Stocks, Oil, and Interest Rates All Lower Last Week

Highlights of this Week’s Update:

1. Be sure to utilize the “CSV” file to download 2014 transactions automatically into most tax software programs.
2. Volatility picked up last week, with the major U.S. stock indices ending slightly lower.
3. Interest rates dipped for week, while oil prices continued to fall.
4. Keep a close eye on mortgage rates for refinance opportunities.
5. Consumers opt for savings vs. spending of lower prices at the pump.
6. Fed meets this week-may provide some insight as to future interest rate hikes.

READ ON FOR ADDITIONAL DETAILS…………………………………………………

 Tax Information:

Just a quick reminder again of the “CSV” (Excel) file that is available online for all the 2014 transactions made in taxable accounts.  This file can be used to download the transactions automatically into most tax software and can save both time and money.  Call us today if you or your tax preparer need any assistance.

 The Markets:

U.S. stock indices gave up ground last week, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average off .60% and the S&P 500 down .86%.  This pushed both indices into negative territory again year-to-date. (MarketWatch)

Interest rates eased from the previous week, and mortgage rates fell as well.  The average rates for a 30 year fixed mortgage were between 3.625-4.125%, while rates for a 15 year fixed mortgage were 2.75-3.35%.  Oil continued to slide, ending the week at $45.00 per barrel for West Texas Intermediate Crude. (CNBC, Bankrate.com)

Gasoline Savings:

Filled up your gas tank lately?  According to the Energy Information Administration, the average U.S. price of regular gasoline has rebounded from a weekly low of $2.04 per gallon on January 26 to $2.49 on March 9. But the price remains well below the year-ago average of $3.51. Most analysts argue that a one penny drop in gasoline over one year amounts to $1 billion in savings.

While that’s probably a fair assessment (drivers spent $10.5 billion less at gasoline stations in February versus a year ago (Commerce Dept.).  Many also liken falling energy prices to a tax cut for consumers.

So far, much of the evidence strongly suggests this so-called tax cut has failed to bolster spending. A survey by MasterCard in late January indicated that 75% of the savings have gone into bank accounts or to the pay down of debt (Wall Street Journal). There’s nothing wrong with that, but it’s not stimulating economic activity.

Notably, the personal savings rate has jumped from 4.5% in November to 5.5% in January (Bureau of Economic Analysis, or BEA), signaling the decline in outlays at the gas pump is boosting savings not spending.

Consumer behavior is slow to change, even when presented with a windfall in the form of lower gas prices. It’s possible the scars left by the recession have more permanently changed the consumer mindset.

Focus on the Fed:

With employment growth accelerating and the unemployment rate at 5.5% (Bureau of Labor Statistics), this week’s Federal Reserve meeting could bring about more signs about what central bankers are thinking regarding possible rate hikes later in the year. It’s creating some volatility in stocks, as we saw last week.  A strong dollar and exceptionally low interest rates overseas may make the timing of any rate hike more difficult.

We hope you all have a great week ahead.  We appreciate the privilege to serve each and every one of you and look forward to working together in the years to come.

God Bless,

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

 

It is important that you do not use this e-mail to request or authorize the purchase or sale of any security or commodity, or to request any other transactions. Any such request, orders or instructions will not be accepted and will not be processed.

All items discussed in this report are for informational purposes only, are not advice of any kind, and are not intended as a solicitation to buy, hold, or sell any securities. Nothing contained herein constitutes tax, legal, insurance, or investment advice.

Stocks and bonds and commodities are not FDIC insured and can fall in value, and any investment information, securities and commodities mentioned in this report may not be suitable for everyone.

U.S. Treasury bonds and Treasury bills are guaranteed by the U.S. government and, if held to maturity, offer a fixed rate of return and guaranteed principal value. U.S. government bonds are issued and guaranteed as to the timely payment of principal and interest by the federal government. Treasury bills are certificates reflecting short-term (less than one year) obligations of the U.S. government.

Past performance is not a guarantee of future performance. Different investments involve different degrees of risk, and there can be no assurance that the future performance of any investment, security, commodity or investment strategy that is referenced will be profitable or be suitable for your portfolio.
The information has been obtained from sources considered to be reliable, but we do not guarantee that the foregoing material is accurate or complete. The information contained in this report does not purport to be a complete description of the securities, markets, or developments referred to in this material. Any information is not a complete summary or statement of all available data necessary for making an investment decision and does not constitute a recommendation.

Before making any investments or making any type of investment decision, please consult with your financial advisor and determine how a security may fit into your investment portfolio, how a decision may affect your financial position and how it may impact your financial goals.

All opinions are subject to change without notice in response to changing market and/or economic conditions.

¹ The Dow Jones Industrials Average is an unmanaged index of 30 major companies which cannot be invested into directly.  Past performance does not guarantee future results.

³ The S&P 500 Index is an unmanaged index of 500 larger companies which cannot be invested into directly.  Past performance does not guarantee future results.

⁴ The FTSE Developed ex North America Index is an unmanaged index of large and mid-cap stocks providing coverage of developed markets, excluding the US and Canada. It cannot be invested into directly. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

⁵ New York Mercantile Exchange front-month contract; Prices can and do vary; past performance does not guarantee future results.

⁶ London Bullion Market Association; gold fixing pricing at 3 p.m. London time; Prices can and do vary; past performance does not guarantee future results.