In a week in which impeachment news produced the top headlines, markets reacted more to news about a virus in central China. A coronavirus apparently coming from an open-air food market in Wuhan raised concerns the Chinese would reduce spending just as the Chinese New Year vacation is starting.
Optimism from continued progress on trade pushed the S&P 500 to new highs last week. The U.S. and China signed a “phase one” deal that included an agreement by the U.S. to reduce tariffs in exchange for promises of increased purchases of U.S. goods by China and adjusted rules to allow U …
The U.S. employment report missed expectations, but it reinforced our view that the U.S. labor market remains strong. As shown in the accompanying chart, 145,000 new jobs were created, missing expectations of 160,000. Wages have risen 2.9% over the last year, falling below 3% for the first …
The new year and decade started off where the last one finished as major stock market indexes opened the year by reaching new highs. The good spirits, supported by continued progress toward a Phase One trade deal with China, boosted markets.
Stock markets continued to march steadily higher last week. News was relatively light, but momentum and reduced uncertainty helped push the markets toward a series of new highs.
Stock markets rallied sharply last week as uncertainty continued to fade. U.S. trade negotiators were able to secure approval of the USMCA trade deal in the House of Representatives. While steps remain for its final approval, all indicators are the deal will be ratified in early 2020.
