Stocks hesitate as expected after a strong rally
February 4, 2014
Clarksville, TN – U.S. stocks had a great run in 2013 with major indices up 27% to 38%, but that momentum lost a bit of steam in January and the first hours of February trading.
The pullback toward the end of January seems to reflect investor concern about turmoil in emerging markets in general, and specifically, about a drop in Argentina’s currency and a deceleration of Chinese manufacturing.
Frazier Allen
Clarksville Weekly Market Snapshot from Frazier Allen for the week of January 19th, 2014
January 19, 2014
Clarksville, TN – There were few surprises in the economic data reports. Retail sales, industrial production, and the Consumer Price Index were all relatively close to expectations. Retail sales slowed in December, reflecting a pullback in unit auto sales, up moderately otherwise (weakness in department store sales were offset by stronger e-tail activity).
Industrial production rose 0.3%, held back by a drop in the output of utilities, but factory output accelerated in 4Q13, following a soft trend in the first three quarters of 2013 (consistent with improving trends in factory payrolls and new orders). Residential construction figures disappointed, but it’s hard to get too worked up about December data (which can be exaggerated due to the weather and seasonal adjustment).
Frazier Allen
Markets gain ground, await further Fed guidance
August 3, 2013
Clarksville, TN – July was certainly eventful in terms of market movements and economic news. Stocks were up for the month, with the S&P 500 posting its biggest monthly gain since January, making up for its decline in June.
All the major indices ended July in higher territory after housing prices posted their largest gain in seven years and the Commerce Department reported that advanced estimates show that gross domestic product grew more than forecast in the second quarter. [Read more]
Market Update from Frazier Allen, June 23rd, 2013
June 23, 2013
Clarksville, TN – Equities across the globe fell sharply after Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke implied that the central bank may start to wind down its asset purchases later this year if the economy continues to improve. The three major domestic indices took a hit, and the CBOE Volatility Index spiked to a new high this year.
The statement triggered a selloff on Wednesday and Thursday, as markets reacted to the prospect of higher interest rates. Many market observers already had forecast when this third round of quantitative easing would dial down, but the markets responded regardless. [Read more]
