Resources

January 22, 2020

Chief Economist Scott Brown discusses the latest market data.

President Biden wasted no time in issuing executive orders, reversing a number of previous directives. Biden unveiled a $1.9 billion stimulus proposal, with an emphasis on ending the pandemic. However, investors showed some concern about the prospects for getting fiscal stimulus through the Senate.

December residential construction and existing home sales figures were stronger than anticipated, amplified by the seasonal adjustment, but consistent with underlying strength in housing activity. Jobless claims fell to 900,000, still a very high level. Claims figures are often quirky at the start of the year, but the recent surge may reflect refilings following a (temporary) lapse in pandemic assistance at the end of last year.

Next week, the Federal Open Market Committee is widely expected to leave short-term interest rates unchanged and to maintain the current monthly pace of asset purchases (currently $120 billion). In his press conference, Chair Powell is likely to repeat that the pace of asset purchases will continue until there is “substantial” improvement in the labor market (that is, not anytime soon). Real GDP is expected to have risen at a more moderate pace in the advance estimate for 4Q20, reflecting strength into the early part of the quarter (1Q21 GDP growth should be more modest, reflecting pandemic restrictions). Weekly jobless claims should begin to settle back (although still elevated).

Indices

Consumer Money Rates

Currencies

Commodities

Bond Rates

Treasury Yield Curve – 01/22/2021

As of close of business 01/21/2021

S&P Sector Performance (YTD) – 01/22/2021

Economic Calendar

All expressions of opinion reflect the judgment of the Research Department of Raymond James & Associates, Inc. and are subject to change. There is no assurance any of the forecasts mentioned will occur or that any trends mentioned will continue in the future. Investing involves risks including the possible loss of capital. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. International investing is subject to additional risks such as currency fluctuations, different financial accounting standards by country, and possible political and economic risks, which may be greater in emerging markets. While interest on municipal bonds is generally exempt from federal income tax, it may be subject to the federal alternative minimum tax, and state or local taxes. In addition, certain municipal bonds (such as Build America Bonds) are issued without a federal tax exemption, which subjects the related interest income to federal income tax. Municipal bonds may be subject to capital gains taxes if sold or redeemed at a profit. Taxable Equivalent Yield (TEY) assumes a 35% tax rate.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average is an unmanaged index of 30 widely held stocks. The NASDAQ Composite Index is an unmanaged index of all common stocks listed on the NASDAQ National Stock Market. The S&P 500 is an unmanaged index of 500 widely held stocks. The MSCI EAFE (Europe, Australia, Far East) index is an unmanaged index that is generally considered representative of the international stock market. The Russell 2000 index is an unmanaged index of small cap securities which generally involve greater risks. An investment cannot be made directly in these indexes. The performance noted does not include fees or charges, which would reduce an investor’s returns. U.S. government bonds and treasury bills are guaranteed by the US government and, if held to maturity, offer a fixed rate of return and guaranteed principal value. U.S. government bonds are issued and guaranteed as to the timely payment of principal and interest by the federal government. Treasury bills are certificates reflecting short-term (less than one year) obligations of the U.S. government.

Commodities trading is generally considered speculative because of the significant potential for investment loss. Markets for commodities are likely to be volatile and there may be sharp price fluctuations even during periods when prices overall are rising. Specific sector investing can be subject to different and greater risks than more diversified investments. Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is the annual total market value of all final goods and services produced domestically by the U.S. The federal funds rate (“Fed Funds”) is the interest rate at which banks and credit unions lend reserve balances to other depository institutions overnight. The prime rate is the underlying index for most credit cards, home equity loans and lines of credit, auto loans, and personal loans. Material prepared by Raymond James for use by financial advisors. Data source: Bloomberg, as of close of business January 21, 2021.