Weekly Market Commentary – Confidence Grows in Resilient Economy

With growing confidence in the economy’s resilience, stocks posted another week of solid gains.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 0.31%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 advanced 1.79%. The Nasdaq Composite index picked up 1.98% for the week. The MSCI EAFE index, which tracks developed overseas stock markets, added 0.27%. ^1,2,3

Markets bounced around all week as investors grappled with the crosswinds of rising yields, continued hostilities in Ukraine, and hawkish comments from Fed Chair Jerome Powell. After suffering declines in two of the first three trading sessions of the week, stocks turned higher on a good jobless claims number that investors interpreted as continuing economic strength.

Stocks drifted higher as the week came to a close amid rising bond yields, which on Friday saw the 10-year Treasury yield rise for the 13th time in 16 trading sessions. ⁴

Many economists speculated that the invasion of Ukraine would likely shave economic growth in the short term as hostilities worsened supply chains and increased inflationary pressures. The impact, so far, has not been seen in the labor market.

Last week’s initial jobless claims fell by 28,000 to 187,000, the lowest level since December 1969. The number of people on state unemployment rolls fell to 1.35 million, from 1.42 million the previous week, while open jobs are at a near-record high of 11.3 million. Employers’ need for workers suggests that the demand for products and services has remained resilient despite the events in Eastern Europe. ⁵

Tuesday:  Consumer Confidence. JOLTS (Job Openings and Turnover Survey).
Wednesday:  Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Automated Data Processing (ADP) Employment Report.
Thursday:  Jobless Claims.
Friday:  Employment Situation. Institute for Supply Management (ISM) Manufacturing Index.

_{Source: Econoday, March 25, 2022 – The Econoday economic calendar lists upcoming U.S. economic data releases (including key economic indicators), Federal Reserve policy meetings, and speaking engagements of Federal Reserve officials. The content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information. The forecasts or forward-looking statements are based on assumptions and may not materialize. The forecasts also are subject to revision.}

Tuesday:  Micron Technology, Inc. (MU), lululemon athletica, inc. (LULU), Chewy (CHWY).
Wednesday:  Paychex, Inc. (PAYX).
Thursday:  Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. (WBA).

_{Source: Zacks, March 25, 2022 – Companies mentioned are for informational purposes only. It should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of the securities. Investing involves risks, and investment decisions should be based on your own goals, time horizon, and tolerance for risk. The return and principal value of investments will fluctuate as market conditions change. When sold, investments may be worth more or less than their original cost. Companies may reschedule when they report earnings without notice.}

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