April 4th, 2022
THE WEEK ON WALL STREET
Stocks spent last week digesting the sharp gains of previous weeks as investors assessed a tightening yield curve, the war in Ukraine, and an uncertain outlook for economic growth and inflation.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 0.12%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 was flat (+0.06%). The Nasdaq Composite index led, picking up 0.65% for the week. The MSCI EAFE index, which tracks developed overseas stock markets, rose 1.02%.1,2,3
STOCKS PAUSE
Stock prices bounced around following strong gains in two previous weeks as money managers appeared to reposition their portfolios ahead of the first-quarter close. Oil was under pressure all week as prices fell on news that Shanghai imposed a strict lockdown due to COVID infections. President Biden announced a sustained release of oil from the country’s strategic petroleum reserve.
Bond yields reversed their recent climb. The flattening in the yield curve triggered some concerns about economic growth and the possibility of a recession.
LABOR MARKET
With economic growth worries overhanging the market, last week’s employment reports showed continued strong demand for workers. The Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey reported the number of open positions remained near record highs, with job openings exceeding the number of available workers by a record five million. Afterward, the Automated Data Processing employment report saw private payrolls grow by 455,000 in March, slightly above consensus expectations.4,5
Finally, the government’s monthly jobs report showed that employers added 431,000 jobs in March, lowering the unemployment rate to 3.6%. That’s approaching the 50-year low of 3.5% reached in February 2020.6
Tip of the Week
When setting up a home based business, be sure to research if your local zoning regulations permit it. The Small Business Administration’s website has an overview (Zoning Laws for Home-Based Businesses).
THE WEEK AHEAD: KEY ECONOMIC DATA
Monday: Factory Orders.
Tuesday: Institute for Supply Management (ISM) Services Index.
Wednesday: Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) Minutes.
Thursday: Jobless Claims.
Source: Econoday, April 1, 2022
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
Wednesday: Levi Strauss & Co. (LEVI).
Thursday: Conagra Brands (CAG).
Source: Source: Zacks, April 1, 2022
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.
Quote of the Week
“Imagination is the highest kite that can fly.”
LAUREN BACALL
Riddle of the Week
What do a shark, a zipper, and a comb all have in common?
LAST WEEK’S RIDDLE: New furniture will be delivered to your office on the day before five days from the day after tomorrow. If today is August 18, when will the furniture arrive?
ANSWER: August 24.
Valley Oak Wealth Management can be reached at 415.898.4439 info@valleyoakwm.com or ValleyOakWM.com
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Tim Russell is a Wealth Advisor with, and securities offered through, LPL Financial member FINRA/SIPC
This material 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, April 1, 2022
2. The Wall Street Journal, April 1, 2022
3. The Wall Street Journal, April 1, 2022
4. CNBC, March 29, 2022
5. CNBC, March 30, 2022
6. The Wall Street Journal, April 1, 2022