Confusion Continues
The bad news is markets tend to get jittery when the Fed is preparing for a new interest rate cycle. The good news is the primary reason the Fed is contemplating raising interest rates is a strengthening U.S. economy. The question in the short run is:
Will the economy be strong enough to offset the negative impact of higher rates?
The odds of the answer being “yes” increased Thursday. From Reuters:
Gross domestic product expanded at a 4.2 percent annual rate instead of the previously reported 4.0 percent pace, the Commerce Department said on Thursday. Both business spending and exports were revised higher, while a buildup in business inventories was smaller than previously estimated - a mix of growth that provides a stronger underpinning for the remainder of the year.
Investment Implications – The Weight Of The Evidence
As of Thursday’s close, the S&P 500 was up 8 points for the week. Therefore, despite some hesitation near the overly-talked-about S&P 500 level of 2000, the bigger picture has improved this week. We continue to hold a mix of U.S. stocks (ARCA:SPY), leading sectors, such as healthcare (ARCA:XLV) and a relatively small complementary stake in bonds (ARCA:TLT). Friday’s economic calendar tells us to keep an open mind about how stocks close out the week:
- European Inflation Data
- Personal Income and Outlays
- Chicago PMI
- Consumer Sentiment
Levels A, B, C, and D on the chart of the S&P 500 below may attract buyers if Friday’s data brings out the bears.