Weekly Economic Update

Presented by eOption, March 13, 2023

In this week’s recap: Bad news gives markets a one-two punch.

THE WEEK ON WALL STREET

Stocks tumbled last week as investors reconsidered their interest rate expectations after Fed Chair Powell’s Congressional testimony that rates may need to go higher. Stocks also were rattled when a west coast bank was placed into receivership on Friday following a run on deposits.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 4.44%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 lost 4.55%. The Nasdaq Composite index fell 4.71% for the week. The MSCI EAFE index, which tracks developed overseas stock markets, slipped 0.37%.^1,2,3

RATE FEARS, BANK SCARE

Congressional testimony on Tuesday by Fed Chair Jerome Powell that interest rates may require a higher increase faster than planned unnerved investors, dimming the hopes of any pause in rate hikes this summer. After stabilizing the following day, stocks trended lower as the financial sector came under pressure. The lower move was triggered by a specialty bank's liquidity issues, though regional and money center banks could not escape the selling.

Labor market strength in a Friday report exacerbated rate-hike anxieties, though cooling wage gains balanced an above-consensus new jobs number. Markets appeared to take the employment report in stride but fell on worries arising from the shutdown of a tech-centric bank.⁴

POWELL’S CONGRESSIONAL TESTIMONY

^{Fed Chair Powell last week testified on Capitol Hill during which he acknowledged that the economy was running hotter than he had expected. He said that labor market strength and stubbornly elevated inflation may require the Fed to raise rates quicker than anticipated and above levels previously contemplated.

The market did not respond well to Powell’s change of tone. Many now see the potential of a 0.50% rate hike coming out of the Federal Open Market Committee’s (FOMC) March 21-22 meeting instead of the expected increase of 0.25%. Powell did say that the FOMC would consider the monthly employment report released last Friday and upcoming inflation reports before arriving at a decision.}

TIP OF THE WEEK

Entering the armed forces, going to a junior college and transferring to a university, attending a state college instead of a private one – these are all paths toward making higher education more affordable.

THE WEEK AHEAD: KEY ECONOMIC DATA

Tuesday: Consumer Price Index (CPI).

Wednesday: Producer Price Index (PPI). Retail Sales.

Thursday: Jobless Claims. Housing Starts.

Friday: Industrial Production. Consumer Sentiment. Index of Leading Economic Indicators

Source: Econoday, March 10, 2023

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

Wednesday: Adobe, Inc. (ADBE), Lennar Corporation (LEN).

Thursday: FedEx Corporation (FDX), Dollar General Corporation (DG).

Source: Zacks, March 10, 2023

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

“He who is not courageous enough to take risks will accomplish nothing in life.”

MUHAMMAD ALI

Want to learn more about eOption, your stock & option trading experts?

Visit us at www.eoption.com
email us at support@eoption.com
Call us 1-888-793-5333.

Now is the perfect time to get started with investing- Give eOption a try! eOption offers commission-free trading for stocks, 10¢ option contracts, a powerful and intuitive trading platform, mobile app, live expert support, free trading tools and free trading education. Visit www.eoption.com to learn more.

Subscribe to eOption’s YouTube channel to get our latest option trading videos, given by professional traders and industry experts.

This information provided for general informational purposes only and should not be considered recommendations or advice by eOption.

Options trading involves risk and is not suitable for all investors. Options trading privileges are subject to eOption review and approval. Please review the Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options brochure and the Supplement before you begin trading options.

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.

The forecasts or forward-looking statements are based on assumptions, may not materialize, and are subject to revision without notice.

The market indexes discussed are unmanaged, and generally, considered representative of their respective markets. Index performance is not indicative of the past performance of a particular investment. Indexes do not incur management fees, costs, and expenses. Individuals cannot directly invest in unmanaged indexes. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average is an unmanaged index that is generally considered representative of large-capitalization companies on the U.S. stock market. Nasdaq Composite is an index of the common stocks and similar securities listed on the NASDAQ stock market and is considered a broad indicator of the performance of technology and growth companies. The MSCI EAFE Index was created by Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) and serves as a benchmark of the performance of major international equity markets, as represented by 21 major MSCI indexes from Europe, Australia, and Southeast Asia. The S&P 500 Composite Index is an unmanaged group of securities that are considered to be representative of the stock market in general.

U.S. Treasury Notes are guaranteed by the federal government as to the timely payment of principal and interest. However, if you sell a Treasury Note prior to maturity, it may be worth more or less than the original price paid. Fixed income investments are subject to various risks including changes in interest rates, credit quality, inflation risk, market valuations, prepayments, corporate events, tax ramifications and other factors.

International investments carry additional risks, which include differences in financial reporting standards, currency exchange rates, political risks unique to a specific country, foreign taxes and regulations, and the potential for illiquid markets. These factors may result in greater share price volatility.

This content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information. The information in this material is not intended as tax or legal advice. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation. This material was developed and produced by FMG Suite to provide information on a topic that may be of interest. FMG is not affiliated with the named representative, financial professional, Registered Investment Advisor, Broker-Dealer, nor state- or SEC-registered investment advisory firm. The opinions expressed and material provided are for general information, and they should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security.

CITATIONS:

1. The Wall Street Journal, March 10, 2023

2. The Wall Street Journal, March 10, 2023

3. The Wall Street Journal, March 10, 2023

4. The Wall Street Journal, March 10, 2023