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Clarksville Weekly Market Snapshot from Frazier Allen for the week of August 2nd, 2015

F&M Investment Services - Raymond James - Clarksville, TNClarksville, TN – The week began with an 8.5% drop in the Shanghai Composite Index, which sent markets down worldwide (but the Chinese market appeared to stabilize later). The Fed made only slight alterations to the wording of the monetary policy statement, and did not provide a strong signal that a September move is coming.

Real GDP rose at a 2.3% annual rate in the advance estimate for 2Q15, a bit shy of expectations, but the first quarter was revised to +0.6% (from -0.2%). Annual benchmark revisions showed a somewhat slower rate of growth in the past few years (mostly in 2013), which implies that the output gap (the difference between GDP and potential GDP) is higher than it was thought to be earlier (an important consideration for the Fed).

Frazier Allen
Frazier Allen

It’s no secret that the Fed is focused on slack in the labor market, and that slack is reflecting in labor compensation. The Employment Cost Index picked up in the first quarter, but it slowed sharply in the second quarter, bringing the year-over-year pace back below 2%.

A year ago, Fed Chair Janet Yellen highlighted the “lackluster” pace of labor compensation (a 3.5–4.0% is more indicative of a healthy job market). It’s still lackluster. So, the 2Q15 ECI (along with the wider output gap estimate) reduces the odds of a September 17 rate hike considerably.

Next week, fresh July economic data will begin to roll in. The ISM surveys and unit auto sales data will help define the economic picture. However, the focus will be on the employment report. Seasonal adjustment is large in July. Prior to adjustment, we can expect to lose about 1.4 million educations jobs (reflecting the end of the school year) and add about 200,000 non-education jobs.

There is a good chance for a surprise, which is why one should concentrate on the three-month average (which is likely to remain relatively strong). The unemployment rate should hold steady (at 5.3%), while wage pressures are likely to appear modest.

 

Indices

Last Last Week YTD return %
DJIA 17745.98 17731.92 -0.43%
NASDAQ 5128.79 5146.41 8.29%
S&P 500 2108.63 2102.15 2.42%
MSCI EAFE 1858.97 1877.14 4.74%
Russell 2000 1232.07 1244.97 2.27%

 

Consumer Money Rates

Last 1 year ago
Prime Rate 3.25 3.25
Fed Funds 0.08 0.06
30-year mortgage 4.03 4.12

 

Currencies

Last 1 year ago
Dollars per British Pound 1.562 1.693
Dollars per Euro 1.096 1.340
Japanese Yen per Dollar 124.340 102.250
Canadian Dollars per Dollar 1.297 1.087
Mexican Peso per Dollar 16.390 13.071

 

Commodities

Last 1 year ago
Crude Oil 48.52 100.27
Gold 1087.10 1298.64

 

Bond Rates

Last 1 month ago
2-year treasury 0.67 0.71
10-year treasury 2.20 2.45
10-year municipal (TEY) 3.51 3.66

 

Treasury Yield Curve – 07/31/2015

As of close of business 7/30/2015

Treasury Yield Curve – 07/31/2015

S&P Sector Performance (YTD) – 07/31/2015

As of close of business 7/30/2015

S&P Sector Performance (YTD) – 07/31/2015

 

Economic Calendar

August 1st ISM Manufacturing Index (July)
Motor Vehicle Sales (July)
August 5th ADP Payroll Estimate (July)
Trade Balance (June)
ISM Non-Manufacturing Index (July)
August 6th Bank of England Policy Decision
Jobless Claims (week ending August 1)
Aug 7th Employment Report (July)
Aug 13th Retail Sales (July)
Aug 14th Producer Price Index (July)
Industrial Production (July)

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 July 30th, 2015.

©2015 Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. member FINRA / SIPC.

Frazier Allen
Frazier Allenhttp://www.raymondjames.com/frazierallen
Frazier Allen, WMS, CRPS, Financial Advisor with F&M Bank 50 Franklin Street | Clarksville, TN 37040 | 931-553-2048
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