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the week on wall street
Markets remained exceptionally volatile, buffeted by the spreading impact of coronavirus, uncertain responses from federal policymakers, and the sudden drop in oil prices.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 10.36%, while the S&P 500 declined 8.79%. The Nasdaq Composite index slid 8.18% for the week. The MSCI EAFE index, which tracks developed overseas stock markets, dropped 17.75%.1,2
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markets grapple with uncertainty
A dispute between Saudi Arabia and Russia over oil production cuts, mounting fears of the coronavirus, the declaration of the COVID-19 as a global pandemic by the World Health Organization, and the news of a travel ban from Europe unsettled markets throughout the week.
Stock trading was halted twice by circuit breakers, which are designed to briefly stop trading when losses in the S&P 500 reach 7%. Stocks sold off sharply Thursday before ending a tumultuous week with a strong rebound on Friday.3
, and gathering.
3
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TROUBLES IN THE OIL PATCH
The failure of Russia to join Saudi Arabia in supporting lower oil production targets left Saudi Arabia fuming. In response, Saudi Arabia announced its intention to raise oil output.
Oil prices plummeted on the news, contributing to the stock market's drop on Monday. While lower oil prices may represent a boon to consumers in the form of lower gasoline prices and relief to companies with high energy consumption (e.g., airlines, chemical), they also pose a risk to the American energy industry. If low oil prices persist, it may lead to lower capital expenditures and potential issues in the credit markets as less-well-capitalized companies struggle to manage their debt obligations.4
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The world's central bankers have already taken several steps to combat the economic impact of the coronavirus, including lowering short-term interest rates. The financial markets are now looking for a response from the U.S. government. In evaluating any actions from the federal government, investors may focus on the size and timing of policy proposals to determine if they can reduce current levels of economic uncertainty.
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THE WEEK AHEAD: KEY ECONOMIC DATA
Tuesday:
Retail Sales, JOLTS Report (Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey), Industrial Production
Wednesday:
Housing Starts, FOMC (Federal Open Market Committee) Announcement
Thursday:
Leading Economic Indicators
Friday:
Existing Home Sales
Source: Econoday, March 13, 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.
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THE WEEK AHEAD: COMPANIES REPORTING EARNINGS
Monday:
Coupa Software (Coup)
Tuesday:
FedEx Corp. (FDX), MongoDB (MDB)
Wednesday:
General Mills (GIS), Ctrip.com (TCOM)
Thursday:
Tencent Holdings (TCEHY), Lennar (LEN)
Friday:
Tiffany & Co. (TIF), BMW (BAMXF)
Source: Zacks, March 13, 2020
Companies mentioned are for informational purposes only. It should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of the securities. Any investment should be consistent with your objectives, time frame and risk tolerance. 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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President
Wealth Advisor
phil@pmgwealth.com
George Maroudas
Wealth Management Coordinator
george@pmgwealth.com
Terry Maziarka
Client Service Manager
terry@pmgwealth.com
847.550.6100
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WEEKLY QUOTE
"Character is the virtue of hard times."
Charles DeGaulle
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WEEKLY TIP
Are you in your fifties and providing eldercare to one or both of your parents? As you help them in their retirements, remember not to neglect your own retirement planning, as these years of your life are among the most important for that effort.
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WEEKLY RIDDLE
What can fill a room, yet takes up no physical space?
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LAST WEEK'S RIDDLE
A man says that where he lives, 1,500 plus 20 and 1,600 minus 40 equal the same thing, and his neighbors and coworkers all agree. Where is he living?
ANSWER: On a military base.
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