Exclusive Content

    If you are a client, sign in below to access exclusive content.

     

    As the country celebrated the Fourth of July last week, the markets experienced some volatility, though they finished a bit flat overall.1 The Dow fell then rose to close the week up 0.30%.2 The S&P 500 climbed a modest 0.07% for the week, and the NASDAQ finished the week up 0.21%.3 The MSCI EAFE fell 0.48%.4

    Internationally, European markets posted soft gains on Friday, though emerging markets fell for a second-straight week.5 Further, gold dropped to a 5-month low, while bond yields rose globally on weakening bond markets.6 In addition, world leaders met last week at the G20 Global Summit and issued a statement supporting open markets. They agreed to fight unfair trade practices, such as countries blocking or heavily taxing imports to protect domestic industries.7

    A Closer Look at U.S. Market News

    Auto Sales Continue to Drop

    Auto sales dropped in June by 3% from a year ago. Though vehicle sales are still generally high, numbers in the second half of 2017 are expected to remain soft.8

    Employment Numbers Give Mixed Signals:

    Payroll growth rose a strong 222,000, exceeding expectations of 170,000. The employment growth numbers, along with continuing low unemployment figures, reflect a high demand for workers. However, wage growth remains low at an annual rate of 2.5%.9

    Inflation Stays Weak

    Inflation came in at a weak 1.4% in May, staying well below the Fed’s target of 2.0%. Despite weak inflation numbers, the Fed appears committed to raise interest rates one more time this year.10

    Manufacturing Rises and Falls

    The PMI manufacturing index closed at a low 52.0, down from May’s 52.7 on weak cost pressures and selling prices.11 Meanwhile, some good news emerged: The ISM manufacturing index surprised expectations of 55.1 and rose to 57.8—the strongest number since August 2014.12

    Oil Prices Continue to Slump

    Oil dropped to $44.33 per barrel on continuing oversupply concerns.sup>13 The week’s price erosion comes after a 14% drop in the first half of 2017.14

    A Look Ahead

    On Friday, July 14, key economic data will emerge such as consumer price index, retail sales, and consumer sentiment.15 As we look to the second half of 2017, a variety of developments could boost markets: strong corporate earnings, strengthening wage rates, and growing global trade and Gross Domestic Products (GDPs).16

    We want to remind you to avoid letting geopolitical ups and downs sway your investment focus. Instead, stay tuned to the fundamentals as you work toward your long-term goals. Feel free to contact us for any perspectives that can help you make sense of your financial life.

    Miss Ken on TV?

    See recent segments

    Sources

    The information in this article is not intended to be tax or legal advice, and it may not be relied on for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. You are encouraged to seek tax or legal advice from an independent professional advisor. The content is derived from sources believed to be accurate. Neither the information presented nor any opinion expressed constitutes a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security. This material was written and prepared by Emerald. © 2014 Emerald Connect, LLC
    © Mahoney Asset Management

    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.

    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. Securities-related services may not be provided to individuals residing in any state not listed above.

    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 offered through
    Newbridge Securities Corporation,
    member FINRA / SIPC

    Investment Advisory Services offered through
    Newbridge Financial Services Group Inc.,
    an SEC Registered Investment Adviser.

    Office of Supervisory Jurisdiction
    1200 North Federal Highway, Suite 400
    Boca Raton, FL 33432

    Toll-Free: 877-447-9625
    Phone: 954-334-3450
    Fax: 954-489-2390