Weekly Market Commentary

Index returns varied widely last week as the banking industry and recession worries weighed on small-cap and value names, with large-cap growth stocks benefiting the most from the reset in interest rate expectations.

Stocks were mixed last week as interest rate and growth expectations shifted in the wake of banking turmoil. And the key question is, that in light of the banking crisis, will the Fed take its foot off the tightening gas pedal or even put its foot on the brake?

All of 2023's market gains were erased last week as the side effects of rapid Fed tightening are starting to ripple through the financial system.

Stocks regained some positive ground last week following their worst decline in months. Energy and materials shares were particularly strong. Our NDIV index gained 3.6% last week. The S&P 500 stayed above the 200-day moving average which was a boost to investor sentiment in a low-volume week.

Stocks suffered their biggest decline in 10 weeks thanks to a cascade of upside inflation and growth news surprises. Inflation appeared to regain momentum in January, as the personal consumption expenditures (PCE) price index jumped 0.6% and December's figure was also revised higher.

The major indexes ended the week mixed heading into the 3-day Presidents' Day holiday weekend. While there are signs of healthy economic growth and earnings are coming in better than expected, inflation trends took an unfavorable one-month turn.