Market close 1/29/21
Markets remain choppy, with a decisive drop from record highs
Meanwhile, the Federal Reserve reiterated its highly accommodative stance to combat the severely elevated unemployment levels as discussed by Schwab's Chief Investment Strategist Liz Ann Sonders in her latest article, Steady as We Go: Fed Keeps Rates Unchanged. Q4 earnings season reached a fever pitch and given that equities had been running hot coming into the season, the reaction on the Street was muted despite mostly stronger than expected results.
Of the 184 S&P 500 companies that have reported thus far, roughly 74% have topped revenue forecasts and approximately 83% have bested earnings projections, per data compiled by Bloomberg. Thus far, y/y sales growth has been modestly positive at a rate just shy of 1.0%, while earnings expansion is on track to be up nearly 5.0%.
Regional manufacturing activity surprisingly slows
The January Dallas Fed Manufacturing Index unexpectedly declined but remained in expansion territory (a reading above zero). The index decreased to 7.0 from 9.7 in December and compared to the Bloomberg consensus forecast of a rise to 12.0. New orders and production both expanded at much slower rates month-over-month (m/m), while growth in employment slowed but remained solidly north of zero.
Consumer Confidence improves slightly as Fed began first meeting of 2021
The Conference Board's Consumer Confidence Index increased to 89.3 in January from December's downwardly revised 87.1 level, and versus the Bloomberg consensus estimate calling for a slight improvement to 89.0. The positive read came as a decline for the Present Situation Index portion of the survey was more than offset by a solid gain in the Expectations Index of business conditions for the next six months. On employment, the labor differential—consumers’ appraisal of jobs being "plentiful" minus being "hard to get"—moved further into negative territory, posting a reading of -3.2 following the -1.9-level posted in December.
Finally, the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) began its two-day monetary policy meeting today, which will conclude with tomorrow's statement and the customary press conference from Fed Chairman Jerome Powell. Powell's comments are likely to be highly scrutinized given the backdrop of optimism of a second half economic recovery in 2021, rising inflation expectations, the recent steepening of the Treasury yield curve, Fedspeak as of late suggesting mixed feelings regarding tweaking asset purchases, and the disappointing start to the rollout of vaccines.
Oil industry alarmed at drilling restrictions
Durable goods orders report mixed, mortgage applications decline
December preliminary durable goods orders rose 0.2% month-over-month (m/m), versus the Bloomberg consensus estimate of a 1.0% rise and compared to November's upwardly revised 1.2% increase. Ex-transportation, orders grew 0.7% m/m, above forecasts of a 0.5% gain and compared to November's favorably adjusted 0.8% rise. Moreover, orders for non-defense capital goods excluding aircraft, considered a proxy for business spending, were up 0.6%, compared to projections of a 0.5% rise, while the prior month's figure was revised upward to a 1.0% increase.
The headline figure was bogged down by a sharp drop in nondefense aircraft and parts orders, along with a decline in defense aircraft and parts. However, demand for motor vehicles, machinery and fabricated metal products rose solidly to more than offset a decline in orders for computers and related products.
The MBA Mortgage Application Index decreased by 4.1% last week, following the prior week's 1.9% decrease. The drawdown came as the Refinance Index fell 5.0% and the Purchase Index dropped 4.0%. The average 30-year mortgage rate increased 3 basis points (bps) to 2.95%.
Q4 GDP growth slowed more than expected
The first look (of three) at Q4 Gross Domestic Product, the broadest measure of economic output, showed a quarter-over-quarter (q/q) annualized rate of expansion of 4.0%, versus the Bloomberg consensus estimate of a 4.2% gain after the unrevised 33.4% jump in Q3. Personal consumption rose by 2.5%, compared to forecasts of a 3.1% increase, and following the unadjusted 41.0% surge recorded in Q3.
Inflation below expectations (but still bears watching)
The January Dallas Fed Manufacturing Index unexpectedly declined but remained in expansion territory (a reading above zero). The index decreased to 7.0 from 9.7 in December and compared to the Bloomberg consensus forecast of a rise to 12.0. New orders and production both expanded at much slower rates month-over-month (m/m), while growth in employment slowed but remained solidly north of zero.
CFNAI shows continued recovery at yearend
The Chicago Fed National Activity Index (CFNAI) increased 0.21 points in December to 0.52, indicating a pickup in growth
at the end of 2020, despite a surge in COVID cases. The three-month average of the CFNAI edged up slightly to 0.61.
While the headline index and its trend are lower than what they were in Q3, they indicate continued economic recovery in
Q4, albeit at a slower pace. Additionally, the pace of growth is consistent with neutral inflationary pressures.
Three of the four broad categories of indicators made positive contributions to the CFNAI in December, led by
production-related indicators. The CFNAI Diffusion Index, which is based on 85 individual indicators, slipped only 0.01
point to 0.54, positive for the seventh consecutive month, and near its highest level since December 1999. Such strong
indicator breadth also suggests continued economic recovery.
Texas factory activity softens, but outlook up
The Texas Manufacturing General Business Activity Index fell 3.5 points in January to 7.0, a six-month low, indicating
notable growth deceleration in the region. The assessment of individual company conditions was also the least favorable
since last July. Production, new orders, shipments, and capacity utilization all posted slower growth rates. Employment
growth also moderated, although hours worked pushed up higher. Raw material prices rose at the fastest rate in nearly a
decade, while finished goods inflation eased, suggesting some downward pressure for profit margins.
Despite softer current conditions, manufacturers expressed more optimism about the near-term growth outlook.
The Conference Board's Consumer Confidence Index increased to 89.3 in January from December's downwardly revised 87.1 level, and versus the Bloomberg consensus estimate calling for a slight improvement to 89.0. The positive read came as a decline for the Present Situation Index portion of the survey was more than offset by a solid gain in the Expectations Index of business conditions for the next six months. On employment, the labor differential—consumers’ appraisal of jobs being "plentiful" minus being "hard to get"—moved further into negative territory, posting a reading of -3.2 following the -1.9-level posted in December.
Finally, the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) began its two-day monetary policy meeting today, which will conclude with tomorrow's statement and the customary press conference from Fed Chairman Jerome Powell. Powell's comments are likely to be highly scrutinized given the backdrop of optimism of a second half economic recovery in 2021, rising inflation expectations, the recent steepening of the Treasury yield curve, Fedspeak as of late suggesting mixed feelings regarding tweaking asset purchases, and the disappointing start to the rollout of vaccines.
Home price index up 9 percent
The 20-city composite S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller Home Price Index posted a 9.08% y/y gain in home prices in November, versus estimates of an 8.70% increase. Compared to the prior month, home prices were up 1.42% on a seasonally adjusted basis, above forecasts of a 1.00% gain.
The Biden administration may suspend new leases on federal lands – the administration already issued a 60-day moratorium – sending the stock prices of oil drillers tumbling. New Mexico may have a lot to lose. However, the industry has already stockpiled permits that could take years to work through, so the practical impact may be limited.
Drilling restrictions bullish for oil
Drilling restrictions bullish for oil
“[P]olicies to support energy demand but restrict hydrocarbon production (or increase costs of drilling and financing) will prove inflationary in coming years given the still negligible share of transportation demand coming from EVs (and renewables),” Goldman Sachs wrote in a report.
Durable goods orders report mixed, mortgage applications decline
December preliminary durable goods orders rose 0.2% month-over-month (m/m), versus the Bloomberg consensus estimate of a 1.0% rise and compared to November's upwardly revised 1.2% increase. Ex-transportation, orders grew 0.7% m/m, above forecasts of a 0.5% gain and compared to November's favorably adjusted 0.8% rise. Moreover, orders for non-defense capital goods excluding aircraft, considered a proxy for business spending, were up 0.6%, compared to projections of a 0.5% rise, while the prior month's figure was revised upward to a 1.0% increase.
The headline figure was bogged down by a sharp drop in nondefense aircraft and parts orders, along with a decline in defense aircraft and parts. However, demand for motor vehicles, machinery and fabricated metal products rose solidly to more than offset a decline in orders for computers and related products.
The MBA Mortgage Application Index decreased by 4.1% last week, following the prior week's 1.9% decrease. The drawdown came as the Refinance Index fell 5.0% and the Purchase Index dropped 4.0%. The average 30-year mortgage rate increased 3 basis points (bps) to 2.95%.
The first look (of three) at Q4 Gross Domestic Product, the broadest measure of economic output, showed a quarter-over-quarter (q/q) annualized rate of expansion of 4.0%, versus the Bloomberg consensus estimate of a 4.2% gain after the unrevised 33.4% jump in Q3. Personal consumption rose by 2.5%, compared to forecasts of a 3.1% increase, and following the unadjusted 41.0% surge recorded in Q3.
Inflation below expectations (but still bears watching)
On inflation, the GDP Price Index came in at a 2.0% increase, below expectations of 2.2% gain, and versus the unrevised 3.5% rise seen in Q3, while the core PCE Index, which excludes food and energy, moved 1.4% higher, compared to expectations of a 1.2% increase, and following the unadjusted 3.4% gain in Q3.
Jobless claims below expectations, but still at historic highs
Weekly initial jobless claims (chart) came in at a level of 847,000 for the week ended January 23, south of estimates of 875,000, and compared to the prior week's upwardly revised 914,000 level. The four-week moving average rose by 16,250 to 868,000, and continuing claims for the week ended January 16 dropped by 203,000 to 4,771,000, below estimates of 5,088,000. The four-week moving average of continuing claims declined by 106,750 to 4,998,000.
Weekly initial jobless claims (chart) came in at a level of 847,000 for the week ended January 23, south of estimates of 875,000, and compared to the prior week's upwardly revised 914,000 level. The four-week moving average rose by 16,250 to 868,000, and continuing claims for the week ended January 16 dropped by 203,000 to 4,771,000, below estimates of 5,088,000. The four-week moving average of continuing claims declined by 106,750 to 4,998,000.
Leading Economic Indicators up slightly
The Conference Board's Index of Leading Economic Indicators (LEI) (chart) for December rose 0.3% month-over-month (m/m), in line with estimates and following November's upwardly revised 0.7% increase. The LEI was positive for the eighth-straight month after the plunges in March and April, due to positive net contributions from ISM new orders, building permits and stock prices, which more than offset weakness in jobless claims and average consumer expectations.
The Conference Board's Index of Leading Economic Indicators (LEI) (chart) for December rose 0.3% month-over-month (m/m), in line with estimates and following November's upwardly revised 0.7% increase. The LEI was positive for the eighth-straight month after the plunges in March and April, due to positive net contributions from ISM new orders, building permits and stock prices, which more than offset weakness in jobless claims and average consumer expectations.
New home sales higher
New home sales (chart) increased 1.6% m/m in December to an annual rate of 842,000 units, versus forecasts calling for a rate of 870,000 units, and compared to November's downwardly revised 829,000 unit level. The median home price was up 8.0% y/y at $355,900. New home inventory rose to a 4.3-months supply at the current sales pace from the 4.2-months level in November. Sales in the Northeast and South declined m/m, while sales in the Midwest and West jumped. Sales in all regions, except the Northeast, were higher y/y. New home sales are based on contract signings, offering a timelier read on housing activity compared to the larger contributor of existing home sales, which are based on closings.
New home sales (chart) increased 1.6% m/m in December to an annual rate of 842,000 units, versus forecasts calling for a rate of 870,000 units, and compared to November's downwardly revised 829,000 unit level. The median home price was up 8.0% y/y at $355,900. New home inventory rose to a 4.3-months supply at the current sales pace from the 4.2-months level in November. Sales in the Northeast and South declined m/m, while sales in the Midwest and West jumped. Sales in all regions, except the Northeast, were higher y/y. New home sales are based on contract signings, offering a timelier read on housing activity compared to the larger contributor of existing home sales, which are based on closings.
Personal income and spending better than expected, regional manufacturing jumps
Personal income (chart) rose 0.6% month-over-month (m/m) in December, versus the Bloomberg forecast of 0.1% gain, following November's downwardly revised 1.3% decline. Personal spending dipped 0.2%, versus estimates of a 0.4% decline and compared to the prior month's negatively adjusted 0.7% decrease. The December savings rate as a percentage of disposable income was 13.7%. The PCE Deflator gained 0.4% m/m, topping expectations of a 0.3% rise and compared to November's unadjusted flat reading. Compared to last year, the deflator was 1.3% higher, above estimates of a 1.2% rise and November's unadjusted 1.1% gain. Excluding food and energy, the PCE Core Index increased 0.3% m/m, north of expectations of a 0.1% increase and versus November's unrevised unchanged reading. The index was 1.5% higher y/y, versus estimates of a 1.3% increase and November's unadjusted 1.4% gain.
The January final University of Michigan Consumer Sentiment Index (chart) was revised lower to 79.0, versus expectations of a slight increase to 79.4 from the preliminary reading of 79.2. The downward revision came as the current conditions portion of the survey was adjusted lower, while the expectations component was revised higher by a smaller amount than anticipated. The overall index was also lower versus December's 80.7 level. The 1-year inflation forecast rose to 3.0% from December's 2.5% rate, and the 5-10 year inflation forecast increased to 2.7% from the prior month's 2.5% pace.
The Chicago PMI surprisingly jumped further into a level depicting expansion (a reading above 50). The index rose to 63.8—the highest since the Summer of 2018—in January from December's 59.5 level, and versus estimates calling for a decline to 58.5. Growth in new orders and production expanded at faster paces, but the contraction in employment intensified and prices paid accelerated.
Pending home sales dipped 0.3% m/m in December, versus estimates calling for a 0.5% decrease after November's 2.5% decline. Sales were 22.8% higher y/y, compared to November's 16.1% increase. Pending home sales reflect contract signings and are a gauge of the pipeline of existing home sales.
The Q4 Employment Cost Index increased 0.7% quarter-over-quarter (q/q), exceeding estimates calling for it to match Q3's unadjusted 0.5% increase.
Treasuries finished mixed with the rate on the 2-year note dipping 1 basis point (bp) to 0.11%, while the yields on the 10-year note and the 30-year bond rose 3 bps to 1.07% and 1.84%, respectively.
The January final University of Michigan Consumer Sentiment Index (chart) was revised lower to 79.0, versus expectations of a slight increase to 79.4 from the preliminary reading of 79.2. The downward revision came as the current conditions portion of the survey was adjusted lower, while the expectations component was revised higher by a smaller amount than anticipated. The overall index was also lower versus December's 80.7 level. The 1-year inflation forecast rose to 3.0% from December's 2.5% rate, and the 5-10 year inflation forecast increased to 2.7% from the prior month's 2.5% pace.
The Chicago PMI surprisingly jumped further into a level depicting expansion (a reading above 50). The index rose to 63.8—the highest since the Summer of 2018—in January from December's 59.5 level, and versus estimates calling for a decline to 58.5. Growth in new orders and production expanded at faster paces, but the contraction in employment intensified and prices paid accelerated.
Pending home sales dipped 0.3% m/m in December, versus estimates calling for a 0.5% decrease after November's 2.5% decline. Sales were 22.8% higher y/y, compared to November's 16.1% increase. Pending home sales reflect contract signings and are a gauge of the pipeline of existing home sales.
The Q4 Employment Cost Index increased 0.7% quarter-over-quarter (q/q), exceeding estimates calling for it to match Q3's unadjusted 0.5% increase.
Treasuries finished mixed with the rate on the 2-year note dipping 1 basis point (bp) to 0.11%, while the yields on the 10-year note and the 30-year bond rose 3 bps to 1.07% and 1.84%, respectively.
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