Economic activity is expected to significantly pick-up as we move into April. In March, thus far, stocks around the world, excluding Emerging Markets, continued to go higher - many at or near all-time highs. Although, the next few trading days, to close out the month, might bring some higher-than-normal turbulence as pension plans and investors make adjustments to their portfolios, preparing their investments for the 2nd Quarter of 2021.
Economic reports from last week came back mixed:
•National Activity - worse than expectation
•Existing Home Sales - worse than expectation
•New Home Sales - worse than expectation
•Manufacturing (Richmond) - better than expectation
•Manufacturing (Kansas City) - in-line with expectation
•Personal Income - better than expectation
•Consumer Sentiment - better than expectation
In a busy holiday-shortened week, investors will look for guidance from economic reports like Manufacturing, House Prices, Pending Home Sales, Consumer Confidence, Employment, Jobless Claims, Construction Spending and Vehicle Sales.