Clarksville Weekly Market Snapshot from Frazier Allen for the week of October 7th, 2014

Clarksville, TN – There were plenty of economic data reports, but the financial markets mostly obsessed about other things (quarter–end positioning, soft global growth, geopolitical tensions, Ebola). The headline figures from the employment report were better than expected, a positive for stocks and a negative for bonds.

Nonfarm payrolls rose by 248,000 in September, while the two previous months were revised a net 69,000 higher. Some of the strength reflected a rebound from special factors that had reduced the August total.

The unemployment rate fell to 5.9%, partly reflecting lower participation. The seasonally adjusted unemployment rates for teenagers and young adults rebounded, while the rate for prime-age workers (25-54), fell from 5.3% to 4.9% (reflecting a plunge in participation – very weird). Average hourly earnings were flat (-0.041%), up 2.0% y/y (the CPI rose 1.7% in the 12 months ending in August).

Adjusted for inflation, personal spending (70% of GDP) rose 0.5% in August, but combined with disappointing September auto sales, appears to be tracking at about a 2% annual rate for 3Q14. The Conference Board’s Consumer Confidence Index slipped in September. Pending home sales fell in August. The ISM surveys declined. Factory orders and shipments continued to suggest a relatively strong 3Q14 trend in capital spending.

Next week, global growth is likely to remain a key concern for the markets. The IMF will update its World Economic Outlook on Tuesday. Minutes of mid-September Fed policy meeting are unlikely to provide any new revelations, but there’s always a chance that the markets will take something out of context.

Important Disclosures

Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. There are special risks involved with global investing related to market and currency fluctuations, economic and political instability, and different financial accounting standards. The above material has been obtained from sources considered reliable, but we do not guarantee that it is accurate or complete. There is no assurance that any trends mentioned will continue in the future. While interest on municipal bonds is generally exempt from federal income tax, it may be subject to the federal alternative minimum tax, state or local taxes. In addition, certain municipal bonds (such as Build America Bonds) are issued without a federal tax exemption, which subjects the related interest income to federal income tax. Investing involves risk and investors may incur a profit or a loss.

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 October 2nd, 2014.

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