Buckingham Financial Group

March 27, 2020

After a decline on Monday, the S&P 500 gained more than 9% on Tuesday and gained more than 6% on Thursday, ending with a double-digit gain for the week. From Monday’s low to Thursday’s high, the market moved up 20.3%, which some started to call a bull market. However, we count our bull and bear markets on a closing basis so for now, we are counting this as an ongoing bear market. Federal Reserve actions that started last week and this week’s hopes of a $2 trillion fiscal stimulus from Congress helped stocks, bond, and commodities. As mentioned in our Market Recap last week, the typical level of weekly initial jobless claims had been around 220,000 but we were expecting a much higher number this week. Thursday, the initial jobless claims number was 3.28 million and next week’s number may hit 3 million again. We published 4 new videos today – please click the Insights tab above to view them. As always, please call us at (937) 435-2742 with any concerns; our team is here to help.

Ryan P. Johnson CFA, CFP®
Director of Portfolio Management and Research

Commentary Disclosures

March 27, 2020

After a decline on Monday, the S&P 500 gained more than 9% on Tuesday and gained more than 6% on Thursday, ending with a double-digit gain for the week. From Monday’s low to Thursday’s high, the market moved up 20.3%, which some started to call a bull market. However, we count our bull and bear markets on a closing basis so for now, we are counting this as an ongoing bear market. Federal Reserve actions that started last week and this week’s hopes of a $2 trillion fiscal stimulus from Congress helped stocks, bond, and commodities. As mentioned in our Market Recap last week, the typical level of weekly initial jobless claims had been around 220,000 but we were expecting a much higher number this week. Thursday, the initial jobless claims number was 3.28 million and next week’s number may hit 3 million again. We published 4 new videos today – please click the Insights tab above to view them. As always, please call us at (937) 435-2742 with any concerns; our team is here to help.

Ryan P. Johnson CFA, CFP®
Director of Portfolio Management and Research

Commentary Disclosures

March 20, 2020

The S&P 500 closed down 15% this week and 32% off its February high. Stocks, corporate bonds, and gold sold off in a continued “dash for cash”. The Federal Reserve has stepped in with various measures to keep the “plumbing” working in the fixed income markets and we look for the effects start to show in the coming days. As for COVID-19, we suspect it may be several weeks to months before the number of cases in the U.S. levels off. As a result, the impact of the virus will start to show in economic data. We anticipate a dramatic jump in weekly unemployment claims. The typical level of initial jobless claims has been 200,000-220,000. The average estimate for next week is 1.1 million and could go higher. Looking further ahead, it would not be surprising if the stock market bottoms before the peak in the number of cases or a turnaround in economic data. As the rate of increase slows in the coming months, the stock market should start to look forward to the virus becoming more controlled. Please call us at (937) 435-2742 with any concerns. Our team is here to help.

Ryan P. Johnson CFA, CFP®
Director of Portfolio Management and Research

Commentary Disclosures

March 20, 2020

The S&P 500 closed down 15% this week and 32% off its February high. Stocks, corporate bonds, and gold sold off in a continued “dash for cash”. The Federal Reserve has stepped in with various measures to keep the “plumbing” working in the fixed income markets and we look for the effects start to show in the coming days. As for COVID-19, we suspect it may be several weeks to months before the number of cases in the U.S. levels off. As a result, the impact of the virus will start to show in economic data. We anticipate a dramatic jump in weekly unemployment claims. The typical level of initial jobless claims has been 200,000-220,000. The average estimate for next week is 1.1 million and could go higher. Looking further ahead, it would not be surprising if the stock market bottoms before the peak in the number of cases or a turnaround in economic data. As the rate of increase slows in the coming months, the stock market should start to look forward to the virus becoming more controlled. Please call us at (937) 435-2742 with any concerns. Our team is here to help.

Ryan P. Johnson CFA, CFP®
Director of Portfolio Management and Research

Commentary Disclosures

March 13, 2020

The S&P 500 was down as much as much as 16% this week and as much as 26% from the February highs, officially ending the past 11-year bull market and starting a new bear market. Not only were stocks down, but gold and some bonds were down as well. Travel & Leisure industries, schools, sports and more are being impacted by COVID-19. This is a health care crisis that we hope will be temporary. As the virus spreads and as testing becomes more available in the coming weeks, we expect the number of cases to grow. We also expect the stock market to bottom well before the peak in the number of cases. If the rate of increase slows in the coming months, the stock market should start to look forward to the virus becoming more controlled. Economic growth will be low, or possibly even negative, in the first half of 2020 as extreme measures are being taken to slow the spread of COVID-19. Unemployment could increase temporarily as well. As Nicole Strbich, our Director of Financial Planning mentioned in this week’s video (click the Insights section of our website): we are here with you during this time of uncertainty, just as we have been through past periods of stress. We have a strong, knowledgeable team that is ready to help you. Please call us at (937) 435-2742 with any concerns.

Ryan P. Johnson CFA, CFP®
Director of Portfolio Management and Research

Commentary Disclosures

March 13, 2020

The S&P 500 was down as much as much as 16% this week and as much as 26% from the February highs, officially ending the past 11-year bull market and starting a new bear market. Not only were stocks down, but gold and some bonds were down as well. Travel & Leisure industries, schools, sports and more are being impacted by COVID-19. This is a health care crisis that we hope will be temporary. As the virus spreads and as testing becomes more available in the coming weeks, we expect the number of cases to grow. We also expect the stock market to bottom well before the peak in the number of cases. If the rate of increase slows in the coming months, the stock market should start to look forward to the virus becoming more controlled. Economic growth will be low, or possibly even negative, in the first half of 2020 as extreme measures are being taken to slow the spread of COVID-19. Unemployment could increase temporarily as well. As Nicole Strbich, our Director of Financial Planning mentioned in this week’s video (click the Insights section of our website): we are here with you during this time of uncertainty, just as we have been through past periods of stress. We have a strong, knowledgeable team that is ready to help you. Please call us at (937) 435-2742 with any concerns.

Ryan P. Johnson CFA, CFP®
Director of Portfolio Management and Research

Commentary Disclosures

March 6, 2020

This week remained volatile, but the S&P 500 lost less than 2% and stayed above last week’s lows. A volatility index, the VIX, went above 50 for only the third time in the past decade, with the other times being February of 2018 and August of 2015. This week the bond market seemed to be in control of stocks and the Fed. The 10-year Treasury yield went as low as 0.66%, and the 30-year Treasury bond yield went as low as 1.21%; both were record lows. On Monday, the Federal Reserve lowered the overnight lending rate by one half of a percent to 1.09%, but the futures market expects the Fed to lower rates on March 18th again by another one half percent. Mortgage rates hit record lows, and gas prices should be falling as Brent crude oil fell to nearly $45 per barrel, the lowest in nearly 3 years. On the economic front, this week the ISM Non-Manufacturing (services) index and the monthly jobs report for February came in better than expected. For more information on the markets or your portfolio, we encourage you to contact your Buckingham advisor.

Ryan P. Johnson CFA, CFP®
Director of Portfolio Management and Research

Commentary Disclosures

March 6, 2020

This week remained volatile, but the S&P 500 lost less than 2% and stayed above last week’s lows. A volatility index, the VIX, went above 50 for only the third time in the past decade, with the other times being February of 2018 and August of 2015. This week the bond market seemed to be in control of stocks and the Fed. The 10-year Treasury yield went as low as 0.66%, and the 30-year Treasury bond yield went as low as 1.21%; both were record lows. On Monday, the Federal Reserve lowered the overnight lending rate by one half of a percent to 1.09%, but the futures market expects the Fed to lower rates on March 18th again by another one half percent. Mortgage rates hit record lows, and gas prices should be falling as Brent crude oil fell to nearly $45 per barrel, the lowest in nearly 3 years. On the economic front, this week the ISM Non-Manufacturing (services) index and the monthly jobs report for February came in better than expected. For more information on the markets or your portfolio, we encourage you to contact your Buckingham advisor.

Ryan P. Johnson CFA, CFP®
Director of Portfolio Management and Research

Commentary Disclosures

February 28, 2020

This week was historic, but it was not one that we will remember fondly. We published two videos this week: Volatile Market (Monday) and Stocks Down 10% from Highs (Thursday) as well as a special Market Commentary newsletter today. Last week the Dow Jones closed near 29,000 but then the 1,000-point steps down went as follows: Monday below 28,000; Wednesday below 27,000; Thursday below 26,000; and Friday below 25,000. U.S. large cap stocks lost about 13% this week as COVID-19 (Coronavirus) started to spread into South Korea, Italy, the U.S. and other countries, stoking fears of a pandemic that would bring global economic activity to a halt. A volatility index, the VIX, hit its highest level since early 2018 and went above 45 for only the 7th time in the past 10 years. On a total return basis, the S&P 500 is still above the peaks of 2018 and at a level we last saw in early October 2019. Somewhat surprisingly, international stock indexes were down but, broadly speaking, lost less than U.S. stock indexes, and gold was down for the week. As stocks declined, bond prices increased, which sent bond yields to record lows. The 10-year Treasury yield declined to 1.13%, and the 30-year Treasury bond yield declined to 1.65%. The very short-term Fed Funds rate is currently 1.58%, and as of this writing, futures markets expect the Fed to lower rates on March 18th by one quarter to one half percent. While this of course would not combat the effects of the virus directly, it would help banks to keep lending activity robust. For more information on the markets or your portfolio, we encourage you to contact your Buckingham advisor.

Ryan P. Johnson CFA, CFP®
Director of Portfolio Management and Research

Commentary Disclosures

February 28, 2020

This week was historic, but it was not one that we will remember fondly. We published two videos this week: Volatile Market (Monday) and Stocks Down 10% from Highs (Thursday) as well as a special Market Commentary newsletter today. Last week the Dow Jones closed near 29,000 but then the 1,000-point steps down went as follows: Monday below 28,000; Wednesday below 27,000; Thursday below 26,000; and Friday below 25,000. U.S. large cap stocks lost about 13% this week as COVID-19 (Coronavirus) started to spread into South Korea, Italy, the U.S. and other countries, stoking fears of a pandemic that would bring global economic activity to a halt. A volatility index, the VIX, hit its highest level since early 2018 and went above 45 for only the 7th time in the past 10 years. On a total return basis, the S&P 500 is still above the peaks of 2018 and at a level we last saw in early October 2019. Somewhat surprisingly, international stock indexes were down but, broadly speaking, lost less than U.S. stock indexes, and gold was down for the week. As stocks declined, bond prices increased, which sent bond yields to record lows. The 10-year Treasury yield declined to 1.13%, and the 30-year Treasury bond yield declined to 1.65%. The very short-term Fed Funds rate is currently 1.58%, and as of this writing, futures markets expect the Fed to lower rates on March 18th by one quarter to one half percent. While this of course would not combat the effects of the virus directly, it would help banks to keep lending activity robust. For more information on the markets or your portfolio, we encourage you to contact your Buckingham advisor.

Ryan P. Johnson CFA, CFP®
Director of Portfolio Management and Research

Commentary Disclosures

February 21, 2020

This week the S&P 500 hit a new high but gave back most of last week’s gains. The stock market was down over 1%, most of which came on Friday after one economic indicator (PMI Composite Flash) showed surprising weakness in the services segment of the economy, some of which was related to travel and tourism. This is an early effect in the U.S. from the coronavirus in China. In-line with the “risk-off” move, the price of gold increased while interest rates declined, marking 6-month lows with the 10-year Treasury yield below 1.5%, for example. The 30-year Treasury yield fell to 1.88% intraday, marking a new low. It is worth mentioning one bright spot, however: this week’s monthly Leading Economic Indicators index update (January data) showed an improvement from the previous month and remains higher year-over-year. For more information on the markets or your portfolio, we encourage you to contact your Buckingham advisor.

Ryan P. Johnson CFA, CFP®
Director of Portfolio Management and Research

Commentary Disclosures

February 21, 2020

This week the S&P 500 hit a new high but gave back most of last week’s gains. The stock market was down over 1%, most of which came on Friday after one economic indicator (PMI Composite Flash) showed surprising weakness in the services segment of the economy, some of which was related to travel and tourism. This is an early effect in the U.S. from the coronavirus in China. In-line with the “risk-off” move, the price of gold increased while interest rates declined, marking 6-month lows with the 10-year Treasury yield below 1.5%, for example. The 30-year Treasury yield fell to 1.88% intraday, marking a new low. It is worth mentioning one bright spot, however: this week’s monthly Leading Economic Indicators index update (January data) showed an improvement from the previous month and remains higher year-over-year. For more information on the markets or your portfolio, we encourage you to contact your Buckingham advisor.

Ryan P. Johnson CFA, CFP®
Director of Portfolio Management and Research

Commentary Disclosures

February 14, 2020

This week the S&P 500 gained over 1% and it, the Nasdaq, and the Dow Jones all marked new highs. Interest rates increased only slightly but remain historically low. The latest reading on consumer sentiment remained positive while the latest Industrial Production numbers showed another small decline. This coming Monday the stock and bond markets will be closed for President’s Day. For more information on the markets or your portfolio, we encourage you to contact your Buckingham advisor.

Ryan P. Johnson CFA, CFP®
Director of Portfolio Management and Research

Commentary Disclosures

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February 14, 2020

This week the S&P 500 gained over 1% and it, the Nasdaq, and the Dow Jones all marked new highs. Interest rates increased only slightly but remain historically low. The latest reading on consumer sentiment remained positive while the latest Industrial Production numbers showed another small decline. This coming Monday the stock and bond markets will be closed for President’s Day. For more information on the markets or your portfolio, we encourage you to contact your Buckingham advisor.

Ryan P. Johnson CFA, CFP®
Director of Portfolio Management and Research

Commentary Disclosures

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February 7, 2020

This week the S&P 500 gained about 3% as coronavirus fears lessened, while international stock and small cap stock indexes gained about 2%. Today’s monthly employment report showed 225,000 jobs being added in the month of January, which was above expectations. The unemployment rate ticked up to 3.6% as the participation rate increased and average hourly earnings were up 3.1% compared to a year ago. As corporate earnings season rolls on, about two-thirds of companies have reported. The rate of sales and earnings “surprises” are near normal levels. Late next week we are looking forward to updates on retail sales, consumer confidence, and industrial production. For more information on the markets or your portfolio, we encourage you to contact your Buckingham advisor.

Ryan P. Johnson CFA, CFP®
Director of Portfolio Management and Research

Commentary Disclosures

February 7, 2020

This week the S&P 500 gained about 3% as coronavirus fears lessened, while international stock and small cap stock indexes gained about 2%. Today’s monthly employment report showed 225,000 jobs being added in the month of January, which was above expectations. The unemployment rate ticked up to 3.6% as the participation rate increased and average hourly earnings were up 3.1% compared to a year ago. As corporate earnings season rolls on, about two-thirds of companies have reported. The rate of sales and earnings “surprises” are near normal levels. Late next week we are looking forward to updates on retail sales, consumer confidence, and industrial production. For more information on the markets or your portfolio, we encourage you to contact your Buckingham advisor.

Ryan P. Johnson CFA, CFP®
Director of Portfolio Management and Research

Commentary Disclosures

January 31, 2020

This week the S&P 500 lost over 1.5% on continued fears around the global spread of the coronavirus. Stock market gains for the month were barely positive for the S&P 500, but losses were seen in small cap stocks and international stocks. Air travel to China has been suspended by several airlines, and the stocks of companies with significant Chinese end-market exposure were generally weaker than domestic companies. This week manufacturing economic indicators continued to show weakness, but consumer confidence remained strong, and the first read on Q4 GDP came in as expected at 2.1%. This week the Fed stayed the course with no interest rate changes, while the 10-year Treasury fell to its lowest level in over 3 months. Mortgages are correlated to this rate, and home owners and home buyers once again have an opportunity to lock in historically low rates. For more information on the markets or your portfolio, we encourage you to contact your Buckingham advisor.

Ryan P. Johnson CFA, CFP®
Director of Portfolio Management and Research

Commentary Disclosures

January 31, 2020

This week the S&P 500 lost over 1.5% on continued fears around the global spread of the coronavirus. Stock market gains for the month were barely positive for the S&P 500, but losses were seen in small cap stocks and international stocks. Air travel to China has been suspended by several airlines, and the stocks of companies with significant Chinese end-market exposure were generally weaker than domestic companies. This week manufacturing economic indicators continued to show weakness, but consumer confidence remained strong, and the first read on Q4 GDP came in as expected at 2.1%. This week the Fed stayed the course with no interest rate changes, while the 10-year Treasury fell to its lowest level in over 3 months. Mortgages are correlated to this rate, and home owners and home buyers once again have an opportunity to lock in historically low rates. For more information on the markets or your portfolio, we encourage you to contact your Buckingham advisor.

Ryan P. Johnson CFA, CFP®
Director of Portfolio Management and Research

Commentary Disclosures

January 24, 2020

This week the S&P 500 again made a new high but ended the week on a down note, showing a loss of over 1%. Friday saw the first 1% down day in over 3 months. Volatility picked up, bond yields fell, and stock prices declined in response to the growing threat of the coronavirus in China and its impact on life, travel, and commerce. Q4 corporate results continue to come in; the rate of positive “surprises” for sales and earnings are above the 5-year average. Next week we are looking forward to an economic calendar that will give updates on the consumer, housing, the Fed, and the first read on Q4 GDP. For more information on the markets or your portfolio, we encourage you to contact your Buckingham advisor.

Ryan P. Johnson CFA, CFP®
Director of Portfolio Management and Research

Commentary Disclosures

January 24, 2020

This week the S&P 500 again made a new high but ended the week on a down note, showing a loss of over 1%. Friday saw the first 1% down day in over 3 months. Volatility picked up, bond yields fell, and stock prices declined in response to the growing threat of the coronavirus in China and its impact on life, travel, and commerce. Q4 corporate results continue to come in; the rate of positive “surprises” for sales and earnings are above the 5-year average. Next week we are looking forward to an economic calendar that will give updates on the consumer, housing, the Fed, and the first read on Q4 GDP. For more information on the markets or your portfolio, we encourage you to contact your Buckingham advisor.

Ryan P. Johnson CFA, CFP®
Director of Portfolio Management and Research

Commentary Disclosures

January 17, 2020

The S&P 500 ended the week at new highs after earnings season kicked off with a handful of large financial companies reporting. Market participants will be anxiously awaiting as another 43 companies in the S&P 500 are set to report next week. On Wednesday, the U.S. and China signed a $200 billion, phase one agreement, in an effort to end their 18-month trade war. While the deal was encouraging, they still have many issues to resolve. Economic data is fairly light next week. Both the equity and bond markets will be closed on Monday in observance of MLK Day. For more on the markets or your portfolio, we encourage you to contact your Buckingham advisor.

Neal Davis, CFA
Sr. Portfolio Manager & Research Analyst

Commentary Disclosures

January 17, 2020

The S&P 500 ended the week at new highs after earnings season kicked off with a handful of large financial companies reporting. Market participants will be anxiously awaiting as another 43 companies in the S&P 500 are set to report next week. On Wednesday, the U.S. and China signed a $200 billion, phase one agreement, in an effort to end their 18-month trade war. While the deal was encouraging, they still have many issues to resolve. Economic data is fairly light next week. Both the equity and bond markets will be closed on Monday in observance of MLK Day. For more on the markets or your portfolio, we encourage you to contact your Buckingham advisor.

Neal Davis, CFA
Sr. Portfolio Manager & Research Analyst

Commentary Disclosures

January 10, 2020

This week the S&P 500 again made new highs, led by Technology sector stocks, which also had strong returns in 2019. The Dow Jones Industrial Average reached 29,000 for the first time ever, and the price of oil fell after tensions with Iran eased late in the week. Earlier in the week an economic indicator for the services portion of the economy showed strength, while today’s jobs report showed unemployment remaining at 3.5%, despite fewer jobs being added than expected. For more information on the markets or your portfolio, we encourage you to contact your Buckingham advisor.

Ryan P. Johnson, CFA, CFP®
Director of Equity Research

Commentary Disclosures

January 10, 2020

This week the S&P 500 again made new highs, led by Technology sector stocks, which also had strong returns in 2019. The Dow Jones Industrial Average reached 29,000 for the first time ever, and the price of oil fell after tensions with Iran eased late in the week. Earlier in the week an economic indicator for the services portion of the economy showed strength, while today’s jobs report showed unemployment remaining at 3.5%, despite fewer jobs being added than expected. For more information on the markets or your portfolio, we encourage you to contact your Buckingham advisor.

Ryan P. Johnson, CFA, CFP®
Director of Equity Research

Commentary Disclosures

January 3, 2020

The S&P 500 made new highs again this week, but then retreated some on Friday after reports that a top Iranian general was killed. This led to some unease in the financial markets as equities sold off, with both gold and oil moving higher. We will continue to monitor events in the Middle East as tensions are on the rise. Elsewhere, economic reports were light this week, but next Friday we are looking forward to the monthly jobs report. For more information on the markets or your portfolio, we encourage you to contact your Buckingham advisor.

Neal Davis, CFA
Senior Portfolio Manager & Research Analyst

Commentary Disclosures

January 3, 2020

The S&P 500 made new highs again this week, but then retreated some on Friday after reports that a top Iranian general was killed. This led to some unease in the financial markets as equities sold off, with both gold and oil moving higher. We will continue to monitor events in the Middle East as tensions are on the rise. Elsewhere, economic reports were light this week, but next Friday we are looking forward to the monthly jobs report. For more information on the markets or your portfolio, we encourage you to contact your Buckingham advisor.

Neal Davis, CFA
Senior Portfolio Manager & Research Analyst

Commentary Disclosures

December 27, 2019

The S&P 500 made new highs again this week, gaining over 0.5% in the holiday-shortened week. The NASDAQ Composite reached 9,000 for the first time ever. For reference, the intraday peak of the NASDAQ in March of 2000 was 5,133. Economic reports were light this week and will be light again next week. The monthly jobs report that usually comes out on the first Friday of the month won’t be reported until January 10th. Interest rates have been fairly range-bound over the past two months, with the 2-year Treasury yield around 1.6% and the 10-year Treasury yield around 1.8%. For more information on the markets or your portfolio, we encourage you to contact your Buckingham advisor.

Ryan P. Johnson, CFA, CFP®
Director of Equity Research

Commentary Disclosures

December 27, 2019

The S&P 500 made new highs again this week, gaining over 0.5% in the holiday-shortened week. The NASDAQ Composite reached 9,000 for the first time ever. For reference, the intraday peak of the NASDAQ in March of 2000 was 5,133. Economic reports were light this week and will be light again next week. The monthly jobs report that usually comes out on the first Friday of the month won’t be reported until January 10th. Interest rates have been fairly range-bound over the past two months, with the 2-year Treasury yield around 1.6% and the 10-year Treasury yield around 1.8%. For more information on the markets or your portfolio, we encourage you to contact your Buckingham advisor.

Ryan P. Johnson, CFA, CFP®
Director of Equity Research

Commentary Disclosures

December 20, 2019

The S&P 500 made new highs again this week, gaining over 1% and boosting the year-to-date total return to over 30%. International and small cap stock indexes again hit new 52-week highs. This week’s economic data for the industrial economy, the consumer, and housing mostly came in-line with expectations, showing modest growth. The final read on Q3 GDP was 2.1%, as expected. Next week the stock market will close at 1pm on Christmas Eve and will be closed for Christmas Day. Economic reports and trading activity will be lighter than average. For more information on the markets or your portfolio, we encourage you to contact your Buckingham advisor.

Ryan P. Johnson, CFA, CFP®
Director of Equity Research

Commentary Disclosures

December 20, 2019

The S&P 500 made new highs again this week, gaining over 1% and boosting the year-to-date total return to over 30%. International and small cap stock indexes again hit new 52-week highs. This week’s economic data for the industrial economy, the consumer, and housing mostly came in-line with expectations, showing modest growth. The final read on Q3 GDP was 2.1%, as expected. Next week the stock market will close at 1pm on Christmas Eve and will be closed for Christmas Day. Economic reports and trading activity will be lighter than average. For more information on the markets or your portfolio, we encourage you to contact your Buckingham advisor.

Ryan P. Johnson, CFA, CFP®
Director of Equity Research

Commentary Disclosures

December 13, 2019

The S&P 500 made a new high Thursday after promising comments were made about a “Phase 1” trade deal being reached with China. International and small cap stock indexes hit new 52-week highs this week as well. Impeachment proceedings seemed to have little impact on the markets. The Federal Reserve gave a policy update, but no changes were made to short-term interest rates. Next week is heavy with economic updates for the industrial economy, the consumer, housing, and a final read on Q3 GDP which is expected to come in at 2.1%. For more information on the markets or your portfolio, we encourage you to contact your Buckingham advisor.

Ryan P. Johnson, CFA, CFP®
Director of Equity Research

Commentary Disclosures

December 13, 2019

The S&P 500 made a new high Thursday after promising comments were made about a “Phase 1” trade deal being reached with China. International and small cap stock indexes hit new 52-week highs this week as well. Impeachment proceedings seemed to have little impact on the markets. The Federal Reserve gave a policy update, but no changes were made to short-term interest rates. Next week is heavy with economic updates for the industrial economy, the consumer, housing, and a final read on Q3 GDP which is expected to come in at 2.1%. For more information on the markets or your portfolio, we encourage you to contact your Buckingham advisor.

Ryan P. Johnson, CFA, CFP®
Director of Equity Research

Commentary Disclosures

December 6, 2019

After a rough start to the week, a strong finish led to a slight gain in the S&P 500, near the recent high which came just last week. Economic reports continue to show weakness in the industrial/manufacturing part of the economy, but consumer sentiment remains strong, as does employment overall. In today’s monthly jobs report, the unemployment rate fell back to a 50-year low of 3.5%. Next Wednesday, the Federal Reserve will give a policy update but no change in interest rates is expected. The Fed Funds rate is currently 1.55%, within the official target range of 1.50-1.75%. For more information on the markets or your portfolio, we encourage you to contact your Buckingham advisor.

Ryan P. Johnson, CFA, CFP®
Director of Equity Research

Commentary Disclosures

November 15, 2019

This week the S&P 500 hit another new high, as sentiment continues to be positive towards a U.S.-China trade deal, and as potential recession indicators have improved over the past several weeks. More than 90% of the companies in the S&P 500 have reported quarterly earnings, with sales and earnings each coming in better than expected. Interest rates remained range-bound near historically low levels and volatility has subsided for the time being. For more information on the markets or your portfolio, we encourage you to contact your Buckingham advisor.

Ryan P. Johnson, CFA, CFP®
Director of Equity Research

Commentary Disclosures

November 8, 2019

This week the S&P 500 hit another new high as “risk on” sectors such as Technology, Industrials, Materials, and Energy led, while “risk off” sectors such as Real Estate and Utilities declined. Most of the week’s gains came on Monday, due to more favorable comments around U.S.-China trade. On Friday, the latest read on consumer sentiment remained solid. Banks and bond markets are closed Monday in observance of Veterans Day, but the stock market will remain open. For more information on the markets or your portfolio, we encourage you to contact your Buckingham advisor.

Ryan P. Johnson, CFA, CFP®
Director of Equity Research

Commentary Disclosures

November 1, 2019

This week the S&P 500 gained over 1% and hit new highs. As expected, the Federal Reserve cut very short term interest rates by 0.25%, while longer-term rates in the Treasury market declined a little as well. This was the third interest rate cut by the Fed this year, and based on more balanced language in the announcement, should be the last cut for the year. Today’s monthly jobs report showed more jobs being added than expected, and the prior month’s number was revised higher as well, even though the unemployment rate ticked up to 3.6% from 3.5%. For more information on the markets or your portfolio, we encourage you to contact your Buckingham advisor.

Ryan P. Johnson, CFA, CFP®
Director of Equity Research

Commentary Disclosures

October 25, 2019

This week the S&P 500 came within a hair of a new intraday high, but the index did make a new high on a total return basis (including dividends). The S&P 500 Value Index (which includes Apple) made new highs, while the S&P 500 Growth Index did not gain as much and remained below its July peak. Next week will be heavy with earnings as about one-third of S&P 500 companies report; including Apple, Facebook, and Google. So far, third quarter earnings have not been as bad as feared, and sentiment seems to be improving around U.S.-China trade talks. Also on tap for Wednesday is likely another quarter-point interest rate cut from the Federal Reserve. For more information on the markets or your portfolio, we encourage you to contact your Buckingham advisor.

Ryan P. Johnson, CFA, CFP®
Director of Equity Research

Commentary Disclosures

October 18, 2019

This week, several Financial and Healthcare companies kicked off earnings season, and these two sectors outperformed the S&P 500 in an up week. The U.S. dollar weakened, which helped international stock performance. Today’s monthly Leading Economic Index® (LEI) reading was lower month-over-month due to weakness in manufacturing, but importantly, the index was still higher year-over-year. Interest rates declined slightly this week, and the futures market is still expecting another quarter-point interest rate cut from the Federal Reserve on October 30. For more information on the markets or your portfolio, we encourage you to contact your Buckingham advisor.

Ryan P. Johnson, CFA, CFP®
Director of Equity Research

Commentary Disclosures

October 11, 2019

After starting on a weak note due to concerns about U.S-China trade, this week the S&P 500 gained over 1% due to U.S.-China trade deal optimism, as it seems a partial deal is in the works. Several international stock indices gained even more, benefiting from both China and Brexit optimism. While banks, government offices, and the bond markets will be closed for a holiday on Monday, the stock market will remain open. On Tuesday morning and throughout the week, several financial and healthcare companies will kick off Q3 earnings season. For more information on the markets or your portfolio, we encourage you to contact your Buckingham advisor.

Ryan P. Johnson, CFA, CFP®
Director of Equity Research

Commentary Disclosures

October 4, 2019

Stock prices and interest rates moved lower this week on economic data that showed contraction in manufacturing and a slowing of growth in the services sector of the economy (services makes up about 80% of GDP). Today, the monthly jobs report came in just shy of expectations with 136,000 jobs being added in September, but the July and August reports were revised higher. The unemployment rate fell to a 40-year low of 3.5%. The 10-year Treasury yield fell to nearly 1.5%, and the odds of another rate cut from the Federal Reserve at the end of October shot up to 77% in the futures market. Fed Chairman Powell speaks this afternoon as well as on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday next week. For more information on the markets or your portfolio, we encourage you to contact your Buckingham advisor.

Ryan P. Johnson, CFA, CFP®
Director of Equity Research

Commentary Disclosures

September 27, 2019

This week the final read on Q2 GDP (Gross Domestic Product) came in as expected, showing 2.0% economic growth. Stocks sold off a bit on Tuesday when reports surfaced that Democratic members of Congress would formally announce an impeachment inquiry of the President, but the market recovered most of those losses Wednesday. However, just before noon on Friday, stocks declined again on news that President Trump is considering limiting investments in China, including possibly delisting Chinese companies from U.S. stock exchanges and by reducing U.S. government pension exposure to Chinese investments. The S&P 500 declined about 1.5% this week. Next week we will get monthly reads on manufacturing, services and job growth. For more information on the markets or your portfolio, we encourage you to contact your Buckingham advisor.

Ryan P. Johnson, CFA, CFP®
Director of Equity Research

Commentary Disclosures