What did markets do in the first half of the year?
What can we expect in the months ahead?
There are a few things to keep an eye on.
We broke down what you need to know about markets and the economy into a webinar presentation.
Run time: 35 minutes, 51 seconds
Despite a lot of uncertainty around business reopenings, vaccination rates, and economic growth, equities delivered a solid performance.
While the 2nd quarter closed strong, a number of dips, rallies, and ongoing volatility made it a bumpy road. We can expect more of this as the world continues to recover from the pandemic.
Overall, the economy seems positioned for strong growth in the second half of the year, though inflation worries, politics, and post-pandemic concerns may weigh.
Bottom line, we're keeping a close eye on market conditions, as continued uncertainty could drive sudden changes.
Have questions about what happened (or what might)? Hit “reply” and let us know.
Sincerely,
Your Eagle Wealth Team
The Staskal household has sure had a busy camping season. A few weeks ago, they scored (after Cami’s diligent planning of course) an incredible campsite at Three Creeks Lake in the Cascades. The girls spent their trip jumping off the “fun island” and soaking up the sun. When they weren’t playing with the kids, Chad and Cami enjoyed a few hikes including up to Tam MacArthur Rim for the beautiful views.
How about you? Are you making the most of the summer season? We’d love to hear about your adventures.
The Week on Wall Street
Overcoming jitters about the Delta variant and the reintroduction of mask requirements, stocks climbed higher on strong employment data and a fresh batch of strong corporate earnings.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 0.78% while the Standard & Poor’s 500 advanced 0.94%. The Nasdaq Composite index gained 1.11% for the week. The MSCI EAFE index, which tracks developed overseas stock markets, picked up 1.61%.1,2,3
Push and Pull
The crosscurrents of strong corporate profits and the rise in Delta variant infections led to a roller coaster week of price action, as markets alternated between daily gains and losses. By Thursday, however, investors appeared to grow more optimistic that the economic reopening was not under serious threat when back-to-back employment reports suggested that the economic recovery remained on track.
A favorable initial jobless claims report was enough to send the S&P 500 and Nasdaq to new all-time highs. Thanks to Friday’s stronger-than-expected employment report, the S&P 500 managed to add to its previous record close, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average set its own record high. The more tech-centric Nasdaq, however, slipped off its highs.4
Employment Brightens
Last week reinforced the idea of an improving labor market. After a disappointing ADP (Automated Data Processing) National Employment Report that showed a slowdown in private-sector hiring, with just 330,000 new jobs added, subsequent employment data were much more encouraging.5
Thursday’s report of a modest drop in initial jobless claims to 385,000 and a more substantial drop of 366,000 in continuing claims was followed by a solid employment report on Friday, which showed employers had added 943,000 new jobs in July—the biggest jump since August 2020. This hiring increase shaved the unemployment rate to 5.4%, down from June’s 5.9% rate.6,7
Source: Econoday, August 6, 2021
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: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. (APD), Tyson Foods, Inc. (TSN). Tuesday: Sysco Corporation (SYY), Coinbase Global, Inc. (COIN). Wednesday: Nio, Inc. (NIO), eBay, Inc. (EBAY). Thursday: The Walt Disney Company (DIS), Baidu, Inc. (BIDU), Doordash, Inc. (DASH), Airbnb, Inc. (ABNB).
Source: Zacks, August 6, 2021
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.
Any companies mentioned are for informational purposes only, and t
