Stocks rose again last week as economic data impressed for the second consecutive week. While new cases of
Covid-19 have caused some states to begin restricting activities and infection rates seem to be increasing,
encouraging data from manufacturing and retail sales has managed to support equities. Both moved in
encouraging directions, returning results which beat expectations and encouraged investors, as both factors
have a significant impact on the economic environment. Retail sales have nearly recovered to its pre-pandemic
levels, possibly indicating that a recovery in consumption is further along than expected. The SP500 is
oStockPointDigitalcially above the level at which it started 2020.
Going forward, markets will likely continue to be fixated first and foremost on the rate of recovery and any
risks that pose a threat to its trajectory. Tensions with China continue to be an unknown and will be watched
carefully by analysts. Unemployment claims are likely to remain elevated for several more weeks, and the
unemployment rate remains at the second highest level in history. The slowing of the opening process in the
southern U.S. remains highly concerning, as infections are on the rise regionally. Also on the horizon is the
expiration of the enhanced employment benefits which are due to expire at the end of July. Further economic
data in the coming weeks and months will hopefully shed further light on true economic conditions and help
provide an accurate outlook for the pace of the economic recovery.
Overseas markets rose, as encouraging U.S. data and negotiations surrounding a stimulus package in the EU
helped lift equities. All major European indices returned positive results for the week. Japanese equities
also returned positive performance. As global economies continue to work towards reopening, analysts are
hoping Covid-19 infections are brought back under control so that focus can dial in more on global recovery
efforts. Fears concerning global stability and health are an unexpected factor in asset values, and the recent
volatility serves as a great reminder of why it is so important to remain committed to a long-term plan and
maintain a well-diversified portfolio. When stocks were struggling to gain traction last month, other asset
classes such as gold, REITs, and US Treasury bonds proved to be more stable. Flashy news headlines can make it
tempting to make knee-jerk decisions, but sticking to a strategy and maintaining a portfolio consistent with
your goals and risk tolerance can lead to smoother returns and a better probability for long-term success.
Chart of the Week
U.S. tech firms continue to dominate emerging market competitors in market capitalization, now showing
premiums not seen since the tech bubble in the early 2000s. Some fear that U.S. firms may be overvalued by
comparison and are at risk of a correction.
Market Update
Equities
Broad market equity indices finished the week mostly up, with major large cap indices underperforming small
cap. Economic data has continued to impress, but the global recovery still has a long way to go to regain lost
jobs and output. S&P sectors returned mostly positive results this week, as broad market movements showed
investors buying most sectors. Industrials led the best performing sectors, followed by materials, returning
5.802% and 5.44% respectively. Technology and consumer discretionary performed the worst, posting -1.16% and
-1.62% respectively. Technology leads the pack so far YTD, returning 16.63% in 2020.
Commodities
Commodities fell this week, driven by losses in natural gas. Energy markets have been highly volatile, with
oil investors focusing on output and consumption concerns. Recent economic improvements have lifted demand
outlook, as summer is likely to increase consumption while normal economic activities should continue
recovering. Demand is still likely to recover slowly however, as economic activity is not likely to recover
instantly. Oil supplies have shrunk dramatically, as operating oil rigs have shrunk by nearly 70% since last
year, further helping oil prices to recover. Gold rose this week as markets reacted to both increasing Covid
infections and encouraging economic numbers. Gold is a common “safe haven” asset, typically rising during
times of market stress. Focus for gold has shifted to global macroeconomics and recovery efforts. Weakening
real currency values resulting from massive stimulus measures may further support gold prices.
Bonds
Yields on 10-year Treasuries fell from 0.64% to 0.62% while traditional bond indices rose. Treasury yield
movements reflect general risk outlook, and tend to track overall investor sentiment. Treasury yields will
continue to be a focus as analysts watch for signs of changing market conditions.High-yield bonds rose this
week, causing spreads to tighten. High-yield bonds are likely to remain volatile in the short to intermediate
term as the Fed has adopted a remarkably accommodative monetary stance and investors flee economic risk
factors, likely driving increased volatility.
Lesson to be Learned
The individual investor should act consistently as an investor and not as a speculator. This means
... that he should be able to justify every purchase he makes and each price he pays by impersonal, objective
reasoning that satisfies him that he is getting more than his money's worth for his
purchase."
-Ben Graham
StockPointDigital Indicators
StockPointDigital has two simple indicators we share that help you see how the economy is doing (we call this the
Recession Probability Index, or RPI), as well as if the US Stock Market is strong (bull) or weak (bear).
In a nutshell, we want the RPI to be low on a scale of 1 to 100. For the US Equity Bull/Bear indicator, we
want it to read at least 66.67% bullish. When those two things occur, our research shows market performance is
typically stronger, with less volatility.
The Recession Probability Index (RPI) has a current reading of 57.46, forecasting a higher potential for an
economic contraction (warning of recession risk). The Bull/Bear indicator is currently 66.67% bullish – 33.33%
bearish, meaning the indicator shows there is a slightly higher than average likelihood of stock market
increases in the near term (within the next 18 months).
The Week Ahead
This week will see updated manufacturing PMI numbers. This release will help shed light on manufacturing
conditions and could have an impact on equities. More to come soon. Stay tuned.