Market Indexes: All 4 indexes fell again this past week, with the iShares Russell small caps falling the most, down -2.78%.
“U.S. stocks fell for a fifth straight day on Friday, with the S&P 500 ending the week down 1.7 percent in its longest losing streak since February.” (NY Times)
“Wall Street main indexes finished lower on Friday after data showing persistent U.S. inflation offset expectations of an easing in U.S.-China tensions after a call between President Joe Biden and China’s Xi Jinping. U.S. producer prices increased solidly in August, indicating that high inflation is likely to persist for a while, with supply chains remaining tight as the COVID-19 pandemic drags on.” (Reuters)
Volatility: The VIX rose 28% last week, ending the week at $20.95.
High Dividend Stocks: These high dividend stocks go ex-dividend this coming week: Fidus Investment Corp (NASDAQ:FDUS), Saratoga Investment Corp (NYSE:SAR), Altria Group (NYSE:MO), Ares Capital Corporation (NASDAQ:ARCC), BlackRock Kelso Capital Corporation (NASDAQ:BKCC), Capital Southwest Corporation (NASDAQ:CSWC), First Eagle Alternative Capital BDC (NASDAQ:FCRD), FS KKR Capital Corp (NYSE:FSK), Great Elm Capital Corp (NASDAQ:GECC), Oaktree Specialty Lending Corp (NASDAQ:OCSL), Sixth Street Specialty Lending (NYSE:TSLX), BlackRock TCP Capital Corp (NASDAQ:TCPC), Oxford Lane Capital Corp (NASDAQ:OXLC), Oxford Square Capital Corp (NASDAQ:OXSQ).
Market Breadth: 5 out of 30 DOW stocks rose last week, vs. 17 the week before last. 16% of the S&P 500 rose, vs. 53% the previous week.
FOREX: The US $ rose vs. other major currencies last week.
Economic News: Unemployment claims fell to 310K last week from 340K the previous week. The Producer Price Index fell to 0.7% in August from 1% in July.
Week Ahead Highlights: Investors will get additional readings on the health of the U.S. economy next week with the release of consumer price index figures, retail sales, and a measure of consumer sentiment.
Coming Week’s US Economic Reports:
Sectors: All sectors fell this week, with Consumer Discretionary holding up the best, and Real Estate falling the most.
Futures: WTI crude rose .61%, ending at $69.17.
