Markets and Economy, Page 6
Anton's Weekly UPdate on markets, the consumer, jobs, housing, and the Fed
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Markets and EconomyHousing and the Stock MarketThe start of new construction housing increased 10.7% to 1.521 million units month-over-month to an annualized rate in February after falling 12.3% in January. The February increase was well above the consensus of 1.449 Markets and EconomyWhen Will Small Businesses Join the Party?Although many companies are experiencing record sales with the stocks hitting all-time highs (e.g., Nvidia), the small business sector seems to be missing the party altogether. For several years, we have been writing aboMarkets and EconomyWill it be Another Deja Vu Wild Ride of Hyper Inflation and Interest Rates?A January 2024 Gallup Poll indicated that Americans mentioning the economy as a key issue has risen almost three-fold since 2019. In the category of Economic Problems, 76.7% was attributed to “Economy in General” and “HiMarkets and EconomyWhat Happened to the Recession?The media knows that bad news sells better than good news. Even if the bad news is, at best, a speculation with little supporting evidence. A case in point is the relentless storyline in 2021Markets and EconomyHot Labor MarketSince most people reading this Brief are employed or are employers themselves, watching the Monster.com reports is probably not a top priority. However, the labor market is a key focus for the Federal Reserve as it influMarkets and EconomySanta Claus PredictorSeveral years ago, Simon Maierhofer, editor and founder of iSpy ETF Newsletter, introduced me to a combination of three barometers that have had interesting results in predicting the future S&P 500 performance of the newMarkets and EconomyAmericans Feeling Good!Understandably, American sentiment plummeted during the coronavirus worldwide infestation. Consumer sentiment improved in 2021 as more information about the virus became available, along with the slow and inconsistent reMarkets and EconomyA Look Back At 2023 And Forward To 2024It’s officially the part of the new year where you are no longer allowed to tell people “Happy New Year!” but we’ve barely eclipsed the first half of January. The paint is still drying on 2023 but that’s old news. In theMarkets and EconomyUS Economy Ends Well, Now On To 2024As we reported, for most of last year, we had anticipated the US stock market to recover from its selloff that began on July 28. The media speculated that the selloff was ending a short-lived rally and entering a bear maMarkets and EconomyConsumers Spending More In HistoryCNBC reported today that consumers are spending more this year than in recorded history. Based on a survey conducted by CNBC, Consumers have increased their holiday spending by 31% over 2022 based on their survey. The avMarkets and EconomySoft LandingsFor years now, I have enjoyed taking people flying and introducing the peaceful, miraculous experience of flight. However, from the moment I take off, I think principally of one key aspect of the flight, and that is the Markets and EconomyHelp Wanted for Christmas and Beyond!The seasonal increase in job openings is typically a great time for students and entry-level workers to get jobs with short-term income opportunities. Unfortunately for most businesses, finding qualified employees has beMarkets and EconomySeasoning for the Sage Investor and What’s on the Market’s MenuThe U.S. stock market, often a measure of economic health, has shown a noteworthy uptick just in time for Thanksgiving gratitude. The S&P 500 index, a benchmark for U.S. equities, has increased by 2.2% in the past week. Markets and EconomyMarket Rebound!Last week, the major indices had their best week this year, with the major indices rising from 4.6% to 6.77%. Below is a chart of the returns of the indices last week:Markets and EconomyGood News Is Bad News AgainThere is a peculiar relationship between investors, economic news, and the major media. Investors are trying to predict the future of the stock market based on economic data being released, and the major media, whose onlMarkets and EconomySmall Business Owners Still In RecoveryThe National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) released its August report surveying small business owners on their views of their business and the economy. The NFIB index reading came in a little below the previoMarkets and EconomyInvesting for the Long TermIt appears investors are increasing their caution in buying stocks since the major indices peaked for the year high on July 31. Today's decline of the S&P 500 puts the index just 0.1% above its 200 Day Moving Average (DMMarkets and EconomyConsumers Spending And Investors SentimentIt would seem logical to anticipate a close correlation between consumer spending and stock market sentiment. As consumers increase their spending, and especially wealthy consumers, the stock market would presumably rallMarkets and EconomyConsumer Engine Still StrongLast week, the Bureau of Economic Analysis released its Consumer Spending report for July, and the result is the consumer engine is strong and building momentum. For the month of July, consumer spending increased year ovMarkets and EconomyInvestors Holding Their BreathIf it feels like the financial markets are lurching from news event to news event in recent weeks, you're right. They are. After a strong first half, investors are wondering if the good times are over or if the positive
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