August Economic Update
Market Summary
The stock market shrugged off economic data to retrace higher in July for a much-needed rebound from the recent lows. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 6.73%, while the S&P 500 rose 9.11%, and the tech-heavy Nasdaq 100 Composite led the pack picking up 12.35%. (1)
Economic Developments Last Month
With stocks have been under pressure all year from rising inflation and slowing economic growth, there were not many signs in July that suggested either inflation had cooled or that the economy was rebounding. The month of July culminated with corporate earnings from the largest technology companies, a Fed interest rate decision, and the release of an initial estimate for second quarter GDP.
During the course of this year, inflation and rising interest rates have been center stage for the pressures weighing on the market. On July 13th, the latest CPI numbers were released showing inflation continuing to rise with prices increasing 9.1% year-over-year, which is the highest inflation increase since November 1981. Near the end of last month, another inflation metric known as Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) was released, which hit a new high for the year rising 6.8%. (2,3)
In light of this data, on July 27th, the Federal Reserve announced another 0.75% interest rate increase, the second in a row after raising the same amount in June. Fed Chair Jerome Powell also announced they would no longer be giving forward guidance for future interest rate hikes and will be completely data-dependent moving forward. Given the rate of change with inflation has continued to remain persistently high, the Federal Reserve has signaled another aggressive interest rate increase is likely in September (no meetings are scheduled for August). (4)
Looking Ahead…
Last month’s rebound in the stock market was a welcomed relief for investors. However, it is important to maintain perspective. Inflation has remained persistently high, and the Federal Reserve is committed to raising interest rates into the foreseeable future to dampen growth and demand.
Additionally, the U.S. GDP report was released last month which showed a second consecutive contraction in growth, which officially places the U.S. into a “technical” recession. As mentioned in last month’s newsletter, this is a “hindsight” indicator since the contraction in growth has already occurred. We could be nearing an equilibrium point where the market has already priced-in this contraction. On the other hand, if inflation does not relent in the coming months, it will force the Fed to keep raising interest rates at an aggressive pace which would further hamper growth into next year.
The recent retracement of the market drops in June should be viewed through a cautionary perspective as there has been little change from a macro economic standpoint at this time. The same economic pressures that have impeded the stock market this year continue to persist. The counter-intuitive move last month with decelerating growth and deteriorating economic conditions poses the question whether this was temporary counter-trend rally, similar to the moves seen in March this year. While we hope that is not the case, it is our job to analyze market moves relative to current risks. When inconsistencies present themselves, it is prudent to ask these types of questions based upon the data at hand
August through October will be a pivotal period for the market and will shape the course for the remainder of the year. We will be looking for confirmation signals the worst could be behind us, or signals which imply there may be a re-test of the recent lows due to slowing growth and interest rate pressures.
Monthly Financial Tip:
Calculate your total net worth on an annual basis. It can help keep you apprised of the progress you are making toward your financial goals.
Citations:
1. WSJ.com, July 31, 2022
2. Investing.com, July 13, 2022
3. Investing.com, July 29, 2022
4. CNBC.com, July 27, 2022
Disclaimers:
This post has been derived from sources believed to be accurate. Please note - investing involves risk, and past performance is no guarantee of future results. Bob Lawson is not engaged in rendering legal or accounting services. If assistance is needed, the reader is advised to engage the services of a competent professional. This information should not be construed as investment, tax or legal advice and may not be relied on for the purpose of avoiding any Federal tax penalty. This is neither a solicitation nor recommendation to purchase or sell any investment or insurance product or service, and should not be relied upon as such. All indices are unmanaged and are not illustrative of any particular investment.
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