On Friday, I mentioned on my CNBC appearance, that the market still remained ‘choppy, but with an upward’ bias. The ‘choppiness’ will continue throughout this earnings season. You will notice that some days with strong reports, the market will “ramp up.” For example, Citigroup’s better than expected numbers and the Dow this past Monday. I’m sure there will also be some days after a company “misses” that the markets will sell off. I suggest for the next couple week to buckle your seatbelts!
Week in Review
Stocks checked their advance last week as investors weighed earnings reports and waited for more news. Worries at one of Portugal’s largest banks also contributed to mid-week losses. For the week, the S&P 500 lost 0.90%, the Dow fell 0.73%, and the Nasdaq dropped 1.57%.1
Markets took a dive in the middle of the week on news that one of Portugal’s largest banks may be in trouble. Investor concerns about a possible domino effect in the EU’s financial system were soothed by statements from European Central Bank officials, who claimed that only one bank was affected by financial irregularities.2 However, investors still used the opportunity to take some profits off the table.
Expectations about second quarter performance also set the tone for markets last week. While investors were willing to shrug off negative news in the first quarter because of the poor weather, their optimism has raised expectations for Q2 earnings and economic performance. So far, we haven’t seen enough data to draw any conclusions, but total Q2 earnings for S&P 500 firms are expected to be up about 3.00%.3
Economic news was scarce last week, but weekly jobless claims fell to one of the lowest levels since the last recession. While weekly numbers are always volatile, the four-week moving average also dropped to the second-lowest reading since August 2007.4 All told, it was a pretty good week for the labor market.
Earnings season kicks into high gear this week and reports will likely affect markets as investors discover whether their high hopes for second quarter performance bear out. Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen will also deliver her second semi-annual remarks on monetary policy before the House and Senate.5 Though we don’t expect any surprises, analysts will be digging into her comments for hints about when the Fed might raise interest rates.
1 http://goo.gl/JrfxGp
2 http://reut.rs/U5odG8
3 http://bit.ly/1rlWEob
4 http://www.cnbc.com/id/101825767
5 http://bloom.bg/1qYTQhk
INVESTING RISK DISCLOSURE
Keep in mind that investing involves risk. The value of your investment will fluctuate over time and you may gain or lose money. Before investing, consider the funds’ investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses. Contact Mahoney Asset Management for a prospectus or, if available, a summary prospectus containing this information. Read it carefully.
IMPORTANT CONSUMER INFORMATION
This web site has been prepared solely for informational purposes. It is not an offer to buy or sell any security; nor is it a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell any security.This site and the opinions and information therein are based on sources which we believe to be dependable, but we can not guarantee the accuracy of such information.
Representatives of a broker-dealer or investment adviser may only conduct business in a state if the representatives and the broker-dealer or investment adviser they represent: (a) satisfy the qualification requirements of, and are approved to do business by, the state; or (b) are excluded or exempted from the state’s licenser requirements.
An investor may obtain information concerning a broker-dealer, an investment advisor, or a representative of a broker-dealer or an investment advisor, including their licenser status and disciplinary history, by contacting the investor’s state securities law administrator.
The financial calculator results shown represent analysis and estimates based on the assumptions you have provided, but they do not reflect all relevant elements of your personal situation. The actual effects of your financial decisions may vary significantly from these estimates–so these estimates should not be regarded as predictions, advice, or recommendations. Mahoney Asset Managment does not provide legal or tax advice. Be sure to consult with your own tax and legal advisors before taking any action that would have tax consequences.
SECURITIES: ARE NOT FDIC-INSURED/ARE NOT BANK-GUARANTEED/MAY LOSE VALUE
This information is intended for use only by residents of CA, CT, DC, FL,, MA, MD, MN, NC, NJ, NY, OH, PA, and VA. Ken Mahoney may only conduct securities business with residents of the states and/or jurisdiction for which they are properly registered.
Securities offered through Newbridge Securities Corporation, member FINRA, SIPC.
Investment Advisory services through NFSG Corporation an SEC Registered Investment Advisor.
Office of Supervisory Jurisdiction: 1200 N. Federal Hwy., Ste. 400, Boca Raton, FL 33432. Phone 954.334.3450 Fax 954.489.2390
Specific recommendations can only be based on review of a number of suitability factors including but not limited to the investors financial profile, investment objectives, risk tolerance and the investors review of appropriate offering documents. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. To help you make informed decisions, we provide you with essential disclosures, such as Regulation Best Interest (Reg BI), the Client Relationship Summary (CRS), and Form ADV. Linked sites are strictly provided as a courtesy. Newbridge Securities, Inc. does not guarantee, approve nor endorse the information or products available at the sites, nor do links indicate any association with or endorsement of the linked sites by Newbridge Securities.
