Daily Insights
US Markets open higher. Investors are taking advantage of marked-down equity names, reversing course from Tuesday. On Tuesday market participants were focused on COVID-19 case spikes and potential effects on the economic recovery. Gridlock on fiscal stimulus added to worries.
- Utilities was Tuesday’s worst performer; energy held up the best.
- Asian markets finished mostly higher; the Japanese Nikkei finished lower by more than 1%.
- European markets are mostly higher through midday trading.
- The Boeing 737 MAX was cleared to fly after being grounded for 20 months.
5 top charts. From one of the best Novembers for stocks to total retail sales at new highs and extremely strong market breadth, we highlight five key charts in the LPL Research blog.
Technical update. Stocks fell slightly Tuesday. The Russell 2000 Index bucked the trend, however, and ended the day with a 0.4% gain. The Russell 2000 has now outperformed the S&P 500 Index by more than 10% in just the fourth quarter alone. The ratio between the two has surged to more than 7% above its 200-day moving average, a positive sign for the technicals of small versus large.
COVID-19 news. New US case growth has slowed some this week, with Tuesday’s total up 19% week over week, the slowest in 15 days. The 29% increase in the seven-day average was the smallest increase in 10 days (source: COVID Tracking Project).
- Hospitalizations fell week over week for the first time since November 2.
- Los Angeles County will impose new restrictions and warned it may bring back stay-at-home orders.
- Pfizer’s vaccine was 95% effective in final analysis of its phase 3 trial data, and emergency use authorization may be coming within days
IMPORTANT DISCLOSURES
This material is for general information only and is not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. There is no assurance that the views or strategies discussed are suitable for all investors or will yield positive outcomes. Investing involves risks including possible loss of principal. Any economic forecasts set forth may not develop as predicted and are subject to change.
References to markets, asset classes, and sectors are generally regarding the corresponding market index. Indexes are unmanaged statistical composites and cannot be invested into directly. Index performance is not indicative of the performance of any investment and do not reflect fees, expenses, or sales charges. All performance referenced is historical and is no guarantee of future results.
Any company names noted herein are for educational purposes only and not an indication of trading intent or a solicitation of their products or services. LPL Financial doesn’t provide research on individual equities.
All information is believed to be from reliable sources; however, LPL Financial makes no representation as to its completeness or accuracy.
All index and market data are from FactSet and MarketWatch.
This Research material was prepared by LPL Financial, LLC.
Securities and advisory services offered through LPL Financial (LPL), a registered investment advisor and broker-dealer (member FINRA/SIPC).
Insurance products are offered through LPL or its licensed affiliates. To the extent you are receiving investment advice from a separately registered independent investment advisor that is not an LPL affiliate, please note LPL makes no representation with respect to such entity.
- Not Insured by FDIC/NCUA or Any Other Government Agency
- Not Bank/Credit Union Guaranteed
- Not Bank/Credit Union Deposits or Obligations
- May Lose Value
For Public Use – Tracking 1-05080762