3/20: Weekly Economic Update from PMG Wealth Mgmt.

March 20, 2023

THE WEEK ON WALL STREET

Amid the reverberations of two U.S. banks being taken over by regulators and the spread of uncertainty to European banks, stocks trended higher last week on the strength of the technology sector.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average was flat (-0.15%), while the Standard & Poor’s 500 rose 1.43%. The Nasdaq Composite index picked up 4.41%. The MSCI EAFE index, which tracks developed overseas stock markets, was also flat (+0.05%).^1,2,3

STOCKS GAIN DESPITE BANKING WOES

Stock prices gyrated as investors wrestled with banking troubles that appeared to spread to Europe. Worries of financial instability rocked financials and sent bond yields falling. While the rush into Treasuries was expected, the dash into technology stocks was a surprise. Falling yields made the high-growth names more attractive, though investors targeted their buying in high-quality companies that offered defensive characteristics, such as profits, healthy cash flows, and strong balance sheets.

When Switzerland’s central bank provided a lifeline to a troubled Swiss bank, and a group of U.S. banks provided aid to a struggling regional bank, stocks powered higher on Thursday. Banking jitters, however, returned on Friday, closing out a tumultuous week and paring some of the week’s gains.

REVERSE PSYCHOLOGY

Less than two weeks ago, Fed Chair Jerome Powell testified interest rates might have to be hiked higher and faster. Since then, two U.S. banks were placed in receivership, sparking worries of financial instability and changing the market’s outlook on future rate hikes.

The question now is if the Fed will hike short-term rates at all. By Thursday, traders saw an 18.1% probability of no rate increase at the March Fed meeting, which concludes this Wednesday. Just a week ago, it was a 0% chance. Traders also see a 0% chance of a 50 basis point rate increase in March. A week earlier, there was a 68.3% probability. Where the market previously saw little likelihood of a rate cut this year, the probability of a rate cut by July was 63.7% by Thursday.⁴

THE WEEK AHEAD: KEY ECONOMIC DA

Tuesday: Existing Home Sales.

Wednesday: FOMC Announcement.

Thursday: Jobless Claims. New Home Sales.

Friday: Durable Goods Orders. Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) Composite Flash.

Source: Econoday, March 17, 2023

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

Tuesday: Nike, Inc. (NKE).

Thursday: General Mills, Inc. (GIS), Darden Restaurants, Inc. (DRI).

Source: Zacks, March 17, 2023

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. ies may reschedule when they report earnings without notice.

Phil Guerrero, CFP®

President

Wealth Advisor

phil@pmgwealth.com

George Maroudas

Wealth Advisor

george@pmgwealth.com

Terry Maziarka

Client Service Manager

terry@pmgwealth.com

847.550.6100

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WEEKLY QUOTE

"Careers aren't defined by what you say yes to. They're defined by what you say no to."

Brenda Song

WEEKLY TIP

If you know a couple about to marry, consider giving them a non-traditional gift: a visit with a financial consultant. It could turn out to be a key step in helping them build wealth.

WEEKLY RIDDLE

Five girls took part in a bicycle race. Barbara finished before Vicki, but behind Susan. Katarina finished before Sara but behind Vicki. In what order did they finish?

LAST WEEK'S RIDDLE

You need to park a car for the weekend. You find a parking space marked "2-Hour Parking M-F, 8am-6pm" with no other restrictions. You call the city and find that overnight parking is allowed on this block. So, what is the maximum amount of time you can leave your car in the space without getting a ticket?

ANSWER: 66 hours. You can park from 4pm Friday until 10am Monday.

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This material was prepared by MarketingPro, Inc., and does not necessarily represent the views of the presenting party, nor their affiliates. The information herein has been derived from sources believed to be accurate. Please note - investing involves risk, and past performance is no guarantee of future results. Investments will fluctuate and when redeemed may be worth more or less than when originally invested.

This information should not be construed as investment, tax or legal advice and may not be relied on for the purpose of avoiding any Federal tax penalty. This is neither a solicitation nor recommendation to purchase or sell any investment or insurance product or service, and should not be relied upon as such.

All market indices discussed are unmanaged and are not illustrative of any particular investment. Indices do not incur management fees, costs and expenses, and cannot be invested into directly. All economic and performance data is historical and not indicative of future results. Additional risks are associated with international investing, such as currency fluctuations, political and economic instability and differences in accounting standards. This material represents an assessment of the market environment at a specific point in time and is not intended to be a forecast of future events, or a guarantee of future results.

MarketingPro, Inc. is not affiliated with any person or firm that may be providing this information to you. The publisher is not engaged in rendering legal, accounting or other professional services. If assistance is needed, the reader is advised to engage the services of a competent professional.

CITATIONS:

1. The Wall Street Journal, March 17, 2023

2. The Wall Street Journal, March 17, 2023

3. The Wall Street Journal, March 17, 2023

4. CME FedWatch Tool, March 16, 2023