Markets: Even though all 4 indexes were negative in March, the Dow and the S&P 500 finally turned positive for 2016. However, the NASDAQ and the Russell 2000 small caps are still in the red. As you’ll see in the Sectors section below, all sectors were positive in March, with Tech, Energy, and Utilities leading the way.
Dividend Stocks Update: These high dividend stocks go ex-dividend this coming week: Manhattan Bridge Capital Inc (NASDAQ:LOAN), Pearson PLC (NYSE:PSO), RAIT Financial Trust (NYSE:RAS), Verizon Communications Inc (NYSE:VZ).
Volatility: The VIX fell 11% % this week, finishing at $13.10, its lowest close since August 17th.
Currency: The US dollar fell vs. most major currencies in March.
Year-to-date, the USD has fallen vs. most major currencies, except the British pound.
Market Breadth: 29 of the Dow 30 stocks rose in March, and 65% of the S&P 500 also rose in March.
US Economic News: Nonfarm Payrolls fell to 215K in March, less than the 245K created in February, but better than the forecast. Gains occurred in Retail, Construction,and Health Care, while losses happened in Manufacturing and Mining.
The Unemployment Rate went to 5% from 4.9%,
Week Ahead Highlights: Fed minutes from last month’s meeting will be released on Wed., Fed Chief Yellen a talk with former Fed chiefs Ben Bernanke, Alan Greenspan, and Paul Volcker in New York. Creditors resume talks with Greece about its latest bailout.
Next Week’s US Economic Reports:
Sectors and Futures:
Tech led in March, with Health Care trailing. Year to date, Utilities lead by a wide margin, with Financials turning in the worst performance by far, down -9.38%, followed by Health Care, which is down -5.90%.
OJ and Lumber futures led in March, with Rough Rice and the USD trailing:
