Clarksville, TN – GDP growth was revised to a -2.9% annual rate in the third estimate for 1Q14 (vs. -1.0% in the 2nd estimate and +0.1% in the advance estimate).
Prior estimates showed that a slower rate of inventory accumulation and a wider trade deficit subtracted considerably from overall growth – the third estimate showed a somewhat larger subtraction of 3.2 percentage points from the headline GDP growth figure (Domestic Final Sales, GDP less net exports and the change in inventories, rose at a 0.3% annual rate).
A decrease (rather than an increase) in consumer spending on healthcare helped push the headline GDP figure lower. Investors were willing to dismiss the bad 1Q14 GDP number. After all, it was at odds with almost all other pieces of economic data, especially nonfarm payrolls and weekly jobless claims. There’s no indication of recession here.However, personal income and spending figures for May suggested a restrained rebound in 2Q14. Inflation-adjusted consumer spending fell 0.1% in May, following a 0.2% decline in April.
These figures will be revised (annual benchmark revisions to the monthly figures are due on August 1), but taken at face value, they suggest that inflation-adjusted consumer spending (70% of GDP) is tracking at about a 1.4% annual rate – a lot less than was expected a month ago (despite good strength in motor vehicle sales). One major concern heading onto the second half of the year is that average wage gains are barely keeping pace with inflation – that limits the potential improvement in consumer spending growth.
Next week, we get fresh June figures in the holiday-shortened week. The focus is expected to be on the employment report, which has been moved up a day due to Friday’s holiday. Note that seasonal adjustment can be tricky in June, due to the end of the school year – so take any surprises with a grain of salt (they may be reversed in the report for July).
Janet Yellen will speak on “financial stability” to the International Monetary Fund on Wednesday – given the audience, this is unlikely to be a “message to the markets” kind of speech. The markets will close early on Thursday, ahead of the three-day weekend.
Indices
Last | Last Week | YTD return % | |
DJIA | 16846.13 | 16921.46 | 1.63% |
NASDAQ | 4379.05 | 4359.326 | 4.85% |
S&P 500 | 1957.22 | 1959.48 | 5.89% |
MSCI EAFE | 1963.27 | 1992.69 | 2.49% |
Russell 2000 | 1180.71 | 1184.03 | 1.47% |
Consumer Money Rates
Last | 1-year ago | |
Prime Rate | 3.25 | 3.25 |
Fed Funds | 0.09 | 0.08 |
30-year mortgage | 4.17 | 4.46 |
Currencies
Last | 1-year ago | |
Dollars per British Pound | 1.703 | 1.536 |
Dollars per Euro | 1.361 | 1.302 |
Japanese Yen per Dollar | 101.720 | 97.710 |
Canadian Dollars per Dollar | 1.071 | 1.049 |
Mexican Peso per Dollar | 13.015 | 13.252 |
Commodities
Last | 1-year ago | |
Crude Oil | 105.84 | 95.50 |
Gold | 1310.00 | 1229.32 |
Bond Rates
Last | 1-month ago | |
2-year treasury | 0.45 | 0.38 |
10-year treasury | 2.52 | 2.48 |
10-year municipal (TEY) | 3.62 | 3.74 |
Treasury Yield Curve – 6/27/2014
S&P Sector Performance (YTD) – 6/27/2014
Economic Calendar
June 30th | — | Chicago PM Index (June) Pending Home Sales Index (May) |
July 1st | — | ISM Manufacturing Index (June) Motor Vehicle Sales (June( World Cup: Belgium vs. USA (June) |
July 2nd | — | ADP Payroll Estimate (June) Yellen Speaks (“Financial Stability”) |
July 3rd | — | Jobless Claims (week ending June 28) Employment Report (June) Trade Balance (May) ISM Non-Manufacturing Index (June) Early Market Close |
July 4th | — | Independence Day Holiday (markets closed) |
Mid-July (tbd) | — | Yellen Monetary Policy Testimony |
July 30th | — | Real GDP (2Q14 advance and benchmark revisions) FOMC Policy Decision, (no press conference) |
September 17th | — | FOMC Policy Decision, Yellen Press Conference |
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 June 26th, 2014.
©2014 Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. member FINRA / SIPC.