Clarksville Weekly Market Snapshot from Frazier Allen for the week of December 13th, 2015
December 13, 2015
Clarksville, TN – The economic calendar was thin. The headline retail sales figures for November were not far from expectations, but core sales (which exclude autos, building materials and gasoline) were up 0.6% (stronger than anticipated). The Producer Price Index continued to reflect disinflation pressure, with falling prices within the pipeline.
Commodity prices fell further, led by a drop in oil (now below the critical $40.00 level). Anxieties about the decline in commodity prices fed through to the stock market, which fell broadly during the week and cast some doubt about the Fed’s ability to raise rates next week (still likely, but increased financial instability could lead to a delay).
Frazier Allen
Clarksville Weekly Market Snapshot from Frazier Allen for the week of December 6th, 2015
December 6, 2015
Clarksville, TN – Fed Chair Janet Yellen did not commit to raising rates in December, but she continued to lay the groundwork for an initial hike. She noted that with interest rates close to zero, the consequence of raising rates too soon or too late is not symmetric, which suggests that the Fed should be cautious as it prepares to tighten monetary policy.
However, she also noted that monetary policy affects the economy with a lag, and waiting too long raises risks for the economy and for financial stability.
Frazier Allen
Clarksville Weekly Market Snapshot from Frazier Allen for the week of December 2nd, 2015
December 2, 2015
Clarksville, TN – Next week, the economic calendar has plenty of fresh figures. The ISM surveys and Friday’s employment report would normally be the highlights (and those reports will be important), but financial market participants will be more interested in what happens Thursday.
The European Central Bank’s Governing Council is expected to expand its asset purchase program, while Fed Chair Janet Yellen with testify before the Joint Economic Committee of Congress. Yellen is likely to provide a clearer signal that the Fed will begin raising short-term interest rates at the December policy meeting.
Frazier Allen
Clarksville Weekly Market Snapshot from Frazier Allen for the week of November 15th, 2015
November 15, 2015
Clarksville, TN – The economic data calendar was relatively thin, leaving stock market investors to fret about a likely December rate hike from the Fed. A 25-basis-point increase in short-term interest rates should not have much of an impact on the economy, especially if the Fed follows up very gradually (as anticipated).
However, the financial markets see the initial tightening move as a big deal, so it is. Weak earnings results haven’t helped, but most of the weakness is tied to the strong dollar and slower growth abroad.
Frazier Allen
Clarksville Weekly Market Snapshot from Frazier Allen for the week of November 8th, 2015
November 8, 2015
Clarksville, TN – The October employment report was much stronger than anticipated. However, figures should be considered in their proper context. Nonfarm payrolls rose by 271,000, with a net upward revision to the two previous months of +12,000.
Due to the start of the school year, seasonal adjustment can be tricky in October (we added 1.152 million jobs before seasonal adjustment, versus 1.081 million in October 2014).
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Frazier Allen: October proves a banner month for Equity Markets
November 4, 2015
Clarksville, TN – After a tumultuous summer, the markets seemed to downplay worries in October about China’s economic slowdown and uncertainty over the Federal Reserve timing for raising short-term interest rates.
In fact, it was a banner month for the major equity indices – the S&P 500, the Dow Jones Industrial Average and the NASDAQ – whose positive performance made up for last quarter’s losses, giving the S&P 500 its biggest monthly gain in four years. The global MSCI EAFE index rallied, too, ending the month up 7.7%.
Frazier Allen
Clarksville Weekly Market Snapshot from Frazier Allen for the week of November 1st, 2015
November 1, 2015
Clarksville, TN – The Federal Open Market Committee left short-term interest rates unchanged, but the tone of the policy statement was unexpectedly hawkish. The FOMC removed the phrase about downside risks from the global economy, but said that it would monitor global economic and financial developments.
It also specifically talked about the decision framework for “the next meeting,” clearly putting a December 16th rate hike back in play.
Frazier Allen
Clarksville Weekly Market Snapshot from Frazier Allen for the week of October 28th, 2015
October 28, 2015
Clarksville, TN – The economic calendar was light. Residential construction figures were mixed, largely reflecting the usual noise in the multi-family sector data (single-family starts and permits were little changed and still up strongly from a year ago). Existing home sales rebounded from a surprise drop in August. The four-week average for jobless claims fell to the lowest level since 1973.
Earnings reports were mixed, but investors appeared to be encouraged by the view that economic growth will continue, but not so fast that the Federal Reserve rushes to take away the punch bowl.
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Frazier Allen: Third quarter marked by mixed data and volatility
October 5, 2015
Clarksville, TN – Last quarter, many investors watched closely as the Greek debt drama played out on a global stage. Three months later, investors once again are warily watching how international economic conditions impact domestic markets.
Headwinds include worries over slower growth in Europe and Asia; the effects of lower commodity prices; uncertainty over the Federal Reserve’s rate tightening policy and timing; suppressed inflation; and the potential for a U.S. government shutdown either at the beginning of October or during early December.
Frazier Allen
Clarksville Weekly Market Snapshot from Frazier Allen for the week of October 4th, 2015
October 4, 2015
Clarksville, TN – The economic data were mixed, but consistent with the theme of global softness and domestic strength. Unit auto sales improved further in September – and, combined with the August data on personal income and spending, suggest that inflation-adjusted consumer spending (70% of GDP) is on track to have expanded at an annual pace of 3.5% to 4.0% in 3Q15.
The trade deficit in goods widened sharply in August, with that split evenly between stronger imports (despite lower oil prices) and weaker exports. Net exports and an inventory correction are expected to subtract significantly from 3Q15 GDP growth, but underlying domestic demand appears to have remained strong.
Frazier Allen
