August 17th, 2020

THE WEEK ON WALL STREET

Stock prices drifted higher in an otherwise quiet news week, as a slowdown in new COVID-19 cases outweighed a Congressional impasse on a new fiscal spending measure.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 1.81%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 rose by 0.64%. The Nasdaq Composite Index inched 0.08% higher for the week. The MSCI EAFE Index, which tracks developed stock markets overseas, advanced 3.11%.1,2,3

S&P 500 Nears All-Time High

Stocks prices were supported by a falling rate of COVID-19 cases nationwide and optimism that – despite a lack of progress on a fiscal aid bill – Congress would eventually come to a spending agreement.4

The industrial and financial sectors saw solid gains, while technology stocks, after slipping earlier in the week, found some footing as the week came to a close.

The S&P 500 Index flirted all week with setting a new record high. At one point on Thursday, it traded above its February 2020 record close before closing slightly lower. Stocks treaded water into Friday, as Congress recessed for the summer.5 

Consumer Prices Jump

On Wednesday, the Labor Department said that the Consumer Price Index rose 0.6% in July, matching the 0.6% increase in June. The increase was double the consensus estimate of 0.3%. The general view is that the acceleration in consumer prices is more indicative of a healing economy than the beginning of a cycle of higher inflation.6,7

The Fed does not appear concerned about these recent monthly price jumps. It remains more worried about disinflation. However, if inflation continues to pick up, the Fed may be forced to reconsider its COVID-19 monetary policy.8

Tip of the Week

Is your business structured to limit your liability? Your financial professional may be able to provide some insights about what business structures to consider.

THE WEEK AHEAD: KEY ECONOMIC DATA

Tuesday: Housing Starts.

Wednesday: Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) Minutes.

Thursday: Jobless Claims. Index of Leading Economic Indicators.

Friday: Existing Home Sales.

Source: Econoday, August 14, 2020

The Econoday economic calendar lists upcoming U.S. economic data releases (including key economic indicators), Federal Reserve policy meetings, and speaking engagements of Federal Reserve officials. The content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information. The forecasts or forward-looking statements are based on assumptions and may not materialize. The forecasts also are subject to revision.

THE WEEK AHEAD: COMPANIES REPORTING EARNINGS

Monday: JD.com (JD).

Tuesday: Walmart (WMT), The Home Depot (HD), Kohls (KSS).

Wednesday: Nvidia (NVDA), Target (TGT), Lowe’s (LOW).

Thursday: Alibaba Group (BABA).

Friday: John Deere (DE).

Source: Zacks, August 14, 2020

Companies mentioned are for informational purposes only. It should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of the securities. Investing involves risks, and investment decisions should be based on your own goals, time horizon, and tolerance for risk. The return and principal value of investments will fluctuate as market conditions change. When sold, investments may be worth more or less than their original cost. Companies may reschedule when they report earnings without notice.

Quote of the Week

“Wise men make more opportunities than they find.”

SIR FRANCIS BACON

Riddle of the Week

What number should be next in this series: 9, 16, 25, 36?

LAST WEEK’S RIDDLE: Nancy was born in summer, yet she was born in January. How is this possible?

ANSWER: She was born in the southern hemisphere.

Valley Oak Wealth Management can be reached at 415.898.4439 info@valleyoakwm.com or ValleyOakWM.com

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Tim Russell is a Wealth Advisor with, and securities offered through, LPL Financial member FINRA/SIPC

This material does not necessarily represent the views of the presenting party, nor their affiliates. The information herein has been derived from sources believed to be accurate. Please note – investing involves risk, and past performance is no guarantee of future results. Investments will fluctuate and when redeemed may be worth more or less than when originally invested. 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 market indices discussed are unmanaged and are not illustrative of any particular investment. Indices do not incur management fees, costs and expenses, and cannot be invested into directly. All economic and performance data is historical and not indicative of future results.  Additional risks are associated with international investing, such as currency fluctuations, political and economic instability and differences in accounting standards. This material represents an assessment of the market environment at a specific point in time and is not intended to be a forecast of future events, or a guarantee of future results. MarketingPro, Inc. is not affiliated with any person or firm that may be providing this information to you. The publisher is not engaged in rendering legal, accounting or other professional services. If assistance is needed, the reader is advised to engage the services of a competent professional.

CITATIONS:

1. The Wall Street Journal, August 14, 2020
2. The Wall Street Journal, August 14, 2020
3. The Wall Street Journal, August 14, 2020
4. CNBC, August 12, 2020
5. CNBC, August 13, 2020
6. The Wall Street Journal, August 12, 2020
7. The Wall Street Journal, August 12, 2020
8. CNBC, August 12, 2020

CHART CITATIONS:

The Wall Street Journal, August 14, 2020
The Wall Street Journal, August 14, 2020
treasury.gov, August 14, 2020