This Week’s News For Investors Is Very Good
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Published Friday, June 16, 2023 at: 10:10 PM EDT

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Inflation, as measured by the Consumer Price Index, rose a scant 0.1% in May on a seasonally adjusted basis, and the Federal Reserve may be done with raising interest rates, while economic growth is stronger than expected. The list of bullish fundamentals is much longer than the list of bearish signals, and a turning point in the outlook could be taking hold.

After increasing 0.4% in April, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported on Tuesday, June 13, 2023, the fractional level of inflation in May confirmed the Fed had wrung inflation psychology from the mass financial psyche

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In addition to May’s fractional inflation increase, the 12-month rate of inflation through May also showed progress. The inflation rate in the 12 months through May was 4% before seasonal adjustment. That’s five percentage points lower than the peak 12-month CPI rate of 9.1% reached in June 2022.

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The other very good news this past week came on Wednesday, June 14, when the Federal Reserve concluded its meeting by not raising lending rates for an eleventh time since March 2022. In one of the boldest monetary tightening campaigns by the U.S. central bank in its 110-year history, the Fed raised its benchmark lending rate by 1000% in the past 15 months to beat down the worst inflation flareup in over four decades. The Fed said further rate hikes may be necessary, but it could be posturing. With inflation in May of .1%, the Fed might not need to raise rates further. The upshot is that no inflation is on the horizon and the central bank’s rate-hike campaign is done.

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The good news on inflation and monetary policy tops a long list of bullish fundamentals. While the Leading Economic Indicators has declined for 13 consecutive months and the yield curve has been inverted all year, these two usually reliable early signals of a recession appear to be misfiring. The long list of bullish versus bearish fundamentals illustrates the mounting evidence that a new economic expansion is underway.

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The Standard & Poor’s 500 stock index closed Friday at 4409.59, down -0.37% from Thursday, but surged by +2.58% from a week ago. It was the fifth straight week of gains for the index, which is up +97.09% from the March 23, 2020, bear-market low. The S&P 500 is still -8.07% lower than its January 3, 2022, all-time high.

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This material represents an assessment of the market and economic environment at a specific point in time and is not intended to be a forecast of future events or a guarantee of future results. Forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties. Actual results, performance, or achievements may differ materially from those expressed or implied. Information is based on data gathered from what we believe are reliable sources. It is not guaranteed as to accuracy, does not purport to be complete, and is not intended to be used as a primary basis for investment decisions.​​​​​​​​​​​

Nothing contained herein is to be considered a solicitation, research material, an investment recommendation, or advice of any kind, and it is subject to change without notice. Any investments or strategies referenced herein do not take into account the investment objectives, financial situation or particular needs of any specific person. Product suitability must be independently determined for each individual investor. Tax advice always depends on your particular personal situation and preferences. You should consult the appropriate financial professional regarding your specific circumstances. The material represents an assessment of financial, economic and tax law at a specific point in time and is not intended to be a forecast of future events or a guarantee of future results. Forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties. Actual results, performance, or achievements may differ materially from those expressed or implied. Information is based on data gathered from what we believe are reliable sources. It is not guaranteed as to accuracy, does not purport to be complete, and is not intended to be used as a primary basis for investment decisions. This article was written by a professional financial journalist for Advisor Products and is not intended as legal or investment advice.

This article was written by a veteran financial journalist based on data compiled and analyzed by independent economist, Fritz Meyer. While these are sources we believe to be reliable, the information is not intended to be used as financial advice without consulting a professional about your personal situation.

Indices are unmanaged and not available for direct investment. Investments with higher return potential carry greater risk for loss. Past performance is not an indicator of your future results.

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