Weekly Market Snapshot from Frazier Allen for the week of February 24th, 2013

By Frazier Allen | February 24, 2013 |

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

The FOMC minutes from the January 29th-30th policy meeting showed a greater level of discomfort regarding the Fed’s large-scale asset purchases. “Many participants,” suggesting a majority, “expressed some concerns about potential costs and risks arising from further asset purchases.”

Several participants “discussed the possible complications that additional purchases could cause for the eventual withdrawal of policy accommodation, a few mentioned the prospect of inflationary risks, and some noted that further asset purchases could foster market behavior that could undermine financial stability.” Several others “argued that the potential costs of reducing or ending asset purchases too soon were also significant, or that asset purchases should continue until a substantial improvement in the labor market outlook had occurred.”

The economic data were mostly inconsequential, although the Philly Fed Index surprised sharply to the downside.

Next week, focus is expected to be on Bernanke’s semiannual monetary policy testimony to Congress. However, the week will be bookended by Italian elections on Sunday and Monday and by the sequester at the end of the week. In between, we’ll receive a ton of economic data. Italian elections are expected to result in a divided government, making reforms more difficult, and reigniting the euro area crisis. Bernanke will be representing all Fed officials, not just himself, so he’ll likely lay out the potential costs and benefits of QE3. The estimate of 4Q12 GDP growth should be revised higher. Durable goods orders likely plunged, reflecting a sharp drop in volatile aircraft orders. The ISM Manufacturing Index is likely to have softened a bit in February.

Indices

Consumer Money Rates

Currencies

Commodities

Bond Rates

Treasury Yield Curve – 02/22/2013

S&P Sector Performance (YTD) – 02/22/2013

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 February 14th, 2013.

©2013 Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. member FINRA / SIPC.

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