Weekly Economic Update (May 31, 2021)
In this week’s recap: Upbeat feelings boost the stock market, with America reopening ahead of Memorial Day.
The Week on Wall Street
Optimism over the economic reopening and renewed enthusiasm for technology and other high-growth companies powered the stock market higher last week.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 0.94%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 climbed 1.16%. The Nasdaq Composite index led, picking up 2.06%. The MSCI EAFE index, which tracks developed overseas stock markets, added 0.46%.1,2,3
Solid Gains
Stock rallied on renewed confidence in the economic recovery, lower inflation worries, and rising comfort with Fed officials talking about the potential for easing of its monthly bond purchases. Technology, communication services, and reopening stocks were among the market leaders.
Investor sentiment was buoyed late in the week by an encouraging jobless claims number and the unveiling of a Republican infrastructure proposal. A somewhat hotter-than-expected inflation indicator on Friday did nothing to dampen optimism as stocks added to their gains ahead of the three-day Memorial Day weekend.4,5
Jobless Claims Reach Pandemic Lows
In a sign of further recovery in the labor market, the number of initial jobless claims fell to a pandemic low, continuing the downward trend in worker layoffs. New jobless claims totaled 406,000 for the week, well below the pandemic high of nearly 1.5 million, though still above the 2019 weekly average of 218,000.5
Memorial Day Thoughts
The history of Memorial Day extends back to the Civil War when it was referred to as Decoration Day. We join all Americans in honoring those who died in the performance of their military service to protect the freedoms we enjoy today. These were remarkably brave men and women whose sacrifice will never be forgotten.
Tip of the Week: Homeowners Insurance
Does the cost of your homeowners insurance seem too high? Raising your deductible, installing an alarm, or even moving your coverage over to an insurer with whom you have other kinds of policies might potentially save you some money.
The Week Ahead
Key Economic Data
Tuesday: Institute for Supply Management (ISM) Manufacturing Index.
Wednesday: Automated Data Processing (ADP) Employment Report.
Thursday: Jobless Claims. Institute for Supply Management (ISM) Services Index.
Friday: Employment Situation. Factory Orders.
Source: Econoday, May 28, 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.
Companies Reporting Earnings
Tuesday: Zoom Video Communications, Inc. (ZM).
Wednesday: Splunk (SPLK).
Thursday: Lululemon Athletica (LULU), Broadcom (AVGO), Docusign, Inc. (DOCU), CrowdStrike Holdings (CRWD).
Source: Zacks, May 28, 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.
Quote of the Week
“Part of being a champ is acting like a champ. You have to learn how to win and not run away when you lose.”
NANCY KERRIGAN
Weekly Riddle
What is placed on a table and cut, but never eaten?
LAST WEEK’S RIDDLE: I am a word that signifies a wide natural area – but remove my first letter, and you are left with a word signifying a narrow urban corridor. What word am I?
ANSWER: The word "valley." It becomes "alley" after "v" is removed.
Seth Leishman may be reached at 530-273-4425 or seth.leishman@lpl.com
http://www.ostrofefinancial.com/
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CITATIONS:
1. The Wall Street Journal, May 28, 2021
2. The Wall Street Journal, May 28, 2021
3. The Wall Street Journal, May 28, 2021
4. CNBC.com, May 28, 2021
5. The Wall Street Journal, May 27, 2021
