Markets Move Higher and ECB Makes a Move

Highlights in this Week’s Update:

1. U.S. stock markets end the week higher with the Dow now up about 2.2% year-to-date.
2. Portfolios in all risk levels we manage gained last week and are performing well in 2014 relative to risk.
3. European Central Bank reduces interest rate to .10% and cuts the rate on excess bank reserves to a negative .15% for the first time ever.
4. U.S. unemployment figures remain stable, but underemployment and those giving up on finding a job are still an issue.

READ ON FOR MORE DETAILS……………………………………………………………………….

The Markets

After a bold move by the European central bank lowering interest rates, the Dow gained ground and is now up approximately 2.2% for the year.  (MarketWatch)  Globally, interest rates remained flat to down and kept bond prices stable overall.  Portfolios across all risk levels we manage gained ground for the week as well.

The European Central Bank Makes a Move

Nearly two years ago, European Central Bank (ECB) President Mario Draghi, who is the euro-zone’s counterpart to Fed Chief Janet Yellen, said the central bank would do whatever it takes to preserve the euro. He added for emphasis, “Believe me, it will be enough (Bloomberg).” His bold statement was enough to attract investors back into Spanish bonds, which at the time were on the brink of default. Today, yields on longer-term Spanish bonds are at a record low (Bloomberg).

But what troubles Europe today is not the immediate threat of a debt crisis. Instead, it’s a rate of inflation that has fallen to a dangerously low level; just 0.5% versus one year ago (Eurostat). For comparison purposes, the U.S. Consumer Price Index increased at a year-over-year rate of 2.0% in April, per the latest BLS data.

Falling prices may sound appealing at first glance, but it’s a dangerous downward spiral that’s best avoided. Once a deflationary psychology takes hold, some might decide to delay purchases amid expectations of even lower prices. That in turn could quickly throw an economy into a recession, further depressing the price level. It’s akin to an economic black hole. A look at Japan’s experience over the last two decades is a sobering example.

ECB action

The ECB cut its key lending rate from 0.25% to a record low of 0.15%. More importantly, it cut its deposit rate, or the rate banks earn on their reserves, from 0% to -0.10%. It’s the first time a major global central bank has implemented a negative rate. In addition, the ECB announced targeted measures that are also designed to encourage lending and modestly boost cash in the financial system.

What it did not do is launch a controversial Federal Reserve style bond-buying program, though Draghi did hint that more measures may be in the offing. “Are we finished? The answer is no. If need be, within our mandate, we aren’t finished here (ECB transcript of the press conference),” Draghi said

Goals

The ECB has several objectives in mind. Encourage lending by placing a small penalty on excess reserves. It would also like to weaken the euro by making the currency a less attractive place for investors to park funds because a weaker euro should raise the price of imports and support inflation. It also makes exports more competitive, aiding a weak and fragile economic recovery.

Will it work is another matter. A reduction in its key rates by just 0.10 percentage points is not enough to fix what ails its economy, as the opportunity cost not to lend went by just a fraction of one percent. But the psychological impact may be more important, and Draghi’s insistence that we may see even more aggressive measures got the attention of Wall Street.

Importance to U.S. investors

As the Federal Reserve is gradually reducing its rate of bond purchases, which has slowed the U.S. rally this year, Europe may be set to launch its own version. The possibility new cash may pour into the global financial system encouraged bullish sentiment.

The result: both the Dow Jones Industrial Average and the broader based S&P 500 Index finished the week with gains.. It also lent support to the recent rally among the riskier smaller-company stocks, which have taken a modest beating in recent weeks.

Job creation at home

An encouraging employment report from the BLS also helped markets end the week on a positive note. Nonfarm payrolls rose a respectable 217,000 in May, and the unemployment rate held at 6.3%. It’s not as impressive as the 282,000 increase in April, but it suggests the economy is expanding at a moderate pace.  Unfortunately, these numbers do not account for the underemployed or those unemployed that have quit seeking a job.

God Bless,

Your TEAM at F.I.G. Financial Advisory Services, Inc.

 

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