The Week on Wall Street
Stocks drifted lower last week as investors considered the possibility that the world’s two largest economies might take some time to resolve key trade issues.
The S&P 500 retreated 1.17%; the Nasdaq Composite, 2.29%; the Dow Jones Industrial Average, 0.69%. The concern over trade was felt elsewhere: the overseas developed markets benchmark, the MSCI EAFE, also lost 1.41% in five sessions.1, 2
Market Waits for Further Trade Talk Cues
A compromise on tariffs between the U.S. and China did not seem forthcoming last week. Negotiations appeared stalled. Regardless, President Trump and Chinese President Xi are slated to meet at June’s G20 summit in Japan.
The Department of Commerce has effectively banned U.S. companies from doing business with Chinese tech giant Huawei, a major global player in 5G technology. Some analysts think China may respond with retaliatory measures.3
Leading Retailers Report Earnings
Big-box stores and other major retail chains announced first-quarter results last week. While some traditional department store chains disappointed (Kohl’s, JC Penney, Nordstrom), Macy’s recorded its sixth straight quarter of comparable sales growth. Target reported a 10.8% jump in earnings in the first quarter, Walmart announced Q1 gains in earnings and revenue, and Urban Outfitters saw record sales in Q1.4, 5
Final Thought
As new chapters in the U.S.-China trade drama continue to unfold, remember that your investment approach is built around your long-term objectives and risk tolerance. There will always be day-to-day price changes; there will always be breaking news alerts. The disciplined, long-term investor stays the course through the ups and downs.
Concerned whether you are ‘on course’, or ‘off course’, then email us about your GPS projection!
I have written a number of books on the GPS projection, and how useful it is to make financial and lifestyle choices. You will gain lot of insights from 30,000 feet!
It’s a simple questionnaire to fill out, and I will personally go over the results with you!
(we can only have this free offer to the end of June)