Modest Stock Gains as Progress on a Debt Deal Uncertain
Most major stock indices had modest gains last week with the exception of emerging markets. Debt limit talks had appeared to be progressing towards a deal until talks hit a snag Friday. Comments from several FED members indicated that it will likely be a close call on raising interest rates in June depending on incoming […]
Stocks Mixed as Traders Weigh Lower Inflation Against Economic Slowdown.
Most major stock indices ended the week lower with the exception of the Nasdaq index which eked out a small gain. Lower year over year consumer and producer price increases in April, coupled with increasing layoffs, raised hopes of a FED pause in June. However, fears of an economic slowdown and an impending deadline to […]
Stocks End a Volatile Week Mixed as the FED Hikes
Major stock indices ended a volatile week mixed. The Federal Reserve met and raised the benchmark interest rate 0.25% to a range of 5.00% to 5.25%. The FED language changed and left the door open to a pause in rate hikes at the next meeting depending on incoming data. After the announcement, Thursday’s report of […]
Stocks End the Week Mixed As Many Q1 Earnings Released
Most major stock indices ended the week higher with the exception of the small cap Russell 2000. The same was true for the month of April. Traders took their cues on first quarter earnings announcements with several large tech companies posting large upside surprises. In the economic front, first quarter gross domestic product rose less […]
Stocks End a Quiet Week Mixed
In a relatively quiet week, major stock indices ended mixed with individual company values responding to earnings announcements. Both existing home sales and housing starts fell in March and unemployment claims edged up. However, preliminary “flash” estimates for purchasing manager indices indicate expansion in manufacturing and services this month. Treasury bond yields rose with the […]
