Market Commentary by Scott J. Brown, Ph.D., Chief Economist
In his State of the Union Address, President Obama proposed various efforts to boost manufacturing jobs, universal pre-K education and an increase in the minimum wage. However, there’s little chance that any of these proposals will make it to the floor of the House.
The economic data were mixed. Retail sales rose a modest 0.1% in January. Industrial production slipped 0.1%, but figures for November and December were revised higher. The New York Fed’s Empire State Manufacturing Index and the mid-February reading on consumer sentiment surprised to the upside.
Amid concerns about a possible currency war (a series of competitive devaluations), the G-7 finance ministers and central bankers issued a statement reaffirming a commitment to market-determined exchanged rates. However, there was immediate confusion as to whether the statement signaled approval for Japan or a warning. Japan and the euro area reported declines in GDP in the fourth quarter. However, a few recent indicators suggest some improvement in early 2013.Next week, the major item is likely to be the Fed’s policy meeting minutes from January. In December, several FOMC members “thought that it would probably be appropriate to slow or to stop purchases well before the end of 2013, citing concerns about financial stability or the size of the balance sheet.” That debate likely continued at the January policy meeting. None of that should be a surprise to anyone, but news quotes from the minutes could rattle the markets on Wednesday.
Indices
Last | Last Week | YTD return % | |
DJIA | 13973.39 | 13944.05 | 6.63% |
NASDAQ | 3198.66 | 3165.13 | 5.93% |
S&P 500 | 1521.38 | 1509.39 | 6.67% |
MSCI EAFE | 1672.63 | 1661.10 | 4.28% |
Russell 2000 | 923.76 | 908.10 | 8.76% |
Consumer Money Rates
Last | 1-year ago | |
Prime Rate | 3.25 | 3.25 |
Fed Funds | 0.17 | 0.13 |
30-year mortgage | 3.53 | 3.87 |
Currencies
Last | 1-year ago | |
Dollars per British Pound | 1.549 | 1.568 |
Dollars per Euro | 1.334 | 1.312 |
Japanese Yen per Dollar | 93.090 | 78.420 |
Canadian Dollars per Dollar | 1.002/td> | 1.000 |
Mexican Peso per Dollar | 12.690 | 12.785 |
Commodities
Last | 1-year ago | |
Crude Oil | 97.31 | 100.74 |
Gold | 1634.50 | 1716.07 |
Bond Rates
Last | 1-month ago | |
2-year treasury | 0.27 | 0.25 |
10-year treasury | 2.03 | 1.84 |
10-year municipal (TEY) | 3.07 | 2.92 |
Treasury Yield Curve – 02/15/2013
S&P Sector Performance (YTD) – 02/15/2013
Economic Calendar
February 18th |
— |
Presidents Day Holiday (markets closed) |
February 19th |
— |
Homebuilder Sentiment (February) |
February 20th |
— |
Producer Price Index (January) Building Permits, Housing Starts (January) FOMC minutes (January 29th-30th) |
February 21st |
— |
Jobless Claims (week ending February 16th) |
February 26th |
— |
Consumer Confidence (February) Bernanke Monetary Policy |
February 27th |
— |
Durable Goods Orders (January) |
February 28th |
— |
Real GDP (4Q12, 2nd estimate) |
March 1st |
— |
Personal Income, Spending (January) ISM Manufacturing Index (February) |
March 8th |
— |
Employment Report (February) |
March 20th |
— |
FOMC Policy Decision, Bernanke Press Briefing |
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 February 14th, 2013.
©2013 Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. member FINRA / SIPC.