The Weekly Market Snapshot from Frazier Allen for the week of November 6th, 2012

By Frazier Allen | November 6, 2012 |

Market Commentary by Scott J. Brown, Ph.D., Chief Economist

Superstorm Sandy delivered a hard punch to the upper mid-Atlantic states, contributing to tragic loss of life and severe property damage. Flooding in lower Manhattan led to a two-day shutdown of the NYSE. It will take some time to assess the economic effect and the impact appears likely to be much larger than initially estimated. However, it is likely to be limited relative to a $16 trillion national economy. Severe weather typically shifts some spending around and rebuilding will add to GDP growth.

The economic data remained consistent with moderate economic growth. However, the October Employment Report was much stronger than anticipated. Nonfarm payrolls rose by 171,000 (vs. a median forecast of +125,000), while figures for August and September were revised a net 84,000 higher. The unemployment rate ticked up to 7.9%, but that appeared to reflect statistical noise in a general downtrend. For those aged 25-55 years, labor force participation has stabilized and begun to trend higher and the employment/population ratio is much higher than a year ago (76.0%, vs. 74.8%).

Next week, there’s an election. Have you heard about it? Anything can happen and Governor Romney could very well win the popular vote. However, with just a few days to go, President Obama has a lead in enough states to likely clinch the Electoral College vote. Note that the president will have to deal with a new Congress. The House of Representatives, where a simple majority is everything, is likely to remain under Republican control. Democrats appear likely to hold a narrow edge in the Senate, but without a 60-seat supermajority, neither party will be able to dictate policy. The government has traditionally worked through compromise – and we’ll have to see that in the next few months as Washington deals with the “fiscal cliff” and the debt ceiling. Expect some second guessing in the markets on Wednesday.

Indices

Consumer Money Rates

Currencies

Commodities

Bond Rates

Treasury Yield Curve – 11/2/2012

S&P Sector Performance (YTD) – 11/2/2012

Economic Calendar

Important Disclosures

US 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. US 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 US 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.

Tax Equiv Muni yields (TEY) assume a 35% tax rate on triple-A rated, tax-exempt insured revenue bonds.

Material prepared by Raymond James for use by its financial advisors.

The information contained herein has been obtained from sources considered reliable, but we do not guarantee that the foregoing material is accurate or complete. Data source: Bloomberg, as of close of business November 1st, 2012.

©2012 Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. member FINRA / SIPC.

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