Stocks Quiet On Healthy Economic Data
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Stock Market Commentary:
FOMC Minutes Released, Home Builder Confidence, France & Germany’s GDP, and Empire State MFG survey Beat Estimates:
Stocks were relatively quiet on Wednesday even though futures were pointing to a stronger open. The economic data topped estimates. The National Association of Home Builder’s said its monthly sentiment index rose 4 points to 29, which was its highest reading in four years. Even though the report is trending higher, it is still below the critical 50 level which separates outright positive and negative sentiment. The Empire State survey, which measures manufacturing in the state of New York, topped estimates and rose to 19.53 in February which is another bullish feather in the economy’s cap. The minutes of the latest FOMC meeting were released and largely reiterated their recent publicly stated stance of cautious optimism. Finally, France and Germany’s gross domestic product (GDP) beat estimates. Germany’s GDP, Europe’s largest economy, fell by -0.2% which beat the -0.3% estimate. Meanwhile, France’s GDP, Europe’s second largest economy, rose by +0.2% which matched estimates.
Market Outlook- New Rally Confirmed
Nearly all risk assets are extended by any normal measure and are due for a pullback to consolidate their recent gains. The key is to ascertain the “health” of the pullback to see if it is a short pause in a new uptrend or the beginning of a new downtrend. Risk assets (stocks, FX, and commodities) have been acting better since the latter half of December. Now that the major U.S. averages scored a proper follow-through day the path of least resistance is higher. Looking forward, one can err on the long side as long as the benchmark S&P 500 remains above support (1292). Leadership is beginning to improve which is another healthy sign. Now that the 200 DMA line was taken out it will be important to see how long the market can stay above this important level. If you are looking for specific help navigating this market, feel free to contact us for more information. That’s what we are here for!
