Monthly Economic Update February, 2021
In this month’s recap: As the month came to a close, stocks were mixed as attention shifted to unprecedented activity around a handful of companies with short-interest positions.
U.S. Markets
Stocks were mixed in January, giving up much of the month’s gains in the final days of trading, as unprecedented activity in a handful of companies roiled markets.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 2.04% and the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index fell 1.11%. By contrast, the Nasdaq Composite gained 1.42%.1
Mixed Signals
The stock market stumbled at the start of the month, retreating amid the slow pace of vaccine distribution and concerns that the economic recovery might take longer than anticipated.
However, stocks regained some upside momentum on news of strong manufacturing data, firmer oil prices, and hopes for an additional fiscal stimulus.
“Act Big,” Says Yellen
After touching record highs, stocks drifted lower again, weighed down by rising interest rates, which caused some concerns over current stock valuations.
Market sentiment improved after further testimony from incoming Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen to the Senate Finance Committee that lawmakers needed to “act big” on fiscal stimulus, thereby raising hopes for substantial federal spending.
Earnings Season
Investor enthusiasm was further supported by a strong start to the fourth-quarter earnings season. With 37% of the S&P 500 index companies reporting at month-end, 82% reported a positive earnings surprise.
Nonetheless, quarterly reports haven’t always translated into higher stock prices. In fact, the share prices of the companies that reported positive earnings surprises fell an average of 1.2% in the two days preceding and following the earnings release.2,3,4
Lesson in Short Selling
Stocks closed the month on a volatile note as many retail investors were introduced to the concept of short selling and how it can influence a stock’s price. This unexpected buying activity roiled markets and fueled a sharp rise in several stocks.
To sell short, investors are required to open a margin account. Selling short is not suitable for everyone, as margin trading entails greater risk, including the risk of unlimited losses in a position and the incurrence of margin interest debt. You should consider your financial situation and risk tolerance before trading on margin.
TIP OF THE MONTH
At a 4% rate of in a on, expenses will double every 18 years. That’s a pretty good argument for growth investing in retirement.
Sector Scorecard
Sectors were also mixed, with Energy (+3.75%), Health Care (+1.4%), Consumer Discretionary (+0.77%), and Real Estate (+0.55%) posting gains. Consumer Staples (-4.98%), Industrials (-4.27%), Materials (-2.42%), Communication Services (-0.89%), Financials (-1.8%), Technology (-0.84%), and Utilities (-0.88%) closed lower.5
What Investors May Be Talking About in February
In the month ahead, expect President Biden to continue outlining his agenda. A newly elected president’s first 100 days often set the tone for the next four years.
Investors will be looking at his initial priorities as well as how he and Congress will work together. Policy changes can sometimes introduce uncertainty into the markets even as companies wait to learn of new businesses and investment incentives.
World Markets
Overseas markets were mixed at the start of the year, with the MSCI-EAFE Index gaining 0.56%.6
In Europe, France lost 2.74% while the United Kingdom slipped 0.82%. Germany provided a spark, picking up 5.21%.7 The Pacific Rim markets performed better. Hong Kong gained 3.87% and Japan added 0.80%. Australia tacked on 0.31%.8
Indicators
Gross Domes c Product: The nation’s economy grew by 4% in the fourth quarter. For the full year, GDP dropped 3.5%.9 Employment: Total nonfarm payrolls declined by 140,000, led by losses in the hospitality and leisure sectors. The unemployment rate remained steady at 6.7%.10
Retail Sales: Retail sales fell 0.7%. Excluding motor vehicles and gasoline, consumer purchases fell a more substantial 2.1%.11
Industrial Production: Industrial production jumped 1.6%, well ahead of consensus estimates of a 0.5% increase.12
Housing: Housing sales increased by 5.8%, powered by a 12% jump in single-family homes.13
Existing-home sales reached their highest level in 14 years, with an increase of 0.7% in December. Sales were 22% higher than in December 2019.14
New home sales rose by 1.6% as the median price of new homes surged by 8% from a year ago.15
Consumer Price Index: Consumer prices rose 0.4% in December, driven by an 8.4% jump in gasoline prices. The in a on rate for 2020 came in at 1.4%.16
Durable Goods Orders: New orders for long-las ng goods increased 0.2%. Although it was the eighth straight month of gains, the figure was below expectations, reflecting the general economic softness in December.17
QUOTE OF THE MONTH
“Believe you can and you’re halfway there.” – THEODORE ROOSEVELT
The Fed
Fed officials believe that economic weakening due to the resurgence of COVID-19 cases is temporary. They also noted that despite the hiccups in the vaccine distribution, they would wait and see how the rollout proceeds in the weeks ahead before considering any actions.18
“The Federal Reserve is committed to using its full range of tools to support the U.S. economy in this challenging me, thereby promo ng its maximum employment and price stability goals,” Fed officials said in a prepared statement at the conclusion of their two-day meeting on January 27, 2021.19
Sources: Yahoo Finance, January 31, 2021
The market indexes discussed are unmanaged and generally considered representative of their respective markets. Individuals cannot directly invest in unmanaged indexes. Past performance does not guarantee future results. 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.
THE MONTHLY RIDDLE
If an electric train is going south and the wind is blowing north, what direction is the smoke going?
LAST MONTH’S RIDDLE: What do the following six words have in common: fast, away, water, through, down, neck?
ANSWER: You can put “break” in front of each of them and make a new word.
Know someone who could use information like this?
Please feel free to send us their contact information via phone or email.
(Don’t worry – we’ll request their permission before adding them to our mailing list.)
This material was prepared by MarketingPro, Inc., and 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, January 31, 2021
2. FactSet Research, January 22, 2021. “Earnings Insights.” 3. FactSet Research, January 29, 2021
4. FactSet Research, January 25, 2021
5. FactSet Research, January 31, 2021
6. MSCI.com, January 31, 2020
7. MSCI.com, January 31, 2020
8. MSCI.com, January 31, 2020
9. The Wall Street Journal, January 28, 2021
10. BLS.gov, January 8, 2021
11. The Wall Street Journal, January 15, 2021
12. The Wall Street Journal, January 15, 2021
13. CNBC.com, January 21, 2021
14. The Wall Street Journal, January 22, 2021
15. Reuters.com, January 28, 2021
16. The Wall Street Journal, January 13, 2021
17. The Wall Street Journal, January 27, 2021
18. The Wall Street Journal, January 27, 2021
19. FederalReserve.gov, January 27, 2021
[email protected] | www.jacobiwealth.com | PH: 610-722-5948 | F: 610-722-5894
1055 Westlakes Drive | Suite 135 | Berwyn, PA 19312
Disclaimer:
Securities are offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment Advisory Services are offered through Jacobi Capital Management, LLC, an SEC Registered Investment Adviser. Jacobi Capital Management, LLC is an entirely separate entity from LPL Financial. Jacobi Capital Management, LLC employs (or contracts with) individuals who may be (1) registered representatives of LPL and Investment Adviser Representatives of Jacobi Capital Management, LLC; or (2) solely Investment Adviser Representatives of Jacobi Capital Management, LLC. Although all personnel operate their businesses under the name of Jacobi Capital Management, LLC or Jacobi Wealth Advisors they are each possibly subject to the differing obligations and limitations and may be able to provide differing products or services. Please speak with your financial professional for more information or see their personnel bio pages on the Jacobi Wealth Advisors website at www.jacobiwealth.com
