Clarksville, TN – The economic data were mixed. The estimate of second quarter gross domestic product (GDP) growth was revised upward from 4.2% to 4.6%, as expected.
Existing home sales fell in August, reflecting a decline in speculators (i.e., fewer all-cash transactions). New home sales surged 18.9%, but that likely reflects the usual volatility in the data.
Durable goods orders fell 18%, reflecting an unwinding of July’s sharp spike in civilian aircraft orders. The three-month averages of shipments and orders for nondefense capital goods (ex-aircraft) suggest good strength in business fixed investments.
Stocks fell sharply on Thursday, with no apparent catalyst (other than the old adage: “sell on Rosh Hashanah, buy on Yom Kippur”).Next week, the economic data will be more important and should help to fill in the picture for the third quarter, and Friday’s employment figures will set the near-term economic outlook. Personal income and spending should be consistent with moderately strong growth in consumer spending.
The ISM Manufacturing Survey should show relative strength. Nonfarm payrolls were restrained in July by a seasonal quirk in autos and by labor strife at a New England grocery chain. Those impacts should reverse, adding 25,000 to 30,000 to the payroll figure for September.
Seasonal adjustment is hard in September due to the start of the school year and an end to summer jobs. The unemployment rate should be flat or slightly lower.
Indices
Last | Last Week | YTD return % | |
DJIA | 16945.80 | 17265.99 | 2.23% |
NASDAQ | 4466.75 | 4593.43 | 6.95% |
S&P 500 | 1965.99 | 2011.36 | 6.36% |
MSCI EAFE | 1866.41 | 1903.37 | -2.57% |
Russell 2000 | 1110.24 | 1159.27 | -4.59% |
Consumer Money Rates
Last | 1-year ago | |
Prime Rate | 3.25 | 3.25 |
Fed Funds | 0.08 | 0.09 |
30-year mortgage | 4.23 | 4.32 |
Currencies
Last | 1-year ago | |
Dollars per British Pound | 1.630 | 1.604 |
Dollars per Euro | 1.272 | 1.351 |
Japanese Yen per Dollar | 109.230 | 98.490 |
Canadian Dollars per Dollar | 1.111 | 1.031 |
Mexican Peso per Dollar | 13.322 | 12.966 |
Commodities
Last | 1-year ago | |
Crude Oil | 94.33 | 102.76 |
Gold | 1209.05 | 1323.42 |
Bond Rates
Last | 1-month ago | |
2-year treasury | 0.58 | 0.50 |
10-year treasury | 2.52 | 2.35 |
10-year municipal (TEY) | 3.46 | 3.38 |
Treasury Yield Curve – 9/26/2014
S&P Sector Performance (YTD) – 9/26/2014
Economic Calendar
September 29th | — | Personal Income and Spending (August) Pending Home Sales Index (August) |
September 30th | — | Case-Shiller Home Price Index (July) Chicago Purchasing Managers Index (September) Consumer Confidence (September) |
October 1st | — | ADP Payroll Estimate (September) ISM Manufacturing Index (September) Motor Vehicle Sales (September) |
October 2nd | — | Jobless Claims (week ending September 27th) Factory Orders (August) |
October 3rd | — | Employment Report (September) Trade Balance (August) ISM Non-Manufacturing Index (September) |
October 8th | — | FOMC Minutes (September 16th-18th) |
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 September 25th, 2014.
©2014 Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. member FINRA / SIPC.