Markets continue to produce positive results without much volatility. The S&P 500 edged up 0.2% last week. The MSCI ACWI climbed 0.6%, and the Bloomberg BarCap Aggregate Bond Index dropped 0.1%. The positive results were part of strong overall performance in August. The S&P 500 rose 3.0%, and the global MSCI ACWI rose 0.6%. Bonds also rose 0.6%.
Strong months with little downside can create a desire to chase after returns. Keep in mind this market has been abnormally calm. The average July and August, since 1996, produce 12 moves in the S&P 500 of more than 1% in either direction. In 2018, there were none.
Key points for the week
- Stocks edged higher on positive economic and trade news.
- Core inflation, as measured by the PCE, hit the Federal Reserve’s target of 2%.
- The U.S., Canada, and Mexico are hoping to reach a trade agreement soon.
Economics
The personal consumption expenditures (PCE) index, which is the Fed’s preferred inflation measurement, rose 0.2% in July. This led to the year-over-year PCE being 2%, matching the Fed’s inflation target. Consumer spending, which accounts for two-thirds of economic activity, increased 0.4% in July, showing a very strong economy.
Inflation remains well within the Fed’s target range, and the improving jobs environment has not created any spikes. Given the strong economic environment, our outlook is for inflation to stay at or just above 2%. The risks remain to the upside if tight labor markets or trade disputes result in prices rising faster than expected.
Trade
The U.S. and Mexico reached an agreement last week after weeks of renegotiating NAFTA’s trade terms. However, the deal still has to be approved by each country’s lawmakers. Investors responded positively to the news as markets moved higher. The new deal touched on the tariff treatment of automobile imports from Mexico, wage requirements for automotive supply chain workers, and tariff-free agricultural imports and exports.
Meanwhile, the U.S. and Canada have been in discussions on a revised NAFTA deal, which was given a deadline by the Trump administration for last Friday. After a two-hour morning meeting, the deadline was missed. We expect a deal to be reached between all three parties sometime before the end of the year.
Fun Story
UPS driver’s failed delivery note becomes viral hit
A woman in North Carolina was wondering why her package never showed up, but when she checked her mailbox, she realized why. A UPS driver had left a failed delivery note that simply stated: “bear in driveway.” The woman, Marcy Lanier, found it so funny she posted the note on Facebook, and it quickly gained popularity.
This newsletter was written and produced by CWM, LLC. Content in this material is for general information only and not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. All performance referenced is historical and is no guarantee of future results. All indices are unmanaged and may not be invested into directly. The views stated in this letter are not necessarily the opinion of any other named entity and should not be construed directly or indirectly as an offer to buy or sell any securities mentioned herein. Due to volatility within the markets mentioned, opinions are subject to change without notice. Information is based on sources believed to be reliable; however, their accuracy or completeness cannot be guaranteed. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
S&P 500 INDEX
The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index is a capitalization-weighted index of 500 stocks designed to measure performance of the broad domestic economy through changes in the aggregate market value of 500 stocks representing all major industries.
MSCI ACWI INDEX
The MSCI ACWI captures large- and mid-cap representation across 23 developed markets (DM) and 23 emerging markets (EM) countries*. With 2,480 constituents, the index covers approximately 85% of the global investable equity opportunity set.
Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Index
The Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Index is an index of the U.S. investment-grade fixed-rate bond market, including both government and corporate bonds.