Clarksville, TN – The economic data reports were mixed. Homebuilder sentiment declined in May, but residential homebuilding was stronger than expected in April.
Some of that reflects a rebound from bad weather, but it’s also a consequence of the high level of volatility in the multifamily sector (single-family permits were higher, but not exactly booming). Consumer price inflation remained negative on a year-over-year basis (-0.2%), but core inflation rose slightly more than anticipated.
Investors remained sensitive to minor changes in the Fed outlook. Minutes of the April 28th-29th policy meeting show that a few officials thought that conditions might warrant an initial rate hike at the June meeting. However, that was very much a minority view and subsequent economic data suggest that such a move is very unlikely.Fed Chair Janet Yellen said that the first quarter slowdown was due to “transitory” restraints and possibly statistical noise. If growth picks up, as expected, it should be appropriate for the Fed to begin raising rates later this year. Importantly, she said that “if conditions develop as my colleagues and I expect, then the FOMC’s objectives of maximum employment and price stability would best be achieved by proceeding cautiously, which I expect would mean that it will be several years before the federal funds rate would be back to its normal, longer-run level.”
Next week, the holiday-shortened week will be bookended by important economic reports. Durable goods orders are likely to have fallen in April, reflecting a pullback in aircraft orders (which spiked sharply higher in March). Keep an eye on capital goods orders, which have been weakening in recent months.
New home sales are erratic, which means that there is a good chance for a surprise. Consumer spending dipped in April, but we should see a bounce in May (watch for revisions). The estimate of 1Q15 GDP growth (a +0.2% annual rate in the advance estimate) is expected to be revised down into negative territory.
Indices
Last | Last Week | YTD return % | |
DJIA | 18285.74 | 18252.24 | 2.60% |
NASDAQ | 5090.79 | 5050.80 | 7.49% |
S&P 500 | 2130.82 | 2121.10 | 3.49% |
MSCI EAFE | 1948.41 | 1942.47 | 9.78% |
Russell 2000 | 1256.74 | 1245.11 | 4.32% |
Consumer Money Rates
Last | 1 year ago | |
Prime Rate | 3.25 | 3.25 |
Fed Funds | 0.12 | 0.08 |
30-year mortgage | 3.84 | 4.14 |
Currencies
Last | 1 year ago | |
Dollars per British Pound | 1.569 | 1.689 |
Dollars per Euro | 1.117 | 1.368 |
Japanese Yen per Dollar | 120.990 | 101.060 |
Canadian Dollars per Dollar | 1.220 | 1.091 |
Mexican Peso per Dollar | 15.144 | 12.908 |
Commodities
Last | 1 year ago | |
Crude Oil | 59.97 | 104.52 |
Gold | 1210.24 | 1290.81 |
Bond Rates
Last | 1 month ago | |
2-year treasury | 0.61 | 0.51 |
10-year treasury | 2.21 | 1.92 |
10-year municipal (TEY) | 3.58 | 3.09 |
Treasury Yield Curve – 05/22/2015
S&P Sector Performance (YTD) – 05/22/2015
Economic Calendar
May 25th | — | Memorial Day Holiday (markets closed) |
May 26th | — | Durable Goods Orders (April) New Home Sales (April) Consumer Confidence (May) |
May 28th | — | Jobless Claims (week ending May 23rd) Pending Home Sales Index (April) |
May 29th | — | Real GDP (1Q15, 2nd estimate) Chicago Purchasing Managers Index (May) Consumer Sentiment (May) |
June 1st | — | ISM Manufacturing Index (May) |
June 2nd | — | Motor Vehicle Sales (May) |
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 May 21st, 2015.