One year ago this week, the Federal Reserve raised interest rates for the first time since the pandemic began. After two years of holding rates near zero, this first hike to combat rising inflation only raised the policy rate by a mere 0.25%.
A Shifting Narrative
Preliminary June manufacturing activity gauges pointing to continued progress in re-opening the economy have given way to rising concerns about a resurgence of coronavirus.
All Things Being Relative
The slow creep higher in the markets continued this week. The S&P 500 finished the week up 0.12 percent with financials stocks leading the way, up 2 percent. The ADP jobs report on Wednesday and the nonfarm payroll today gave us “not too hot, not too cold” readings.