US Stocks were mostly lower this week.  The situation with Greece and the rebalancing of the Russell indexes were cited as causes.  European stocks actually rose as the monetary stimulus seems to be adding to Europe’s economic growth rate.  US Treasury yields rose and prices fell based on improving economic data.  The dollar rose sharply.  Energy prices were little changed but other commodities rose.  Chinese stocks were sharply lower over growth concerns.

The ongoing drama of the Greek debt was an influencing factor on market activity as sentiment vacillated along with the headlines.  Heading into this weekend there was optimism about a deal being reached.  However, Prime Minister Tsipras’ announcement at 1:00 a.m. local time Saturday of a referendum on July 5^th on whether to accept the creditor’s terms and a request for a one month extension of the bailout was swiftly rejected by a meeting of the 19 finance ministers of the European Union.  This leads the way for a messy default as early as Tuesday.  While this may create some market volatility on Monday I believe that since the EU’s plan B for a potential Greek default and exit from the EU.has been in the works since 2012 they should be able to prevent this from having a longer term impact on the global markets.  Also, this weekend China has cut their interest rates for the fourth time this year.

In particular this past week:

• The National Association of Realtors reported that existing home sales rose 5.1% in May to the highest level since November 2009. Indications were that younger buyers are returning to the market.
• The Commerce Department reported
  • New home sales rose 2.2% in May to the highest level since February 2008. April’s estimate was increased to an 8.1% gain up from the previously reported 6.8%.
  • The first quarter’s gross domestic product’s second revision was higher than previously expected. Now first quarter’s GDP is measured at -0.2%.  Previously, it had been revised down to -0.7%.  Better consumer spending and inventory builds were attributed to the better number.
  • Personal spending increased a seasonally adjusted 0.9% in May, the biggest increase since August 2009. This follows a revised 0.1% increase in April.
  • Personal income rose 0.5% in both April and May.
  • The personal consumption expenditures price index rose a seasonally adjusted 0.3% in May, the biggest increase in over two years. The increase was attributed to increases in gasoline.  Food prices were unchanged.  Excluding food and energy prices rose only 0.1%.  From a year ago, core prices have risen only risen 0.2%.  Excluding volatile food and energy, prices have risen 1.2% year over year.  This is still below the FED’s target of 2%.
• The Labor Department reported that first time claims for unemployment rose 3,000 to 271,000 in the prior week, better than expectations. The four week moving average of claims fell 3,250 to 273,750.

Please call us if you have any questions.

Best Regards,

Loren C. Rex, CFP^®, AIF^®                                                                               Erik Smith

President                                                                                                           Partner

Generations Financial Planning & Wealth Management                269-441-4143

77 E. Michigan Ave, Suite 140

Battle Creek, MI  49017

Tel  269-441-4090

Carrie Fuce, Assistant 269-441-4091

Toll Free: 800-513-8180

Fax  269-441-4093

Visit our Website:  www.genfinplan.com

Registered Representative of and securities offered through Cambridge Investment Research, Inc., a Broker/Dealer, Member FINRA/SIPC.  Investment Advisor Representative, Cambridge Investment Research Advisors, Inc., a Registered Investment Advisor.  Cambridge and Generations Financial Planning & Wealth Management are separate companies and are not affiliated.

These are the opinions of Loren Rex and not necessarily those of Cambridge, are for informational purposes only, and should not be construed or acted upon as individualized investment advice.

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