The S&P 500 drop 0.3% and the Nasdaq declined 1.9%, last week - both registered their second straight losing week. The Dow Jones was the outlier, advancing 0.6% last week. Earlier in the week, investors had much to celebrate as inflation came in softer than anticipated on a year-over-year basis, now at 3.2%. Although, excluding food and energy, inflation is still at 4.7%. After a strong performance in the first half of the year, stocks have entered a rocky patch with the three major indexes (Dow Jones, S&P 500 and Nasdaq) all being lower compared to where they began August. The likelihood of more volatility ahead seems to be increasing.
Economic reports from last week came back mixed: •Consumer Sentiment - higher than expectation •Consumer Credit - higher than expectation •Small Business Optimism - higher than expectation •Jobless Claims - higher than expectation This week, investors will look for guidance from economic reports like Retail Sales, Manufacturing, Housing and Jobless Claims.