We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. This includes personalizing content and advertising. To learn more, click here. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies, revised Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.
You are being directed to ZacksTrade, a division of LBMZ Securities and licensed broker-dealer. ZacksTrade and Zacks.com are separate companies. The web link between the two companies is not a solicitation or offer to invest in a particular security or type of security. ZacksTrade does not endorse or adopt any particular investment strategy, any analyst opinion/rating/report or any approach to evaluating individual securities.
If you wish to go to ZacksTrade, click OK. If you do not, click Cancel.
Interest Rate Decision This Week, Market Expected To Climb
The markets finished up on Friday, but closed lower for the week.
Could still see a bit more volatility as we head into Wednesday's (3/21) FOMC Meeting Announcement where the Fed is expected to raise rates by a quarter point. But I suspect this will calm everyone's rate fears as it should confirm, once again, that the Fed will take it slow when raising rates, giving the market the green light to continue its winning ways.
In other news, Friday's Industrial Production report came in better than expected with a gain of 1.1% vs. the consensus for 0.3%. The Manufacturing component gained 1.2%, and the Capacity Utilization Rate rose to 78.1%. Great news that continues to underscore the strength in the economy.
And Consumer Sentiment jumped to 102.0 from last month's 99.7 and views for 98.8. With 70% of our GDP comprised of consumer spending, it's bullish when consumers are feeling confident because a confident consumer is more likely to spend money, which adds to the economy, further reinforcing the virtuous circle of growth and prosperity.
Looking for the market to start racking up more green arrows this week.
See you tomorrow,
Kevin Matras
Executive Vice President, Zacks Investment Research
Do you want peace of mind, but also crave outperformance with long-term double and triple-digit wins?
Look into Zacks' unique approach to income investing. While anyone can find stocks that are currently paying high dividends, we target those most likely to continue paying them in the future – quarter after quarter.
The massive changes that took place in the past year and those that are well underway could actually help the banking industry enter a new golden age. Read More »
U.S. homebuilding performed well in 2017. This year, the industry looks equally attractive, courtesy of solid economic growth and job market. Read More »
Before you make a trade, get today's market news from Zacks' latest Ahead of Wall Street article. With timely information from Zacks' analysts, each daily article features a preview of where the market is headed. Plus, Zacks #1s on the move, stock research reports, earnings and economic news, and a top-headline analyst blog. All of it in one easy-to-follow place to give you the edge.