affiliates. Information presented is believed to be current, but may change at any time and without notice. It should not be viewed as personalized investment advice. All expressions of opinion reflect the judgment of the authors on the date of publication and may change in response to market conditions. Due to rapidly changing market conditions and the complexity of investment decisions, supplemental information and other sources may be required to make informed investment decisions based on your individual investment objectives and suitability specifications. You should consult with a professional advisor before implementing any strategies discussed. Content should not be viewed as an offer to buy or sell any of the securities mentioned or as legal or tax advice. You should always consult an attorney or tax professional regarding your specific legal or tax situation. Investment advisory services are offered through Foundations Investment Advisors, LLC, an SEC registered investment adviser.

Market Recap for the week ending 7/26/2019

-Darren Leavitt, CFA

It was an upbeat Market last week as investors continued to applaud the majority of earnings results. A better than expected print on 2^nd quarter GDP also aided the positive sentiment. Markets were also encouraged with renewed hopes on trade negotiations between the US and China that were set to reopen over the weekend. The S&P bounced back from last week’s loss gaining 1.65%; the Dow lagged the other averages increasing just 0.14% due to a lackluster week for component Boeing. The NASDAQ led gainers with an increase of 2.26%, and the Russell inked a 2.01% gain. Treasuries were somewhat muted last week; the yield curve flattened a bit with the 2-year note yield increasing by 3 basis points to close at 1.87%. The 10-year bond was flat on the week and closed with a yield of 2.08%. WTI crude gained 1% and closed at $56.17 a barrel. Gold lost roughly $7 to close at 1419 an oz. There were no changes to our models last week.

Earnings continued to roll in generally better than expected. Google posted a stellar number last week which sent its stock price soaring and also helped to propel the communications services sector to a nearly 5% gain on the week. Texas Instruments also had an excellent quarter and aided an already hot Semiconductor sector. Facebook’s results produced a muted response. We have heard results from roughly 40% of the S&P 500, so there is still quite a bit of information due from companies and will likely continue to be in focus for investors.

A better than expected print in advanced 2^nd quarter GDP growth was a positive catalyst for the Markets last week. GDP for the 2^ndquarter came in at 2.1% versus an estimate of 1.8%. The reading is down from the Q1 growth rate of 3.1%, but the 2^nd quarter results confirmed that the consumer is still well and out spending. These results will likely not influence the Federal Reserve’s rate decision due on July 31^st but may play into subsequent policy decisions.

Renewed negotiations between the US and China is a paramount variable for the Markets to consider, but it seems most believe that very little will come of this weekend’s talks. None the less, investors will be looking for catalysts coming out of the meetings. The Markets will also be waiting to hear from the Fed in the coming week with most expecting a 25 basis point cut on the 31^st.

The views and opinions expressed are those of the authors do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of FIA or its affiliates. Information presented is believed to be current, but may change at any time and without notice. It should not be viewed as personalized investment advice. All expressions of opinion reflect the judgment of the authors on the date of publication and may change in response to Market conditions. Due to rapidly changing Market conditions and the complexity of investment decisions, supplemental information and other sources may be required to make informed investment decisions based on your individual investment objectives and suitability specifications. You should consult with a professional advisor before implementing any strategies discussed. Content should not be viewed as an offer to buy or sell any of the securities mentioned or as legal or tax advice. You should always consult an attorney or tax professional regarding your specific legal or tax situation. Investment advisory services are offered through Foundations Investment Advisors, LLC, an SEC registered investment adviser.