Winthrop Partners’ Market and Economic Update 4-4-22

The Markets (as of market close April 1, 2022)

Stocks closed generally higher last week, with only the Dow failing to post a gain. As has been the case since the end of February, investors have had to weigh the impact of the Russia-Ukraine war on the economy in general and inflation in particular. Adding to the list of concerns is the Federal Reserve’s monetary policy in response to surging inflationary pressures. Among the market sectors, real estate, utilities, and consumer staples were the best performers. Unlike the Dow, which slid 0.1% the Nasdaq and the Russell 2000 gained over 0.6%, while the Global Dow eked out a minimal gain. Crude oil prices fell more than $13.00 per barrel last week as worries over fuel shortages abated somewhat. Ten-year Treasury yields slipped as bond prices rose. Gold prices and the dollar also declined.

The Dow, the S&P 500, and the Nasdaq advanced to begin last week, while the Russell 2000 and the Global Dow ended the day flat. Investors were likely monitoring potentially favorable developments ahead of the latest negotiations for an end to the war between Russia and Ukraine. A rise in tech shares helped drive the Nasdaq up 1.3%, the S&P 500 rose 0.7%, and the Dow added 0.3%. Crude oil prices dipped more than $10.00 to $103.28 per barrel. Ten-year Treasury yields slid slightly to 2.47%. The dollar advanced, while gold prices dropped nearly $36.00 to $1,918.40 per ounce.

Stocks jumped higher last Tuesday after signs of hope emerged from Russia-Ukraine peace talks. Each of the benchmark indexes listed here closed higher, led by the Russell 2000, which gained 2.7%, followed by the Nasdaq (1.8%), the Global Dow (1.4%), the S&P 500 (1.2%), and the Dow (1.0%). Yields on 10-year Treasuries dipped nearly 8.0 basis points to 2.40%. The dollar fell, while crude oil prices advanced $1.20 to $105.44 per barrel.

The benchmark indexes fell for the first time in five days last Wednesday as hopes faded for a resolution to the Russia-Ukraine. The Russell 2000 dropped 2.0% and the Nasdaq fell 1.2% to lead the declines. The S&P 500 dipped 0.6% and the Dow lost 0.2%. The Global Dow was flat. Ten-year Treasuries and the dollar slid marginally, while crude oil and gold prices advanced.

Stocks continued their tumble last Thursday as each of the benchmark indexes listed here ended the day in the red. The Dow, the Nasdaq, and the S&P 500 each lost 1.5%. The Russell 2000 slid 1.0% and the Global Dow dropped 1.2%. Yields on 10-year Treasuries and the dollar were relatively flat. Crude oil prices decreased to $100.09 per barrel on news that President Biden would release up to 180 million barrels of oil from U.S. reserves.

Stocks traded higher last Friday on the heels of a strong labor report. The Russell 2000 led the surge, closing the day up 0.9%, followed by the Dow (0.4%), the S&P 500 and the Nasdaq (0.3%), and the Global Dow (0.1%). Yields on 10-year Treasuries added 5.0 basis points to reach 2.37%. Crude oil prices fell for the second consecutive day, falling $0.76 to $99.52 per barrel. The dollar inched higher, while gold prices slid.  Click here for entire article:Winthrop Partners Market and Economic Update 4-22-22