IAIC Market Update - March 22, 2021
Last Week in the Markets: March 15th - 19th, 2021
(source: Bloomberg https://www.bloomberg.com/markets, MSCI https://www.msci.com/end-of-day-data-search and ARG Inc. analysis)
What happened last week?
Despite the overall negative finish for American equities indices by the end of the week, there was some positive news.
- Both the S&P 500 and the Dow, along with the TSX, rose to record all-time highs again last week before falling back. The TSX breached 19,000 points briefly before essentially breaking-even for the week by gaining 2 points.
- Rising bond yields that are drawing investments away from equities into debt investments seems to be the main culprit for the dip at week’s end. Bond yields tend to help the Financial sector, which provided stability for the TSX when oil prices fell more than 6% last week and dragged down the Energy sector.
- Additionally, initial jobless claims rose last week, retail sales and housing starts fell below expectations. The severe weather was blamed, especially its effects in Texas.
The Federal Reserve’s continued communication that interest rate increases are not expected until 2024 provided price support for equity values. Concern for equities could grow if the Federal Reserve reversed itself on rate increases to battle rising inflation. However, as the pace of vaccinations rises and infection rates begin to fall, then pandemic restrictions should start to be lifted and could lead to increased jobs growth and consumer confidence. Since consumer spending is about 60% of the economy, the increases in employment and confidence coupled with U.S. stimulus cheques may lead to rapid economic growth.
What’s ahead for this week?
- In Canada, February’s wholesale trade and manufacturing sales as well as both Ontario and Quebec budgets are scheduled to be released.
- In the U.S., February existing and new home sales, durable goods orders, and personal income and spending reports are scheduled.
The latest details from the Canadian Federal Government on stimulus and economic assistance are available here.
The latest details of the current Canada’s Covid-19 Economic Response Plan are available
here.
For more information contact:
Independent Accountants’ Investment Counsel Inc.
135 Main St. E. Listowel, ON
Phone: 519-291-2817 or TF: 1-877-291-3040
icpmss@iaic.ca
This report is produced by Independent Accountants' Investment Counsel Inc (“IAIC”) in conjunction with ARG Inc. All graph and chart statistical data contained in this report has been supplied by ARG Inc. The views and opinions expressed in this report are based on market statistics. No guarantee of outcome is implied and opinions may change without notice. Investors should not base any of their investment decisions solely on this report nor should any opinions expressed within this report be construed as a solicitation or offer to buy or sell any securities mentioned herein. Although the information contained in this report has been obtained from sources that IAIC believes to be reliable, we do not guarantee its accuracy, and as such, the information may be incomplete or condensed. All opinions, estimates and other information included in this report constitute our judgment as of the date hereof and are subject to change without notice.
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