The Markets (as of market close May 5, 2023)
Stocks closed last week generally lower, with only the Nasdaq eking out a minimal gain. A rally last Friday wasn’t enough to recoup losses experienced during the week. Investors had quite a bit to digest over the past week. The Federal Reserve hiked the federal funds rate 25 basis points and gave no clear indication as to whether and when more rate increases may be coming. Regional banks continued to struggle, however bank stocks rallied late in the week to help ease investor concerns. The April jobs report was solid, but also showed the pace of hiring was slowing. Crude oil prices continued to tumble on concerns of a slowing U.S. economy and tepid Chinese demand. Gold prices rebounded from the prior week, once again moving above the $2,000.00 per ounce mark.
Eye on the Week Ahead
Inflation data for April is available this week with the releases of the Consumer Price Index and the Producer Price Index. March saw the CPI inch up 0.1%, while the PPI declined 0.5%.