THE WEEK ON WALL STREET
Stock prices notched solid gains last week, looking past an increase in COVID-19 cases and any potential economic concerns raised by the trend.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average increased by 0.96%, while the Standard & Poor's 500 climbed 1.76%. The Nasdaq Composite Index bounded 4.01% higher for the week. The MSCI EAFE Index, which tracks developed stock markets overseas, gained just 0.07%.1,2,3
Virus Concerns
Stocks experienced a volatile week as investors negotiated the crosswinds of encouraging overseas economic data with an accelerating number of COVID-19 cases in several states. Ongoing support of the financial markets by the Federal Reserve appeared to offset any concerns about an economic rebound.
The big technology companies continued to shine, leading the Nasdaq Composite to multiple new record highs. News of positive trial results for a potential COVID-19 treatment boosted stocks on the final trading day, closing the week on an encouraging note.
On the Record
Regional Federal Reserve presidents had several speaking engagements last week, and the message was a consistent one: expect the economic recovery to remain bumpy.
Cleveland Fed President Loretta Mester said that the economy in her region is slowing due to rising COVID-19 cases. She linked gains in combating the virus with further economic progress. She also echoed earlier comments by Fed Chairman Powell that more fiscal support is necessary.4
Meanwhile, San Francisco Fed President Mary Daly observed that it was unlikely many companies would be rehiring all their employees. Thomas Barkin, president of Richmond Federal Reserve, reiterated the challenges of a labor recovery, but also spoke of the strain on local and state governments.5,6
BY THE NUMBER$
HEAD SOUTH
- The government divides the USA into 4 geographical areas: Northeast, South, Midwest and West. As of May 2020, the Northeast states had 972,000 job openings while the states in the South region had 2.070 million job openings. The total number of US job openings: 5.397 million (source: Department of Labor).
VERY SUPER SIZE
- The average weight of a starting offensive lineman in the NFL in 1970, i.e., 50 years ago, was 254.3 lbs. The average weight of the projected starting offensive linemen in the NFL for the upcoming 2020 season is 315 lbs., or nearly 61 lbs. heavier (source: Elias Sports Bureau).
7
THE WEEK AHEAD: KEY ECONOMIC DATA
Tuesday:
Consumer Price Index (CPI).
Thursday:
Jobless Claims. Retail Sales.
Friday:
Housing Starts.
Source: Econoday, July 10, 2020
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.
THE WEEK AHEAD: COMPANIES REPORTING EARNINGS
Monday:
PepsiCo, Inc. (PEP).
Tuesday:
JPMorgan Chase & Co. (JPM), Citigroup (C), Wells Fargo (WFC).
Wednesday:
International Business Machines (IBM), Goldman Sachs (GS), eBay, Inc. (EBAY).
Thursday:
Microsoft (MSFT), Netflix (NFLX), Bank of America (BAC), Johnson & Johnson (JNJ),
UnitedHealth Group (UNH), Abbott Laboratories (ABT), Morgan Stanley (MS), Honeywell International (HON).
Friday:
Blackrock, Inc. (BLK).
Source: Zacks, July 10, 2020
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.
THE WEEKLY RIDDLE
A parking lot has 1,000 parking spaces, 40% of them for compact cars. There are 200 compact cars and some standard-size cars in the lot, which is 75% full. How many standard-size cars are in the lot?
LAST WEEK'S RIDDLE: To date, only one bachelor has served as President of the United States. Can you name him?
ANSWER: James Buchanan.
