Market Update: January 25th, 2021
Photo by Thomas Habr on Unsplash
Economic data for the holiday-shortened week included a sharp rise in manufacturing and improvements in several housing metrics—the latter continuing a trend higher from recent months.
Equity markets in the U.S. and abroad gained last week as the new Biden administration looks to pass additional stimulus legislation. Bonds were little changed, as interest rates leveled off. Commodities were mixed, with metals gaining a bit, and energy falling slightly.
U.S. stocks experienced another positive week, with the Presidential inauguration happening smoothly and economic data generally supportive, not to mention hopes for the Biden-led stimulus plan. Covid cases and mortality have continued to rise, although it appears post-Holiday hospitalizations may have peaked by some measures—at least in this wave. On the other hand, there are increasing concerns over virus variants from the U.K. and South Africa, with the latter resulting in additional travel restrictions.
By sector, communications services, consumer discretionary, and technology led the way with gains, while the ‘value’ group of energy, materials, and financials lost ground by at least several percent each last week. Real estate rose several percent, along with hopes for a 2021 recovery and stabilized interest rates.
While it’s been assumed that the proposed $1.9 trillion Biden stimulus package would be negotiated down to a far lower amount, the discussion has been delayed due to impeachment articles submitted by the House to the Senate (which have to be acted on before any other matters, per rule). Odds of an impeachment succeeding have been rising, with anger from both parties in the aftermath of the violent episode at the U.S. Capitol, although the economic ramifications of a conviction with Trump now out of office appear less relevant. Insofar as the stimulus package is concerned, if the Senate’s 60-vote threshold looks difficult to reach, it’s possible the Democratic leadership may look to the budget ‘reconciliation’ process instead, which requires only a simple majority (although the process is more complicated).
Infrastructure may be next, but again, likely delayed due to more pressing issues. Will the Biden presidency start off boring? Perhaps, but if so, it’s by design. Markets were also buoyed perhaps by comments from officials, such as Treasury Secretary nominee and former Fed Chair Janet Yellen, that the current administration’s focus is on relief for workers and families, as opposed to raising taxes in the near term (the latter being a fear of many investors).
Foreign stocks in developed markets were little changed in local terms but gained a bit when translated to U.S. investors through a weaker dollar. The sentiment was mixed, with European lockdowns and curfews extended into February in several locations, along with re-slowing in economic activity. Emerging markets, however, were up several percent. This rally was largely led by Chinese stocks, which continue to demonstrate signs of stronger economic recovery, and the only country to register positive economic growth for 2020. This is not to mention a hoped-for better relationship with the U.S. under President Biden. (It’s important to note, though, that one of the few policy items both Democrats and Republicans agree on is a hard line toward China—albeit for different ideological reasons. So an economic détente may be too much to hope for, although rhetoric may be toned down a bit.)
U.S. bonds experienced a flattish week on the net, with the broader index minimally changed, as treasuries rose slightly, and outperformed investment-grade corporate credit, which declined a bit. The weaker U.S. dollar did little for developed market bonds, while emerging market debt earned slightly positive returns on the week.
Commodities fell overall for the week, despite the usual aid from a weakened dollar. Declines in agriculture and energy were offset by positive returns for precious and industrial metals. The price of crude oil declined by a fraction of a percent to $52.30/barrel, with little news other than rising U.S. inventories. Commodity markets have rallied in the past three months, even surpassing U.S. stocks, as hopes for eventual economic recovery, production, and mobility will translate to stronger raw material demand.
Information provided in this report is not intended to be, and should not be construed as, investment, legal or tax advice; and does not constitute an offer, or a solicitation of any offer, to buy or sell any security, investment, or other product.