Weekly Market Commentary

Weekly Market Commentary 1/8/2021

-Darren Leavitt, CFA

Wow-what a way to start 2021.  US equity averages hit another set of all-time highs despite Washington’s political turmoil and a Democratic sweep in the Georgia Senate runoff elections.  Economic data continued to be mixed, but investors looked past a disappointing December Employment Situation Report to the possibilities of even more economic stimulus.

For the week, the S&P 500 gained 1.8%, the Dow tacked on 1.6%, the NASDAQ advanced 2.4%, and the Russell 2000 soared 5.9%!  The US yield curve saw significant steepening.  The 2-year note yield increased one basis point to close at 0.13%, while the 10-year bond yield ticked higher by nineteen basis points to close at 1.11%. The widening spread in yields helped propel the financial sector 4.7% higher for the week.  Gold lost $57 or 3% to close at $1836.70 at the same time Bitcoin rallied above $41,000.  Oil prices increased significantly, gaining $3.98 or 8.3% to close at $52.25 a barrel.  The move above $50 came as Saudi Arabia and Russia agreed to continue production cuts and added a cut of 1 million barrels a day for February and March.  The agreement sent the energy sector 9.3% higher for the week.

A Democratic sweep in the Georgia Senate elections gives the Democrats a slim majority in the Senate and opens the door to perhaps a more robust Biden agenda.  Investors were unfazed by the results and perhaps recognize that such a small majority will curtail radical policies.  Additionally, the win seemed to bolster the probability for even more economic stimulus.  Late in the week, President-elect Biden proposed a 3 trillion dollar spending plan with 2 trillion earmarked for infrastructure and green jobs.  The notion of more stimulus coupled with an enormous spending plan hammered longer-dated US Treasuries.  Political turmoil at the US Capital was nothing short of astonishing.  Congress had convened to certify the Electoral College results, but the process was disrupted by protestors that laid siege on the Capital.  Eventually, order was restored, and Congress was able to certify the election.  In the aftermath, several of the President’s cabinet members have resigned due to the President’s rhetoric that seemed to have provoked the siege. Some have called for Article 25 to be invoked, which would remove the President from office, while the Democrats have threatened impeachment of the President.

The Employment situation report for December showed that non-farm payrolls decreased by 140k and that the three month average of payrolls had declined to 283k from 522k.  The unemployment rate stayed steady at 6.7%.  Average hourly earnings showed a nice tick up of 0.8%, which brings the 12-month increase in earnings to 5.1%.  The labor participation rate stayed the same at 61.5%.  Initial claims were down slightly for the week at 787k, while continuing claims fell by 126k to 5.072 million.  ISM Manufacturing and Non-Manufacturing showed continued expansion with readings of 60.7 and 57.2, respectively.   Notably, PMI manufacturing figures were also better than expected in Europe.

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.

 

Ready To Take

THE NEXT STEP?

For more information about any of our products and services, schedule a meeting today.

Or give us a call at (314) 469-7007