In this week’s recap: Mixed message provokes volatility.
Weekly Economic Update
Presented by MidAmerica Financial Resources, March 27, 2023
THE WEEK ON WALL STREET
Modest gains in major market indices masked sharp volatility amid the uncertainty arising from mixed messages emanating from public officials and revived banking fears.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 1.18%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 added 1.39%. The Nasdaq Composite index rose 1.66% for the week. The MSCI EAFE index, which tracks developed overseas stock markets, advanced by 3.29%.1,2,3
A TURBULENT WEEK FOR STOCKS
The stock market was unable to find sustained direction as investors weighed comments from Fed Chair Jerome Powell and Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen. Stocks initially rose as banking fears eased following a deal to acquire a troubled Swiss bank. Optimism was further fueled by Yellen, who said the government could intervene to protect depositors if more bank issues materialized.
Enthusiasm faded, however, when Yellen subsequently testified that the Treasury was not working on any blanket insurance for bank deposits and by the Fed’s warning that banking turmoil could shrink lending access — the volatile week ended with sharp intraday price swings, shrugging off revived European banking concerns.
RATE HIKE CYCLE ENDING?
Last week, the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting was particularly noteworthy. Fed officials were placed in the difficult position of balancing the banking system’s opposing risks of still-high inflation and stressors. The Committee had considered leaving rates unchanged given banking stressors but unanimously voted to raise rates by 0.25%, citing elevated inflation, resilient economic activity, and a strong labor market.4
The official announcement hinted that the Fed might soon be done with raising rates while also stating it was too early to ascertain the degree to which the economy could slow from the current banking strains.5
T I P O F T H E W E E K
Understanding the tax status of your investments can help you arrange your withdrawals to make the most out of your retirement funds.
THE WEEK AHEAD: KEY ECONOMIC DATA
Tuesday: Consumer Confidence.
Thursday: Jobless Claims. Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Friday: Personal Income and Outlays. Consumer Sentiment.
Source: Econoday, March 24, 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.
THE WEEK AHEAD: COMPANIES REPORTING EARNINGS
Tuesday: Micron Technology, Inc. (MU), Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. (WBA).
Source: Zacks, March 24, 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.
Q U O T E O F T H E W E E K
“Self-love is not a destination […] You’re always bucking against the current to just get back to the thing you were born with, which is a basic level of self-respect and self-love.”
MELISSA VIVIANE “LIZZO” JEFFERSON
T H E W E E K L Y R I D D L E
Name three consecutive days without using the words Monday, Wednesday, Friday, or Sunday.
LAST WEEK’S 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?
ANSWER: 1-Susan, 2-Barbara, 3-Vicki, 4-Katarina, 5-Sara.
MidAmerica Financial Resources may be reached at 618.548.4777 or greg.malan@lpl.com www.mid-america.us
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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.
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CITATIONS:
- The Wall Street Journal, March 24, 2023
- The Wall Street Journal, March 24, 2023
- The Wall Street Journal, March 24, 2023
- The Wall Street Journal, March 22, 2023
- The Wall Street Journal, March 22, 2023
