Market Update

In Q2, both our economic cycle and tactical market cycle assessments remained positive, but less bullish than at the start of the quarter. This shift indicates emerging concerns in economic data, suggesting the US economy might be at a transitional point between downturn and recovery.

This week echoed the likelihood of a soft landing as June’s jobs report showed mixed results with nonfarm payroll rising, but an unexpected increase in the unemployment rate, hinting at a higher chance of Federal Reserve rate cuts in September. Both the ISM Manufacturing and Services Indexes indicated sector-wide weaknesses in June, suggesting an increased risk of an economic slowdown. Monitoring economic and inflationary data, especially the CPI print and the start of Q2 earnings in the week ahead, will be crucial.

Despite being more muted last week, stocks posted a positive first half of 2024. In this past week’s economic news, PCE inflation remained flat at 2.6%, personal income rose 0.5% in May, and consumer spending grew 0.2%. Consumer confidence fell slightly, with concerns about future economic conditions.

Economic data demonstrated a stable yet softer US economy last week, as May’s retail sales came in below expectations, with several important categories declining. Existing home sales volumes continued to fall, although the median home sales price reached a record high.

Stocks notched new all-time highs last week on news of a lower-than-expected CPI and PPI inflation reports, where consumer inflation clocked in at 3.3%, and producer inflation clocked in at 2.2%. During its June meeting, the Federal Reserve revised its projections, now anticipating only one rate cut in 2024 and raising inflation expectations. Meanwhile, consumer sentiment has unexpectedly declined in recent months on concerns of sticky prices.

Last week saw a continued rally in the markets, driven by a mixed jobs report that suggests the Federal Reserve may need to hold rates longer or continue with their current trajectory of potentially cutting rates this fall. The ISM Manufacturing index remained weak, while the ISM Services index highlighted the ongoing strength of the US economy. Looking ahead to this week, the Federal Reserve’s meeting on Wednesday will be pivotal in gauging the central bank’s future monetary policy action