Weekly Economic Update
Presented by Steve E Holmes, December 20, 2021
THE WEEK ON WALL STREET
Stock prices retreated last week as global central banks joined the Federal Reserve in taking steps to tighten monetary policy.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 1.68%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 dropped 1.94%. The Nasdaq Composite index tumbled 2.95% for the week. The MSCI EAFE index, which tracks developed overseas stock markets, managed a gain of 0.47%.1,2,3
FROM UNCERTAIN TO UNSETTLED
Stocks weakened ahead of Wednesday’s Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting as investors weighed how aggressive the Fed might be in reversing its easy-money policies. Investor sentiment was further dented by disappointing economic data. Retail sales fell short of expectations and a year-over-year jump of 9.6% in producer prices reflected price pressures that may translate into higher future consumer prices. It was the highest percentage increase since records started in 2010.4
The market initially responded well to the FOMC announcement on Wednesday afternoon, but became unsettled into Thursday and Friday over a tighter monetary policy and Omicron concerns.
A NEW FED NARRATIVE
After the FOMC meeting, the Fed announced a plan to quicken the tapering of its monthly bond purchases. It plans to double the rate from $15 billion a month (announced in November) to $30 billion a month, effectively putting an end to asset purchases by March 2022. The Fed also signaled that as many as three rate hikes may be coming in 2022.5
The Fed cited elevated inflation and an improved labor market as justification for the pivot from its pandemic-related, easy-money policies. Reflecting the persistence of higher-than-anticipated inflation, the Fed raised its previous inflation estimates for this year and 2022.6
FINAL NOTE
Our weekly market commentary will not be published next week. We want to take this opportunity to wish you and your family a wonderful holiday season and a very happy and prosperous new year!
T I P O F T H E W E E K
Ward off impulse buying with a 30-day list. If you feel like you have to have something, put it on your 30-day list. See if you still have the urge to buy it after 30 days; chances are, you won’t.
THE WEEK AHEAD: KEY ECONOMIC DATA
Monday: Index of Leading Economic Indicators. FOMC (Federal Open Market Committee) Announcement.
Wednesday: GDP (Gross Domestic Product). Consumer Confidence. Existing Home Sales.
Thursday: Durable Goods Orders. Jobless Claims. New Home Sales. Consumer Sentiment.
Source: Econoday, December 17, 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: Micron Technology, Inc. (MU), Nike, Inc. (NKE).
Tuesday: General Mills, Inc. (GIS).
Wednesday: Cintas Corporation (CTAS), Paychex, Inc. (PAYX).
Source: Zacks, December 17, 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.
Q U O T E O F T H E W E E K
“Keep your thoughts free from hate, and you need have no fear from those who hate you.”
GEORGE WASHINGTON CARVER
T H E W E E K L Y R I D D L E
Tim hands a friend $63 using six bills, none of which are dollar bills. How is he able to do this?
LAST WEEK’S RIDDLE: I never ask you questions, yet you answer me all the time. What am I?
ANSWER: A phone.
Steve E Holmes may be reached at 715-712-0530 or steve@finacialsolutionscw.com
www.financialsolutionscw.com
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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.
The forecasts or forward-looking statements are based on assumptions, may not materialize, and are subject to revision without notice.
The market indexes discussed are unmanaged, and generally, considered representative of their respective markets. Index performance is not indicative of the past performance of a particular investment. Indexes do not incur management fees, costs, and expenses. Individuals cannot directly invest in unmanaged indexes. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
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CITATIONS:
- The Wall Street Journal, December 17, 2021
- The Wall Street Journal, December 17, 2021
- The Wall Street Journal, December 17, 2021
- The Wall Street Journal, December 14, 2021
- The Wall Street Journal, December 15, 2021
- The Wall Street Journal, December 15, 2021