Stocks staged another miraculous mid-session comeback today, rebounding following robust retail sales data and strong corporate earnings. The Dow Jones Industrial Average edged up by 0.3%, recovering from an initial 130-point dip. Similarly, the S&P 500 and the Nasdaq 100 saw a resurgence, each climbing by approximately 0.3% and 0.2%, respectively.
In the bond market, the 10-year Treasury yield experienced a slight reprieve but still advanced about 9 basis points, hovering around 4.81%. This movement comes after the yield touched a 16-year peak of 4.89% earlier this month.
Defying expectations, September retail sales surged by 0.7%, significantly outperforming the anticipated 0.3% growth. This development underscores the enduring strength of the American consumer, contrary to forecasts of a spending decline. The Commerce Department’s report, indicative of consumer expenditure trends, arrives amid a series of economic indicators exceeding projections, even as the Federal Reserve persists in its rate-hiking trajectory to temper inflation.
This uptick in retail sales occurred despite several adversities confronting consumers, including a constricting credit landscape, soaring gas prices, and the recommencement of student loan repayments.
Michael Pearce, lead US economist at Oxford Economics, commented on the situation, stating, “While mounting headwinds to consumer incomes mean we expect spending growth to slow in the months ahead, the risks that spending contracts outright are fading.”
The retail sales report revealed growth in nine out of 13 categories, with sporting goods remaining stable since August. Miscellaneous store retailers saw the most substantial surge, with a 3% increase. Nonstore retailers and motor vehicle and parts dealers followed suit, registering a 1.1% and 1% rise, respectively. Conversely, electronics & appliance stores and clothing sales trailed behind, both experiencing a 0.8% decrease.
Despite the resilience of consumer spending, a critical element in averting a 2023 recession, some financial institutions anticipate an impending slowdown. JPMorgan’s CEO, Jamie Dimon, recently highlighted that while consumers and businesses are maintaining their health, there’s a noticeable reduction in their cash reserves. Similarly, Bank of America’s CEO, Brian Moynihan, observed a deceleration in spending compared to the previous year.
On the earnings front, Bank of America reported a 10% profit increase, mirroring the positive outcomes seen by its counterparts last week. Other notable mentions for today’s earnings reports include Goldman Sachs, Lockheed Martin, Johnson & Johnson, and United Airlines.
Though it’s early in the earnings season, initial signs suggest a potential cessation of the ongoing earnings recession. The upcoming reports from Tesla and Netflix tomorrow will shed more light on the tech sector’s standing amidst rising borrowing costs.
However, the shadow of the Middle East conflict lingers over the market, with investors evaluating the probability of a broader war. The escalating situation could potentially trigger a global recession, a concern echoed by prominent investors.
In a move that somewhat alleviated market apprehensions, President Joe Biden announced plans to visit Israel and then Jordan, aiming to mitigate the tension exacerbated by Israel’s impending ground assault on Gaza—a critical concern for neighboring Arab nations.
In the energy sector, oil prices found some stability. This change was influenced by intensified U.S. diplomatic endeavors and growing optimism that the U.S. might relax sanctions on Venezuela, a key oil producer. Consequently, crude oil futures maintained levels above $86 a barrel, while Brent crude futures were around $90 a barrel. The market’s trajectory, though influenced by various global events, reflects a cautious optimism, hinging on economic indicators and geopolitical developments.
If corporate earnings continue to impress, there’s no telling how high stocks could go to finish out the month.
