The PCIA Research Team has been hard at work, poring over the latest market data so that we can deliver our best insights to you. Take a look at the latest report covering what happened in the month of January 2024. You will find quick facts and in-depth details on what has occurred, what that means for you and what’s ahead in the market and economic environment. Download the newest edition of the Month-in-Review below!
Quick Takes
- Risk Assets Mixed Start. Market participants went slightly risk-off for the start of the year with Large Cap equities, both domestic and international, posting positive performance while most other risk asset classes were in the red for the month.
- Inflation Continued Softening. Inflation, as measured by the Fed’s preferred metric of PCE Deflator, dipped below the +3.0% mark, coming in at +2.9% on the year-over-year metric. Despite this encouraging news, Fedspeak led most market participants to adjust future rate cut expectations to later than anticipated at last year’s end.
- Greenback Strengths in January. The dollar spiked against other major currencies mid-month as market participants adjusted future rate expectations. It ended off its highs for the month but was still well above levels at the end of last year.
- Personal Spending and Labor Markets. Personal Spending came in hotter than expected for the month of December, landing at +0.5% versus expectations of +0.3%. Labor Markets continued on their resilient streak with the Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey, “JOLTS”, coming in above expectations of 8.75 million open positions, landing at a little over 9 million. The JOLTS report also showed that fewer workers quit into year end.
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This article is not to be construed as financial advice. It is provided for informational purposes only and it should not be relied upon. It is recommended that you check with your financial advisor, tax professional and legal professionals when making any investment or any change to your retirement plan. Your investments, insurance and savings vehicles should match your risk tolerance and be suitable as well as what’s best for your personal financial situation.