Weekly Economic Update for December 12, 2022
In this week’s recap: Stocks slide on recession concerns
Weekly Economic Update
THE WEEK ON WALL STREET
Recession fears and concerns that the Fed may consider a longer rate-hike cycle sent stocks lower for the week.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 2.77%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 fell 3.37%. The Nasdaq Composite index lost 3.99% for the week. The MSCI EAFE index, which tracks developed overseas stock markets, dipped 1.09%.1,2,3
STOCKS SLIDE
Stocks were under pressure much of the week due to resurgent recession fears and concerns that Fed rate hikes may go higher for longer than current expectations. There was some good news last week on the economic front and out of China, which started to loosen COVID restrictions. But it was a week where good news was considered bad news, as any signs of economic resilience stoked worries of a longer rate-hike cycle.
Higher continuing jobless claims signaled economic softness, triggering a Thursday rally. But stock prices were under pressure Friday following a disappointing Producer Price Index (PPI) number.
PRODUCER INFLATION DISAPPOINTS
The Labor Department reported that the PPI rose 0.3% in November and 7.4% from a year ago. Though wholesale prices inflation rose at the slowest 12-month pace since May 2021, they exceeded market expectations. Price pressures were felt most in the services sector, where costs rose 0.4% after a 0.1% increase the month before. Goods inflation eased to a rise of 0.1%, a sharp drop from its October gain of 0.6%.4
Though the PPI number dented the optimism around cooling inflation, November’s PPI report represented an improvement from its 11.7% peak in March.5
T I P O F T H E W E E K
Have you had the same internet passwords for years? Change them! In order to keep accounts secure, you should change your passwords often, never share them or write them down, and make them difficult. Never use your birth or anniversary date as a password.
THE WEEK AHEAD: KEY ECONOMIC DATA
Tuesday: Consumer Price Index (CPI) Composite.
Wednesday: Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) Meeting Announcement.
Thursday: Jobless Claims. Retail Sales. Industrial Production.
Friday: Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) Composite.
Source: Econoday, December 9, 2022
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.
THE WEEK AHEAD: COMPANIES REPORTING EARNINGS
Thursday: Adobe, Inc. (ADBE).
Friday: Darden Restaurants, Inc. (DRI).
Source: Zacks, December 9, 2022
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.
Q U O T E O F T H E W E E K
“The winter of the spirit must be journeyed through, and it must not only be conquered but the benefits used. Yet without it maturity cannot arrive.”
JANE ROBERTS
T H E W E E K L Y R I D D L E
What item binds two people yet touches only one?
LAST WEEK’S RIDDLE: A train moving as fast as it can go strikes a man’s hand, yet he is uninjured, and the train goes off its tracks. Under what circumstances could this happen?
ANSWER: The train that strikes the man is a toy train running around on a model set.
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CITATIONS:
1. The Wall Street Journal, December 9, 2022
2. The Wall Street Journal, December 9, 2022
3. The Wall Street Journal, December 9, 2022
4. CNBC, December 9, 2022
5. CNBC, December 9, 2022