THE WEEK ON WALL STREET
In a quiet week of news, stocks moved lower amid simmering concerns over the Delta variant’s effect on the progress of economic reopening.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average declined 2.15%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 dropped 1.69%. The Nasdaq Composite index fell 1.61% for the week. The MSCI EAFE index, which tracks developed overseas stock markets, slipped 0.63%.1,2,3
STOCKS WEAKEN
In a holiday-shortened week of trading, markets were choppy as investors grew cautious in the face of a potential Fed tapering decision later this month and the impact of Delta on the economic recovery.
What little news there was, it was decidedly mixed. Job growth showed real strength coming off a shaky employment report the previous Friday, while the Producer Price Index surged by 8.3% year-over-year, representing the largest annual increase since November 2010. The release reminded investors that inflation remained a market risk. Stocks tried to stage a rebound on Friday before sagging to close out the week.
JOBS IMPROVEMENT
After a disappointing employment report, two labor market reports last week appeared to show that the labor market recovery appeared intact. The JOLTS report (Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey) showed 10.9 million open jobs, a number that exceeded the number of unemployed by more than two million. The rate of hiring, however, decelerated, perhaps explaining why the August employment report fell short of expectations.4
A day later the weekly initial jobless claims fell to a new pandemic low of 310,000, coming in below its four-week moving average of 339,500. Continuing claims fell to their lowest level since March 14, 2020.5
BY THE NUMBER$
NATIONWIDE AVERAGE - The value of a single-family home in the United States increased by an average of +17.4% over the 12 months from 6/30/20 to 6/30/21 (source: Federal Housing Finance Agency).
DOLLARS IN, DOLLARS OUT - At the end of 2020, Medicare was covering 62.6 million Americans (19% of our population). The program was cash negative in 2020, taking in $900 billion of income (including $5 billion of interest income) while paying out $926 billion in benefits (source: Medicare).
IN TIME FOR FOOTBALL - 23 states offer legalized sports betting today, with another 9 states having passed legislation allowing betting but they have yet to make the gambling operational (source: Amer. Gaming Assoc.). 6
THE WEEK AHEAD: KEY ECONOMIC DATA
Tuesday: Consumer Price Index.
Wednesday: Industrial Production.
Thursday: Jobless Claims. Retail Sales.
Friday: Consumer Sentiment.
Source: Econoday, September 10, 2021
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: Lennar Corporation (LEN).
Source: Zacks, September 10, 2021
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
You can easily touch me, but not see me. You can throw me out, but not away. What am I?
LAST WEEK’S RIDDLE: I can only live where there is light,
but I die if the light shines on me. What am I?
ANSWER: A shadow.
