Stocks staged a choppy comeback last week as investors cheered positive earnings, led by mega-cap tech stocks. The rally came to pass despite fresh data showing a slowing economy and increasing inflationary pressures.
Stocks Bounce Back. Twice.
Last week opened with a rebound rally as investors breathed a sigh of relief that Middle East tensions had eased. The market rally extended into Tuesday, with investors cheering positive corporate earnings reports. By Tuesday’s market close, the S&P 500 had gained 2% for the week.1,2,3
But investor enthusiasm didn’t last, as midweek saw profit taking in all three averages. Rising bond yields threw a wet blanket on market momentum; at one point, the yield on the 10-year Treasury note rose more than 40 basis points from its low earlier in the week.4
On Thursday, markets slipped on two fresh pieces of economic data: a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) slowdown and higher consumer prices. But by midday, selling pressure slowed. Stocks pushed higher on Friday behind upbeat Q1 reports from two mega-cap tech stocks, helping the S&P 500 and the Nasdaq post their best week since November.5
| Source: YCharts.com, April 27, 2024. Weekly performance is measured from Monday, April 22, to Friday, April 26. ROC 5 = the rate of change in the index for the previous 5 trading days. TR = total return for the index, which includes any dividends as well as any other cash distributions during the period. Treasury note yield is expressed in basis points. |
Earnings vs. Inflation
Corporate earnings and economic reports battled it out last week. In the end, earnings won, at least for this week.
The big economic news was that Q1 GDP grew at a 1.6 percent annualized rate—slower than the 2.4 percent economists expected and less than Q4 2023. The GDP report seemed to support the Goldilocks economy theory—not too hot, but not too cool—a story investors have favored this year.
The PCE (personal consumption expenditures) Index, the Fed’s preferred inflation gauge, was embedded within the GDP report. Excluding food and energy, it increased 2.8% from a year ago. It was unchanged from February and slightly higher than expected. It joined a growing list of factors pointing to an uptick in inflation, complicating the Fed’s interest rate decision.5
This Week: Key Economic Data
Tuesday: Employment Cost Index. Case-Shiller Home Price Index. Consumer Confidence.
Wednesday: FOMC Announcement and Fed Chair Press Conference. Treasury Refunding Announcement. ISM Manufacturing Index. EIA Petroleum Status Report.
Thursday: Motor Vehicle Sales. Jobless Claims. International Trade in Goods & Services. Factory Orders. Productivity and Costs.
Friday: Employment Situation.
Source: Investors Business Daily – Econoday economic calendar; April 23, 2024
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.
This Week: Companies Reporting Earnings
Tuesday: Amazon.com, Inc. (AMZN), Eli Lilly and Company (LLY), The Coca-Cola Company (KO), Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. (AMD), McDonald’s Corporation (MCD), Starbucks Corporation (SBUX)
Wednesday: Mastercard Incorporated (MA), QUALCOMM Incorporated (QCOM), Pfizer Inc. (PFE), Automatic Data Processing, Inc. (ADP)
Thursday: Apple Inc. (AAPL), Amgen Inc. (AMGN), Booking Holdings Inc. (BKNG), ConocoPhillips (COP), Cigna Group (CI)
Friday: Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (BRK.A, BRK.B)
Source: Zacks, April 23, 2024
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.
1. The Wall Street Journal, April 26, 2024
2. CNBC.com, April 22, 2024
3. CNBC.com, April 23, 2024
4. CNBC.com, April 24, 2024
5. The Wall Street Journal, April 25, 2024
6 IRS.gov, October 23, 2023
8. Medical News Today, January 23, 2023
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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